Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Chili is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for feeding a crowd, warming up on a cold day, or simply enjoying a comforting meal. The slow cooker makes it even easier, allowing you to throw everything together in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat dinner. This easy slow cooker chili recipe is packed with rich flavors, tender meat, and just the right amount of spice. Whether you're a chili novice or a seasoned pro, this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. Read on for the full recipe, along with tips, variations, and serving suggestions.

this Recipes

What is Slow Cooker Chili?

Slow cooker chili is a simplified version of the traditional stovetop chili, but it’s no less flavorful. By using a slow cooker, the ingredients have time to meld together, resulting in a rich, deep flavor with minimal effort. This recipe typically includes ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices that simmer together for hours, creating a hearty, satisfying dish that’s perfect for any occasion.

Ingredients List for Slow Cooker Chili

To make this easy slow cooker chili, gather the following ingredients:

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound of ground beef. Use lean ground beef (85% lean) for a balance of flavor and texture.
2. Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped. Onion provides a sweet, savory base for the chili.
3. Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic adds a robust flavor that complements the spices.
4. Bell Peppers: 1 red bell pepper, diced. Bell peppers add sweetness and a pop of color.
5. Canned Tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of diced tomatoes with their juices. Tomatoes are essential for the chili’s rich, tangy base.
6. Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. This thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
7. Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans and 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed. Beans add bulk and a creamy texture.
8. Beef Broth: 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth. The broth adds depth of flavor and helps create the perfect consistency.
9. Spices: 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, ½ teaspoon of oregano, ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat), salt, and pepper to taste. These spices are key to achieving the classic chili flavor.
10. Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a savory, umami note to the chili.
11. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
12. Optional Toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or tortilla chips.

Substitutions and Variations

Chili is a flexible dish, so feel free to adjust the recipe to suit your preferences. Here are some ideas:

1. Meat Substitutions: Replace ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor. For a vegetarian version, use a plant-based ground meat or add more beans and vegetables.
2. Bean Varieties: Swap the kidney and black beans with pinto beans, navy beans, or cannellini beans. You can also use a mix of different beans.
3. Spice Levels: Adjust the spice level by increasing or decreasing the amount of cayenne pepper. For extra heat, add chopped jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
4. Smoky Flavor: For a smokier chili, use chipotle chili powder or add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
5. Vegetable Additions: Include additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots for added nutrition and texture.
6. Tomato Alternatives: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making slow cooker chili is incredibly simple. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Drain and rinse the beans, and set all the ingredients aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and garlic. Cook until the onion is soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step helps to develop the flavor.
4. Transfer to the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell pepper, beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all the spices. Stir well to combine.
5. Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Cook the chili for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
6. Stir and Taste: About 30 minutes before serving, give the chili a good stir and taste it. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
7. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili is cooked, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

How to Cook Slow Cooker Chili: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quick reference, here’s a simplified version of the cooking process:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
2. Sauté the onion and garlic in the same skillet.
3. Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell pepper, beans, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and spices.
5. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve with your favorite toppings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

While this recipe is straightforward, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Browning the Beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds flavor and helps lock in the juices. Don’t skip this step.
2. Under-seasoning: Chili relies heavily on spices for its flavor. Be generous with the seasoning and taste as you go to adjust.
3. Using Too Much Liquid: The slow cooker traps moisture, so be cautious not to add too much broth. The tomatoes and beans release some liquid as they cook.
4. Skipping the Sauté: Sautéing the onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor. It’s worth the extra step.
5. Lifting the Lid: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Each time you do, it releases heat and can prolong the cooking time.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your chili can elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Garnish Creatively: Top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions. A squeeze of lime juice also adds a fresh, tangy kick.
2. Serve with Sides: Pair the chili with warm cornbread, crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a side of rice for a complete meal.
3. Use Attractive Bowls: Serve the chili in rustic bowls or bread bowls for a cozy, inviting presentation.
4. Set Up a Chili Bar: Offer a variety of toppings and sides, allowing guests to customize their bowls. This is perfect for parties or gatherings.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili

Slow cooker chili is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways:

1. Classic Bowl: Serve the chili in a bowl with your favorite toppings and a side of cornbread or crackers.
2. Over Rice: Spoon the chili over a bed of white or brown rice for a hearty, filling meal.
3. In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and serve the chili inside for a unique presentation.
4. As a Dip: Serve the chili with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.
5. On a Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with chili and cheese for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Presentation Ideas for Slow Cooker Chili

Presentation can make your chili even more appealing. Here are some creative ideas:

1. Mason Jar Chili: Layer chili, cheese, and sour cream in mason jars for a portable and visually appealing presentation.
2. Chili Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a platter, top with chili, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, then add fresh toppings.
3. Chili Tacos: Serve the chili in soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
4. Chili-Stuffed Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with chili, then bake until the peppers are tender.

Slow Cooker Chili Recipe Tips

To ensure your slow cooker chili turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Make It Ahead: Chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
2. Freeze for Later: Chili freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later.
3. Customize the Heat: Offer extra hot sauce or chopped jalapeños on the side so everyone can adjust the spice level to their liking.
4. Use Fresh Spices: Spices lose their potency over time, so make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor.
5. Balance the Flavors: If your chili is too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance it out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this chili in advance?
A: Yes, chili often tastes better the next day. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Q: Can I freeze slow cooker chili?
A: Absolutely! Chili freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: What can I do if my chili is too thin?
A: If your chili is too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also mash some of the beans to thicken it.

Q: Is slow cooker chili gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check that all canned ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I make chili without beans?
A: Yes, if you prefer a beanless chili, simply omit the beans. You can add extra meat or vegetables to make up for the volume.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker chili recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a comforting dish, this chili is sure to satisfy. Follow the steps, use the tips provided, and enjoy a bowl of delicious, homemade chili that will have everyone asking for seconds!

Print