Slow Cooker Chili

This hearty Slow Cooker Chili is perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day gathering. Packed with protein from beans and ground meat, along with a medley of spices, it’s a satisfying dish that doesn’t take much effort to prepare. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just looking for an easy meal, this chili is sure to please.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With minimal prep time and the slow cooker doing all the work, you can enjoy a delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Flavorful and Filling: The rich combination of spices and hearty ingredients creates a chili bursting with flavor, making it perfect for any occasion.
• Versatile Ingredients: Customize your chili by adding in your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spices to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals throughout the week.
• Ideal for Gatherings: This dish is perfect for potlucks and family gatherings, ensuring everyone leaves satisfied.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Chili, you will need some essential tools. Having the right equipment will simplify your cooking process and enhance your experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over several hours.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Ideal for mixing ingredients without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

This hearty slow cooker chili is perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day gathering. Packed with protein from beans and ground meat, along with a medley of spices, it’s a satisfying dish that doesn’t take much effort to prepare.

For the Meat

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey

For the Beans

• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

For the Base

• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced any color

For Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

For Liquid

• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

To the slow cooker, add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and broth. Stir to combine all the ingredients well.

Step 3: Set Cooking Time

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours).

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings Before Serving

About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Step 5: Serve

Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with optional toppings if desired. Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chili!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili

Serving slow cooker chili can be just as enjoyable as making it. This hearty dish is versatile and pairs well with a variety of toppings and sides that enhance its flavor and texture.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack for creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast to the spice.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions offer a nice crunch and vibrant color.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the chili’s richness beautifully.
• Corn Chips or Tortilla Strips: For added crunch, serve with crispy chips on top.

Sides

• Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs wonderfully with chili’s savory flavors.
• Rice: A bowl of fluffy rice makes for a filling accompaniment.
• Salad: A fresh green salad provides a refreshing balance to the rich chili.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili

Perfecting your slow cooker chili takes just a few simple steps. Here are some tips to elevate your dish to the next level.

• Bold spices: Don’t shy away from adding more chili powder or cumin for deeper flavor.
• Layer ingredients: Start with the beans and tomatoes at the bottom, then add meat and vegetables on top to ensure even cooking.
• Adjust consistency: If your chili is too thick, add more broth; if it’s too thin, let it cook uncovered for a while.
• Taste before serving: Always taste and adjust seasonings right before serving for maximum flavor.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili

Pairing side dishes with slow cooker chili can create a complete meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its hearty nature.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds texture and can help mellow out the heat from the chili.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers richness and balances out the spices perfectly.
4. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes topped with chili for a comforting twist on classic baked potatoes.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A light salad helps refresh the palate between bites of spicy chili.
6. Vegetable Sticks with Dip: Crisp veggies like carrots and celery served with hummus provide a crunchy contrast.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making slow cooker chili can be easy, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Bold Ingredients: Using poor-quality or old spices can dull the flavor. Always check your spices and replace any that have lost potency.
• Bold Meat Preparation: Not browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker can lead to a greasy texture. Sear the meat in a skillet first for better flavor.
• Bold Overloading: Adding too many ingredients at once can make the chili watery. Stick to the recipe measurements for best results.
• Bold Ignoring Cooking Times: Cooking on high heat for too long can overcook the ingredients. Always follow suggested cooking times for optimal taste and texture.
• Bold Skipping Taste Tests: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning before serving can result in bland chili. Check flavors during cooking and tweak as needed.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in a covered dish for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until heated through (about 3-5 minutes).
• Stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making slow cooker chili:

Can I use different beans in my Slow Cooker Chili?

Yes! You can use any combination of beans you prefer, such as pinto or navy beans, based on your taste.

How do I make my Slow Cooker Chili spicier?

Add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños or other hot peppers to increase the heat level.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prep all ingredients the night before, store them in the fridge, and start cooking in the morning.

What toppings go well with Slow Cooker Chili?

Consider garnishing with shredded cheese, diced onions, avocado, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Final Thoughts

This hearty slow cooker chili is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it by adding your favorite vegetables or adjusting the spice level. It’s perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. Try this easy recipe today and enjoy a comforting meal!

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Slow Cooker Chili

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• Author: Saphira
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chili is a quintessential comfort dish, perfect for cozy dinners or lively game day gatherings. Bursting with flavors from tender ground beef or turkey, hearty beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Simply brown the meat, combine all ingredients in your slow cooker, and let it transform into a delicious meal while you go about your day. With its versatility, you can customize the ingredients to fit your taste, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or family gatherings. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides for an unforgettable experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

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Instructions

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey for about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Add kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, onion, garlic, bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and broth to the slow cooker. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Adjust seasonings about 30 minutes before serving as needed.
5. Serve hot with optional toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 640mg
• Fat: 10g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg