This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is a go-to for busy weeknights, delivering a hearty meal in no time. With its rich flavors and the convenience of a slow cooker, this dish is perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. You’ll love how it requires minimal effort while offering maximum taste. Pair it with cornbread and your favorite toppings for a delightful meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Prep Time: This chili can be prepped in under twenty minutes, making it ideal for hectic evenings.
- Rich and Flavorful: A blend of spices and ingredients creates a chili that’s bursting with flavor.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with cornbread, over rice, or simply on its own; you choose!
- Leftover Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
- Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for parties or family gatherings, everyone will love this hearty dish.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything goes smoothly.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring cups and spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of the show, allowing you to set it and forget it while it cooks low and slow.
- Large skillet: Perfect for browning the meat and sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Cutting board & knife: Essential for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.
Ingredients
This thick beef slow cooker chili is prepped and in the pot in less than twenty minutes, making it perfect for those busy weeknight schedules. Enjoy it with cornbread and all the fixings.
For the Chili Base
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies (like Rotel)
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans drained and rinsed
For Seasoning
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat
Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
– Add the chopped onion halfway through browning.
– Cook until the onion is soft.
– Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute while stirring constantly.
– Drain any excess grease before transferring this mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Prepare Broth Mixture
In a separate bowl, whisk together:
– The low-sodium beef broth
– Tomato paste
Then pour this mixture over the browned meat in your slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to add all remaining ingredients into the slow cooker:
– Diced tomatoes (including green chilies)
– Fire-roasted diced tomatoes
– Kidney beans
– Pinto beans
– Chili powder
– Ground cumin
– Smoked paprika
– Brown sugar
– Red pepper flakes
– Ground cayenne
Step 4: Slow Cook Your Chili
Cover your slow cooker with its lid. Set it to cook:
– On low for 6–8 hours or
– On high for 3–4 hours
Step 5: Season to Taste
Once cooking time is complete, season your chili with kosher salt and black pepper according to your taste preferences. Enjoy!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Serving your Slow Cooker Chili is a delightful way to enhance its flavors and create a comforting meal. Here are some creative serving suggestions to elevate your chili experience.
With Cornbread
- Cornbread Muffins: Soft, buttery cornbread muffins are perfect for soaking up the chili.
- Classic Cornbread: A slice of traditional cornbread adds a sweet touch that complements the spice of the chili.
Topped with Cheese
- Shredded Cheddar: Melty shredded cheddar cheese adds richness and balances the heat.
- Cotija Cheese: Crumbled Cotija cheese provides a unique flavor that brightens each bite.
Fresh Garnishes
- Chopped Green Onions: Add a fresh crunch by sprinkling chopped green onions on top.
- Cilantro Leaves: Fresh cilantro enhances the dish with its bright taste and aroma.
With Sour Cream
- Sour Cream Dollop: A spoonful of sour cream softens the chili’s flavors and adds creaminess.
- Greek Yogurt Substitute: For a healthier option, swap sour cream with Greek yogurt.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flavors: Use quality spices and seasonings to enhance flavor depth. Don’t hesitate to adjust spice levels to fit your taste.
- Brown Your Meat: Browning ground beef or turkey before adding it to the slow cooker boosts flavor and texture.
- Layer Ingredients Thoughtfully: Add beans last to prevent them from becoming mushy during cooking.
- Adjust Consistency: If your chili is too thick, add more broth; if too thin, let it cook uncovered for a bit longer.
- Let It Rest: Allowing your chili to sit for 30 minutes after cooking intensifies flavors as they meld together.
- Store Properly: For leftovers, store in airtight containers in the fridge or freezer for quick meals later.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili can make your meal even more enjoyable. Here are some delicious options you can serve alongside.
- Rice: Fluffy white rice acts as a perfect base, soaking up the chili sauce beautifully.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a satisfying contrast and can be used for dipping.
- Salad: A light green salad adds freshness and balances the heartiness of the chili.
- Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers crunch and sweetness that pairs well with spicy chili flavors.
- Baked Potatoes: Simple baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a hearty twist on comfort food.
- Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread is great for mopping up any leftover chili on your plate.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making a slow cooker chili recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key aspects that can affect the final dish. Avoiding these common mistakes can help you create a delicious chili every time.
Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meat first can lead to an unappealing texture and flavor. Always brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
Overloading the pot: Filling the slow cooker beyond its capacity can cause uneven cooking and splatters. Make sure to follow the recommended ingredient amounts for best results.
Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings at the end can leave your chili bland. Always season with salt and pepper before serving for enhanced flavor.
Using too much liquid: Adding excessive broth or canned tomatoes can make your chili soupy instead of thick. Stick to the ingredient measurements for a perfect consistency.
Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process by setting it on high for too short a period may result in undercooked beans and flavors that haven’t melded well. Follow recommended cook times for optimal taste.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags to store portions of chili.
- The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
Microwave: Transfer a single serving of chili into a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2–3 minutes, stirring halfway through, until hot.
Stovetop: Pour the chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and heat until bubbling hot, about 10–15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use other meats in this slow cooker chili recipe?
Yes! You can substitute ground turkey, chicken, or even vegetarian options like lentils or mushrooms for a different flavor profile.
How long do I need to cook slow cooker chili?
For best results, cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Can I customize this slow cooker chili recipe?
Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, adjust spice levels, or use different types of beans based on your preferences.
What should I serve with my slow cooker chili?
This thick beef slow cooker chili pairs perfectly with cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or even over baked potatoes!
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chili recipe is not only easy to prepare but also offers incredible flexibility. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients and spices to suit your taste. Whether it’s a weeknight dinner or game day gathering, this hearty dish is sure to please everyone at the table—give it a try today!
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 34 minute
- Yield: Serves 6
Description
Discover the ultimate Slow Cooker Chili Recipe, perfect for busy weeknights and gatherings! This hearty dish combines tender ground beef with a medley of spices and beans, simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. In just 20 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the rich flavors meld together. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or prepping meals for the week, this chili is sure to become a family favorite. Serve it with cornbread, top it with cheese or fresh garnishes, and enjoy a satisfying meal that gets better with leftovers!
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large sweet onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans
- 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Add onion halfway through cooking until soft; stir in garlic for an additional minute.
- In a bowl, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste; pour over meat mixture in the slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes and seasonings to the slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Season to taste before serving.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Customize your chili by adding bell peppers or corn. For extra heat, increase cayenne or add jalapeños.