Slow Cooker Chili

This Slow Cooker Chili is your go-to dish for any occasion, whether it’s a family dinner or a game day gathering. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this chili warms you from the inside out. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to prepare and cooks itself while you go about your day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss all the ingredients in the slow cooker and let it do the work for you.
• Flavorful and Satisfying: Packed with protein from beans and ground meat, this chili is both delicious and filling.
• Customizable Ingredients: Feel free to adjust spices or add your favorite toppings to make it uniquely yours.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start cooking, having the right tools can make all the difference. Here’s what you’ll need to prepare this delicious meal.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Wooden spoon
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows for low-and-slow cooking, which develops deep flavors in your chili.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor through caramelization.

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 Chili Base

• 1 lb ground beef or turkey
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

For Flavoring

• 1 medium onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced any color
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika

Seasoning and Broth

• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 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

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: Cook on Low or High

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

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings

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 elevate your meal experience. With a variety of toppings and sides, you can customize each bowl to suit everyone’s taste.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese – Sprinkle some shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for a creamy texture.
• Sour Cream – A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Chopped Green Onions – Fresh green onions provide a crunchy bite and vibrant color.
• Avocado Slices – Creamy avocado slices enhance the dish and offer healthy fats.
• Fresh Cilantro – Chopped cilantro adds a burst of freshness and flavor.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – Serve warm cornbread on the side for a classic pairing with chili.
• Tortilla Chips – Crunchy tortilla chips make for a fun scoopable option.
• Rice – A bed of fluffy rice can balance the bold flavors of the chili.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili

Perfecting slow cooker chili is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring the right consistency. Here are some tips to help you achieve that.

• Bold spices – Use fresh spices like chili powder and cumin for maximum flavor impact.
• Flavor depth – Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker to deepen their flavors.
• Bean varieties – Mix different types of beans for varied texture and taste in your chili.
• Adjust liquid – If your chili is too thick, add more broth or water gradually until you reach your desired consistency.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili

Pairing side dishes with slow cooker chili can create a balanced meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread – This sweet, buttery bread complements the spiciness of the chili beautifully.
2. Guacamole – Creamy guacamole offers richness that pairs well with hearty chili.
3. Rice – Fluffy white or brown rice serves as a neutral base that soaks up all the delicious flavors.
4. Salad – A crisp green salad can provide a refreshing contrast to the warmth of the chili.
5. Baked Potatoes – Serve baked potatoes alongside for a filling option that guests can top with chili.
6. Coleslaw – The crunch and tanginess of coleslaw are perfect for balancing rich, spicy dishes like chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making slow cooker chili can be simple, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final result. Here are some to avoid:

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality canned beans or tomatoes can compromise flavor. Opt for organic or high-quality brands for the best taste.

• Not browning the meat: Skipping the step of browning your meat can lead to a bland flavor. Always brown ground beef or turkey in a skillet first to enhance the chili’s richness.

• Overloading with spices: Adding too many spices without tasting can overwhelm the dish. Start with recommended amounts and adjust after simmering.

• Skipping cooking time adjustments: Cooking on high instead of low can lead to unevenly cooked ingredients. Stick to the recipe’s timing for best results.

• Neglecting garnishes: Serving plain chili can miss out on flavor and texture. Consider toppings like avocado, cilantro, or cheese for an extra layer of enjoyment.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Let it cool before sealing to prevent condensation inside the container.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili

• Freeze in portioned airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.

• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot (about 5-10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

This section addresses common queries about making slow cooker chili.

How long does Slow Cooker Chili take to cook?

Slow Cooker Chili takes about 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high, depending on your preference.

Can I use different types of meat in Slow Cooker Chili?

Yes! You can easily substitute ground beef with turkey, lamb, or other protein sources according to your taste.

What beans work best in Slow Cooker Chili?

Kidney beans and black beans are ideal due to their texture and ability to absorb flavors well.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like corn or zucchini, or adjust spices based on your heat preference.

Is Slow Cooker Chili healthy?

Yes! This recipe is nutritious thanks to its high protein content from beans and meat, along with vitamins from added vegetables.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chili is not only easy to prepare but also versatile enough for various occasions. You can customize it with different meats or veggies according to your taste preferences. Give this hearty dish a try for your next dinner or game day gathering!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Chili

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• Author: Lucille
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

This Slow Cooker Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or game day celebrations. It’s packed with rich flavors and hearty ingredients, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—just toss everything in and let it cook while you go about your day. With a blend of protein-rich beans and ground meat, this chili is both satisfying and nutritious. Customize it with your favorite spices or toppings for a unique twist that everyone will love!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

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

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Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
2. Combine ingredients: 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. Cook: Cover and set to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
4. Adjust seasonings: About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Serve: Ladle into bowls and add your choice of toppings.

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

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 780mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 24g
• Cholesterol: 70mg