Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food for any occasion. It’s hearty, flavorful, and easy to make, making it ideal for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings. With the help of your slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, allowing the rich flavors to meld together while you attend to other things. Pair it with cornbread or your favorite toppings for a satisfying meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: This chili can be prepped in under twenty minutes, perfect for those tight schedules.
• Hearty and Filling: The combination of beans and beef ensures that everyone leaves the table satisfied.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, with cornbread, or topped with cheese and sour cream.
• Leftover Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spices to fit your heat preference; mild or spicy—it’s up to you!

Tools and Preparation

To make this slow cooker chili recipe seamless, you’ll need a few essential tools that will help you along the way.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for cooking the chili low and slow, allowing flavors to develop fully.
• Large skillet: Ideal for browning the meat and sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and safe.
• Measuring cups and spoons: Accurate measurements ensure that your chili turns out perfectly every time.

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

For the Liquid Ingredients

• 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

For the Beans

• 1 (15.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans drained and rinsed

For Spices

• 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

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 onion halfway through cooking until soft. Stir in garlic for 1 minute while constantly stirring. Drain excess grease before transferring everything to your crock pot.

Step 2: Prepare Liquid Mixture

Whisk together beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the browned meat in your slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Add diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, cayenne pepper. Mix everything well.

Step 4: Cook It Low & Slow

Cover with a lid. Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Season & Serve

Once cooked, season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste before serving hot!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Serving your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe can elevate the dining experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to complement your hearty chili dish.

With Cornbread

• Moist cornbread pairs wonderfully with chili, soaking up the rich flavors and providing a sweet contrast.

Topped with Cheese

• Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, adds creaminess and enhances the overall taste of the chili.

With Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream adds a tangy flavor and creamy texture, balancing the spices in the chili.

On a Bed of Rice

• Serving chili over rice can turn it into a complete meal. It adds bulk and helps absorb the delicious sauce.

With Fresh Avocado

• Slices of fresh avocado provide creaminess and healthy fats that complement the spiciness of the chili.

Garnished with Green Onions

• Chopped green onions add a fresh crunch and bright color, making your chili visually appealing and flavorful.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe, consider these helpful tips.

• Use lean meat: Opt for lean ground beef or turkey to keep your chili flavorful without excess fat.
• Let it simmer: Cooking on low for longer allows flavors to meld beautifully, creating a richer taste.
• Experiment with spices: Adjust spices like chili powder and cumin according to your heat preference for personalized flavor.
• Add veggies: Consider adding bell peppers or zucchini for extra nutrients and texture in your chili.
• Taste before serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning before serving; sometimes it needs just a pinch more salt or spice.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe can enhance the meal. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Garlic Bread
   Perfect for dipping into the chili, garlic bread adds flavor and is easy to prepare.

2. Coleslaw
   A crisp coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm, hearty chili with its crunchy texture.

3. Baked Potatoes
   Serve baked potatoes on the side for a filling option that can be topped with leftover chili if desired.

4. Fried Plantains
   Sweet fried plantains offer a unique twist that balances out the spiciness of the chili.

5. Corn Salad
   A vibrant corn salad brings color and sweetness while complementing the savory notes of your slow cooker meal.

6. Roasted Vegetables
   Seasonal roasted vegetables provide additional nutrition and flavor that pairs well with any bowl of chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making a slow cooker chili, it’s easy to overlook some important steps. Here are common mistakes to watch out for.

• Not browning the meat properly: Failing to brown the beef or turkey can lead to a less flavorful chili. Make sure to brown the meat well before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Skipping the seasoning: Simply dumping ingredients into the slow cooker without seasoning can result in bland chili. Always season each layer as you go for maximum flavor.
• Using poor-quality canned tomatoes: Low-quality canned tomatoes can affect the taste and texture of your chili. Choose high-quality, fire-roasted or organic tomatoes for better results.
• Overloading on beans: While beans are great, using too many can make your chili overly thick. Stick to one or two types of beans for a balanced consistency.
• Cooking on high without supervision: Cooking on high might seem quicker, but it can lead to uneven cooking. If possible, opt for low and slow cooking for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place chili in an oven-safe dish; cover with foil and heat until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between intervals.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this slow cooker chili recipe.

How long should I cook my Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

For best flavors, cook your chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add different beans, vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. Top it off with shredded cheese and sour cream if desired!

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

If your chili is too thin, you can thicken it by letting it cook uncovered for the last hour or adding a cornstarch slurry made from cornstarch mixed with water.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chili recipe is not only easy to prepare but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with your favorite ingredients while enjoying its rich flavors. Don’t hesitate to try variations that suit your taste!