Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili Recipe
Introduction
Slow Cooker Chili is a comforting and hearty dish perfect for cozy dinners. With simple ingredients and minimal effort, it develops rich flavors over time, making it a favorite for any day of the week.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 cups beans (such as kidney or black beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked, then drain excess fat.
- Step 2: Add the cooked beef, beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
- Step 3: Stir the ingredients gently to combine and cover the slow cooker.
- Step 4: Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours until the chili is thick and flavors have melded.
- Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier chili, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Substitute ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add chopped onions and bell peppers along with the meat for extra flavor and texture.
- Use a mix of different beans for varied texture and color.
Storage
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stove or in the microwave until heated through. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I prepare this chili without browning the meat first?
While browning the meat adds flavor and texture, you can skip this step and add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker. Just ensure it cooks thoroughly.
What are good toppings for slow cooker chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and sliced avocado to add extra flavor and creaminess.
PrintHearty Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili Recipe
A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chili made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. This easy-to-make chili simmers all day in a slow cooker, resulting in tender meat and a rich, comforting dish perfect for chilly days or casual gatherings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 to 8 hours (slow cooker, low) or 3 to 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes to 4 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Drain and rinse the beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and excess starch.
- Brown the Ground Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until completely browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
- Add Ingredients to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned ground beef to your slow cooker. Add the drained beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, diced onion, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper if using, and beef broth or water.
- Mix and Cook: Stir all ingredients together in the slow cooker until well combined. Cover with the lid and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The chili should become thick and flavors meld together.
- Final Taste and Serve: Before serving, stir the chili and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt or spices if needed. Serve hot, optionally topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For a vegetarian version, omit ground beef and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers or corn.
- Soaking beans overnight can improve digestibility if using dried beans instead of canned.
- Slow cooking on low heat allows flavors to develop more deeply, resulting in richer chili.
- Leftover chili tastes even better the next day and freezes well for meal prep.
- Adjust the level of cayenne pepper or chili powder to match your preferred spice heat.
Keywords: slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, slow cooker recipes, comfort food, hearty chili
