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Slow Cooker Beef Chili

slow cooker beef chili - featured image

A cozy, hearty slow cooker beef chili recipe perfect for cold nights, featuring tender beef, rich spices, and optional beans for texture. Easy to prepare and ideal for comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 medium bell peppers, diced (red or green)
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional hot sauce or cayenne pepper to taste
  • 2 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the beef and veggies to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, kidney beans (if using), chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  4. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Avoid opening the lid frequently to maintain heat.
  5. About 15 minutes before serving, stir the chili and taste for seasoning. Adjust salt, pepper, or add hot sauce/cayenne if desired. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  6. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions.

Notes

Brown the beef before slow cooking to enhance flavor and texture. Drain excess fat to avoid oily chili. Resist opening the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain steady heat. For thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking. Can substitute ground turkey or lentils for beef. Use soaked and pre-cooked dried beans if preferred. Add jalapeños or hot sauce to increase spice level.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, comfort food, easy chili recipe, slow cooker recipes, chili with beans, hearty chili