This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is a perfect dish for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a game night or enjoying a cozy family dinner. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to satisfy everyone at the table. Plus, this recipe can be prepped in under twenty minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to enjoy a warm bowl of chili with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick Preparation: Prep this dish in less than twenty minutes, perfect for hectic days.
Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and beans creates a rich and satisfying flavor profile.
Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or pair it with cornbread and your favorite toppings.
Comfort Food Staple: A hearty meal that warms you up and fills you up during chilly evenings.
Easy Cleanup: One-pot cooking means less time spent washing dishes afterwards.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools can make your cooking experience smoother and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large skillet
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: The star of this recipe, allowing for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors.
Large skillet: Essential for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before combining them in the slow cooker.
Cutting board & Knife: Helps in efficiently chopping onions and garlic without making a mess.

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 Meat Base

1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
1 large sweet onion finely chopped
2 cloves garlic minced

For the Broth & Tomatoes

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 & Spices

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

Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
1. Add the chopped onion halfway through cooking until soft.
2. Stir in minced garlic for about one minute until fragrant.
3. Drain excess grease before transferring the mixture to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Prepare the Sauce

In a bowl, whisk together:
1. Beef broth
2. Tomato paste

Pour this mixture over the browned meat in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Remaining Ingredients

Next, add:
– Diced tomatoes (both kinds)
– Kidney beans
– Pinto beans
– Chili powder
– Cumin
– Smoked paprika
– Brown sugar
– Red pepper flakes
– Ground cayenne

Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Cook It Low and Slow

Cover your slow cooker with its lid:
– Set to low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.

Step 5: Season & Serve

Before serving, taste your chili and season with kosher salt and black pepper as needed. Enjoy your delicious homemade chili!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Serving your slow cooker chili is all about complementing its rich flavors and hearty texture. Here are some delightful ways to enjoy this comforting dish.

With Cornbread

Classic Cornbread: Serve warm, with a touch of butter for a delicious pairing that soaks up the chili.
Jalapeño Cornbread: Add some heat by incorporating jalapeños into your cornbread mix, enhancing the overall flavor profile.

Toppings

Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the spices.
Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese on top for added richness.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro offers a fresh burst of flavor that brightens the dish.

With Rice or Quinoa

Steamed Rice: White or brown rice complements the chili, making it more filling.
Quinoa: For a protein-packed option, serve your chili over fluffy quinoa.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Perfecting your slow cooker chili takes just a few thoughtful adjustments. Here are some essential tips for achieving the best results.

Choose Quality Meat: Opt for fresh ground beef or turkey for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Layer Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker to deepen their flavors.
Adjust Spice Levels: Taste and adjust spices as needed; remember you can always add more but can’t take it away!
Use Low-Sodium Broth: This keeps your chili flavorful without being overly salty.
Cook Low and Slow: For maximum flavor infusion, cooking on low heat for an extended period is ideal.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your slow cooker chili enhances the overall meal experience. Here are some perfect options to consider.

Garlic Bread: Warm, buttery garlic bread is perfect for dipping into your chili.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and make a great vehicle for scooping up chili.
Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides a nice contrast to the chili’s warmth and richness.
Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a hearty twist on traditional toppings.
Corn Salad: A zesty corn salad adds brightness and complements the flavors of the chili.
Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies bring a smoky flavor that harmonizes beautifully with your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

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

Overcooking the meat: Browning the meat is essential, but overcooking it can make it tough. Cook until just browned and add it to the slow cooker.
Skipping the spices: Spices are crucial for flavor. Don’t forget to measure them accurately and mix them well into your ingredients.
Not draining the beans: Canned beans often contain extra salt. Be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to your chili for better taste and texture.
Neglecting the toppings: Toppings enhance your chili experience. Consider adding cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor.
Ignoring cooking time: Each slow cooker is different. Stick to the recommended cooking times, but check your chili occasionally for optimal results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Can be kept in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Oven: Preheat at 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil; heat for about 20-30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

How long does it take to cook a Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

Cooking time varies based on settings; low takes about 6-8 hours, while high takes around 3-4 hours.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini or switch up the beans based on your preference.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

Cornbread is a classic pairing, but you can also enjoy it with rice, tortilla chips, or even baked potatoes.

How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry towards the end of cooking.

Final Thoughts

This slow cooker chili recipe is not only simple but also incredibly versatile. Perfect for busy weeknights, you can easily customize it with your favorite ingredients and toppings. Give it a try today!

Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for cozy family dinners or lively game nights. With its hearty blend of ground beef, beans, and spices simmering to perfection, this dish offers rich flavors that satisfy every palate. The best part? It requires less than twenty minutes of prep time, allowing you to throw everything into the slow cooker and let it work its magic while you relax. Serve it with cornbread or your favorite toppings for a delightful meal that’s sure to impress.

Author: Mia
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
3 cups low-sodium beef broth
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
1 (15.5-ounce) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15.5-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
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

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground meat until cooked through. Add chopped onion halfway through cooking and stir in minced garlic until fragrant.
Drain excess grease and transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker.
In a separate bowl, whisk together beef broth and tomato paste; pour over the meat in the slow cooker.
Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, and spices; stir well to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until flavors meld.