Slow Cooker Chili

There’s something deeply satisfying about a big pot of chili simmering away, filling your home with its savory aroma. This slow cooker chili delivers robust flavor with minimal effort. It’s generously packed with tender ground meat, hearty beans, and sweet tomatoes, creating a rich, comforting meal that’s perfect for any day of the week. Seriously, it’s a weeknight warrior!

I love how this recipe just melds into a symphony of flavors while I’m busy with life. It’s the kind of dish that makes everyone feel warm and cared for, especially when the weather turns chilly. Plus, leftovers are even better the next day!

Why I Love This Recipe

There are so many reasons I adore this slow cooker chili recipe. It’s a true flavor powerhouse with hardly any work involved. Seriously, just dump and go!

• Effortless Weeknights: Perfect for those busy evenings when dinner needs to be ready with minimal fuss.
• Incredible Flavor: The slow cooking process makes the flavors truly meld together. It tastes like it simmered all day!
• Crowd-Pleaser: It’s a guaranteed hit with family and friends, no matter their picky eating habits.

Slow Cooker Chili Ingredients

Gathering the ingredients for this slow cooker chili is a joy in itself. It’s a symphony of pantry staples and fresh produce coming together to create pure comfort. Each component plays a vital role, transforming simple items into a rich, satisfying meal that warms you from the inside out.

Core Ingredients and Their Roles

Here’s a look at what makes this chili so special:

• Ground Beef or Turkey: This forms the hearty base, providing savory depth and a satisfying texture.
• Onion and Garlic: These aromatics build the foundational flavors, adding a pungent sweetness when slowly cooked.
• Crushed, Diced, and Tomato Sauce: These tomato products bring a sweet and tangy richness. The undrained diced tomatoes add extra liquid and texture.
• Kidney and Pinto Beans: They add fiber, protein, and a lovely creamy texture that balances the meat and tomatoes.
• Green Chiles: These add a subtle, smoky heat and delicious underlying flavor without overwhelming the palate.
• Beef Broth: This liquid helps everything meld together, enhancing the savory notes in the chili.

Substitutions and Tips

You’ll find the exact amounts in the recipe card, but here are some handy tips. If ground beef isn’t your preference, ground turkey or even a plant-based crumble works wonderfully. Can’t find kidney beans? Black beans are a great stand-in! For a milder flavor, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper. If you’re short on time, you can sauté the onions and garlic in a separate pan while the meat browns, then add them all to the slow cooker. To deepen the flavor, a small square of dark chocolate melted in during the last hour adds an unexpected richness.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

To make this amazing slow cooker chili, you’ll need just a few key items:

• A large skillet for browning meat.
• A cutting board and knife for chopping.
• A measuring cup and spoons for spices.
• A slow cooker (4-quart or larger is ideal!).
• A spoon for stirring.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili

Making this hearty slow cooker chili is a breeze. Follow these simple steps for an effortless, flavorful meal.

Step 1: Browning the Meat and Aromatics

First, grab a large skillet. Brown your ground beef or turkey over medium-high heat. You want it nicely crumbled and fully cooked. Drain off any extra grease; nobody likes a greasy chili! Toss in your chopped onion. Cook it until it starts to look soft and a little see-through, usually about five minutes. Then, add your minced garlic. Stir it around for just one more minute until you can really smell that yummy garlic scent. This step builds a fantastic flavor base for your easy chili.

Step 2: Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now, carefully move that browned meat and onion mixture into your slow cooker. Next, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes. Don’t drain those diced tomatoes; their juice adds so much flavor! Toss in both cans of rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans. They bring great texture and fiber. Finally, add the can of green chiles (undrained, for extra zip!) and the beef broth. This liquid helps everything cook beautifully.

Step 3: Seasoning and Cooking

It’s time for the magic spices! Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano. If you like a little kick, add the cayenne pepper now. Don’t forget salt and black pepper to taste. Give everything a good stir. Pop the lid on your slow cooker. You can cook this delicious ground beef chili on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking longer on low means deeper flavors!

Step 4: Finishing Touches

Once the cooking time is up, give your slow cooker chili a final, thorough stir. This is your chance to taste it. Does it need more salt? A bit more spice? Adjust seasonings until it’s just right for you. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Serve it up with all your favorite toppings. It’s pure comfort in a bowl!

How to Store Slow Cooker Chili

Leftover slow cooker chili is a gift that keeps on giving! Store cooled chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. It tastes even better the next day! For longer storage, freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove or in the microwave. This hearty chili reheats beautifully.

Tips for Success

Here are a few quick tips to make your slow cooker chili perfect every time:

• Don’t Skip Browning: Browning the meat and sautéing the onion and garlic upfront builds incredible flavor depth.
• Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chili before serving. Seasonings can vary, so adjust salt, pepper, and spice as needed.
• Leftovers are Gold: This chili often tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for meal prep.
• Spice Control: Add cayenne pepper a little at a time. You can always add more, but you can’t take it away!

Serving Suggestions

This hearty slow cooker chili is fantastic on its own, but here are some ideas to make it even more special:

• Serve with warm, crusty cornbread or fluffy rice.
• Offer a selection of toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or sliced jalapeños.
• A side salad or some tortilla chips makes a great accompaniment.

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