Description
This delicious slow cooker chili is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices, it’s a comforting dish that’s easy to prep and let simmer all day.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds (680g) ground beef (80/20 recommended for flavor)
- 1 large yellow onion, diced fine
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
1. In a skillet over medium heat, brown ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook 5–7 minutes, drain excess fat if needed.
2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened and fragrant.
3. Transfer beef, onion, and garlic mixture to a slow cooker. Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and beef broth.
4. Stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder as desired.
6. Ladle into bowls and serve hot with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
Make it vegetarian by doubling beans or adding lentils.
Add diced jalapeños or cayenne for more heat.
Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar for a sweet heat balance.
Try adding corn, bacon, or switching to white beans and green chilies for variations.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish, Soup
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 65mg