Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices. This easy-to-make recipe simmers all day for a rich, comforting meal ideal for family dinners or meal prep.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat & Aromatics
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Tomato & Beans
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids & Sauces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is fully browned. Once cooked, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from becoming greasy.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion is softened and fragrant, enhancing the base flavor of the chili.
- Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, and all the spices and seasonings. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking and to blend flavors.
- Adjust & Thicken: Towards the end of cooking, taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. For a thicker consistency, remove the lid and cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes, allowing excess liquid to evaporate.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado slices for a delicious finishing touch.
Notes
- Optional bell pepper adds sweetness and texture but can be omitted if preferred.
- Using ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- For spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- Make ahead and refrigerate; chili often tastes better the next day as flavors meld.
- This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.
