Classic Slow Cooker Chili

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by Emilia

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A rich, hearty, and flavorful slow cooker chili made with ground beef, beans, and a homemade spice blend. This recipe is perfect for a cozy dinner, game day, or meal prep. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deep, satisfying taste with tender beef and a thick, robust sauce.

Classic Slow Cooker Chili

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Hands-Off Cooking: Let the slow cooker do the work with minimal prep.
  • Rich and Savory Flavor: A slow simmer brings out deep, complex flavors.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Makes a large batch that stores and reheats well.
  • Customizable: Adjust spice levels, swap ingredients, or make it vegetarian.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Essential Tools and Equipment

  • Large Skillet: For browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
  • 6-Quart Slow Cooker: The ideal size to hold all the ingredients.
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Helps break up the ground beef while cooking.
  • Measuring Spoons & Cups: Ensures precise seasoning and ingredient portions.

Preparation Tips

  • Use Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90/10 or 93/7 to reduce excess grease.
  • Chop Onions Finely: This ensures even cooking and better texture.
  • Drain and Rinse Beans: Prevents excess sodium and ensures a balanced flavor.
  • Don’t Skip Browning the Beef: This step enhances the overall taste and texture.

Ingredients (Servings: 10)

Main Ingredients

  • 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tsp cumin powder
  • 2 Tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper

Beans & Tomatoes

  • 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 30 oz kidney beans (two 15 oz cans), drained and rinsed
  • 30 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
  • 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with juice
  • 30 oz tomato sauce

Step-by-Step Directions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
  • Add ground beef and cook for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up as it browns.

2. Sauté the Onion & Garlic

  • Stir in diced onion and cook for another 4-5 minutes until soft.
  • Add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Sauté for 30 seconds, stirring constantly.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

  • Move the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.

4. Add Remaining Ingredients

  • Stir in black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), diced tomatoes & green chilis (with juice), and tomato sauce.
  • Mix everything well to combine flavors.

5. Slow Cook

  • High setting: Cook for 3-4 hours.
  • Low setting: Cook for 6-8 hours.

6. Final Touches & Serve

  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • Serve warm with your favorite toppings.

This slow cooker chili is rich, hearty, and full of flavor, making it a perfect meal for any occasion.

This classic slow cooker chili is a versatile dish that pairs well with a variety of sides and toppings. Whether serving it for a casual family dinner or a game-day gathering, the right accompaniments can enhance the overall experience.

Serving Suggestions

Toppings for Extra Flavor and Texture

Adding toppings to chili can enhance its taste, texture, and presentation. Here are some of the best options:

  • Shredded Cheddar or Monterey Jack Cheese – Melts into the chili for a creamy, rich flavor.
  • Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt – Adds a cool, tangy contrast to the bold spices.
  • Diced Avocado – Provides a creamy, fresh element.
  • Chopped Fresh Cilantro – Brings a hint of brightness and freshness.
  • Sliced Jalapeños – Adds extra heat for spice lovers.
  • Tortilla Chips or Crackers – Offers a crunchy texture for dipping.
  • Diced Red Onions – Enhances flavor with a sharp, crisp bite.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili

Pairing your chili with the right side dish can elevate the meal. Here are eight excellent options:

  1. Cornbread – A classic companion, slightly sweet with a soft texture that complements the chili’s richness.
  2. Garlic Bread – Buttery and crisp, perfect for dipping.
  3. Rice – A simple way to make the meal more filling while balancing the strong flavors.
  4. Baked Potatoes – Spoon chili over a baked potato for a hearty and satisfying dish.
  5. Tortilla Chips – Great for scooping up chili and adding crunch.
  6. Coleslaw – A fresh, tangy contrast to the deep, savory chili flavors.
  7. Grilled Cheese Sandwich – A comforting, cheesy pairing that adds a crispy element.
  8. Simple Side Salad – Light and refreshing, a salad helps balance the chili’s richness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid & How to Perfect the Recipe

1. Adding Too Much Liquid

Slow cookers do not allow much evaporation, so excess liquid can result in a soupy consistency. Stick to the ingredient measurements to ensure a thick, hearty chili.

2. Skipping the Browning Step

Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the depth of flavor. This step also helps develop a better texture by preventing the beef from becoming mushy.

3. Overcooking on High Heat

Cooking on low for six to eight hours produces the best results. High heat speeds up the process but may not allow the flavors to fully develop.

4. Not Draining and Rinsing the Beans

Canned beans come in a thick, salty liquid that can affect the taste and texture of the chili. Draining and rinsing them removes excess sodium and prevents an overly salty dish.

5. Underseasoning the Chili

Spices are essential in chili, and the slow-cooking process can mellow their intensity. Always taste and adjust the seasoning before serving. Adding extra chili powder, cumin, or salt near the end of the cooking process can help balance flavors.

6. Overloading with Too Many Ingredients

While it may be tempting to add multiple types of beans, vegetables, or spices, keeping the recipe balanced ensures that the flavors work together rather than compete.

7. Not Letting the Chili Rest Before Serving

Allowing the chili to sit for 10–15 minutes before serving helps the flavors meld together even more. This resting time improves both taste and texture.

8. Using the Wrong Type of Ground Beef

Opt for lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) to avoid an overly greasy chili. If using fattier beef, be sure to drain the excess fat after browning.

How to Adjust the Recipe for Different Preferences

  • For a Spicier Chili: Add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced fresh jalapeños.
  • For a Milder Version: Reduce the chili powder and omit the diced tomatoes with green chilies.
  • For a Thicker Chili: Stir in tomato paste or mash some of the beans to help thicken the consistency.
  • For a Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or a small amount of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
  • For a Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for lentils, crumbled tofu, or plant-based ground meat.

Perfecting chili is all about finding the right balance of ingredients, seasonings, and cooking time. With the right adjustments, this slow cooker chili can be customized to suit any taste preference while maintaining its rich, hearty flavor.

Recipe Tips, Storage, and FAQs

This slow cooker chili is not only delicious when freshly made but also stores and reheats well, making it perfect for meal prep. Understanding the best ways to store, reheat, and adjust the recipe will ensure great results every time.

Recipe Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chili

1. Use Fresh Spices

Spices lose their potency over time. Make sure your chili powder, cumin, and oregano are fresh for the best flavor.

2. Balance the Acidity

If the chili tastes too acidic from the tomatoes, add a teaspoon of sugar or a splash of honey to balance the flavors.

3. Add Depth with Cocoa or Coffee

For a richer, more complex taste, add a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder or brewed coffee. These ingredients enhance the chili’s depth without overpowering it.

4. Stir Occasionally if Possible

If you are home while the chili is cooking, stir it once or twice to ensure even cooking and distribution of flavors.

5. Let the Chili Rest Before Serving

Allowing the chili to sit for 10–15 minutes after cooking helps the flavors fully meld together.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Storing Chili

  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezer: Freeze in portions in airtight containers or freezer-safe bags for up to 3 months.

Reheating Chili

  • Stovetop: Heat over medium-low, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
  • Microwave: Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each, until hot.
  • Slow Cooker: Reheat on low for 1–2 hours if serving a large batch.

For the best results, thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a leaner option. It may require extra seasoning since it has a milder flavor than beef.

2. How do I make the chili thicker?

If the chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes after cooking, or mash some of the beans to create a thicker consistency.

3. Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Brown the beef using the Sauté function, then add the remaining ingredients. Cook on High Pressure for 15 minutes, followed by a natural release.

4. What are the best beans to use in chili?

Kidney beans and black beans are the most common, but pinto beans, navy beans, or white beans can also be used for variety.

5. Can I make this chili without beans?

Yes, simply omit the beans and increase the meat or add more vegetables, such as bell peppers and zucchini, to maintain texture.

6. How can I make the chili less spicy?

Reduce the chili powder, omit the diced tomatoes with green chilies, and avoid adding extra spices like cayenne or jalapeños.

7. What is the best way to serve leftovers?

Leftover chili can be served over baked potatoes, rice, nachos, or even as a filling for tacos or burritos.

Conclusion

This slow cooker chili is an easy, flavorful, and satisfying dish that works well for any occasion. Its rich, deep flavors develop beautifully over time, making it perfect for meal prep and leftovers. Whether served traditionally with cornbread or creatively over a baked potato or nachos, this chili is a comforting and versatile meal.

For more slow cooker recipes, try:

This chili recipe delivers bold, hearty flavors with minimal effort, making it a go-to comfort food that everyone will love.

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Planning to try this recipe soon? Pin it for a quick find later!

PIN IT NOW!
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