Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Classic Slow Cooker Chili is the perfect dish for any occasion, from casual family dinners to game day gatherings. This recipe combines ground beef with a delicious mix of beans, tomatoes, and homemade chili seasoning. As it simmers in the slow cooker, the flavors meld beautifully, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal. Easy to prepare and full of robust flavors, this classic chili is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!PIN THIS!

Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Meat and Vegetables
• Spices
• Beans and Tomatoes
• How to Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Step 1: Brown the Beef
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
• Step 4: Cook
• Step 5: Adjust Seasoning
• How to Serve Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• With Toppings
• As a Meal
• For Leftovers
• How to Perfect Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Best Side Dishes for Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Reheating Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes this recipe a Classic Slow Cooker Chili?
• Can I make this chili vegetarian?
• How can I customize my Classic Slow Cooker Chili?
• What toppings pair well with Classic Slow Cooker Chili?
• Is there a way to make this chili spicier?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless preparation: With a quick 10-minute prep time, you can set it and forget it!
• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible.
• Perfect for gatherings: Serving up to 10 people makes it ideal for parties or family meals.
• Versatile options: Customize with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.
• Freezes well: Make a big batch and store leftovers for easy meals later.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Classic Slow Cooker Chili successfully, having the right tools will make all the difference. Here’s what you need:

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Essential for cooking the chili evenly over several hours, enhancing its flavor.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing vegetables before combining them with other ingredients.
• Spatula: Helps in breaking up the meat while cooking and mixing ingredients thoroughly.

Ingredients

For this Classic Slow Cooker Chili recipe, you will need the following ingredients:

Meat and Vegetables

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

Spices

• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Beans and 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 their juice
• 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
• 30 oz tomato sauce

How to Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté for 4-5 minutes until it releases its fat. Use a spatula to break it up as it cooks.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables

Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until tender. Then add minced garlic along with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add in black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), diced tomatoes with green chilis (with their juice), and tomato sauce. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Cook

Cover the slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until flavors meld together.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning

Taste your chili once cooked. Adjust seasoning if needed before serving warm.

Enjoy your delicious Classic Slow Cooker Chili! It’s not only easy but also packed with flavor that everyone will love!

How to Serve Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Serving Classic Slow Cooker Chili can elevate your meal experience. Whether you enjoy it solo or with sides, there are many ways to enhance its flavors and presentation.

With Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a generous handful of shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances the heat.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions bring a mild onion flavor and color.
• Fresh Cilantro: Sprinkle chopped cilantro for a burst of freshness.

As a Meal

• Over Rice: Serving chili over rice makes it heartier and adds a nice texture.
• In Tacos: Use chili as a filling for tacos, topped with your favorite ingredients.
• With Cornbread: Pairing chili with warm cornbread is a classic combination that’s hard to resist.

For Leftovers

• Chili Mac: Combine leftover chili with cooked macaroni for a comforting dish.
• Stuffed Peppers: Use chili as a stuffing for bell peppers, baking them until tender.

Remember it later

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

PIN IT NOW!

PIN THIS!

How to Perfect Classic Slow Cooker Chili

To achieve the best results with your Classic Slow Cooker Chili, consider these helpful tips:

• Bold Spices: Always use fresh spices for maximum flavor. Old spices can lose potency.
• Cook Low and Slow: Cooking on low allows flavors to meld beautifully over time.
• Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef, but don’t shy away from fat; it adds flavor!
• Add Beans Last: Include beans in the last hour of cooking to maintain their texture.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Complementing your Classic Slow Cooker Chili with side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cornbread: A sweet and savory bread that pairs perfectly with chili.
2. Rice: White or brown rice can soak up the delicious sauce.
3. Salad: A simple green salad adds freshness and crunch to your meal.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a delightful contrast to the chili’s heat.
5. Nachos: Tortilla chips topped with cheese make an irresistible snack alongside chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a hearty twist on dinner.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common pitfalls will ensure your Classic Slow Cooker Chili turns out perfectly every time. Here are some mistakes to watch for:

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the ground beef can lead to a less flavorful chili. Always sauté the meat first to enhance its taste.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Adding too many ingredients can affect cooking time and texture. Stick to the recommended measurements for best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings can result in bland chili. Always sample before serving and tweak as needed.
• Using low-quality canned goods: Poor-quality tomatoes or beans can impact flavor. Choose high-quality canned products for a richer taste.
• Cooking on high heat only: While tempting, cooking on high can sometimes lead to uneven cooking. If you have time, opt for low heat for a more balanced flavor.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes this recipe a Classic Slow Cooker Chili?

This recipe combines lean ground beef, beans, and robust spices that create a rich flavor profile typical of classic chili dishes.

Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or your favorite meat alternative and follow the same instructions for delicious vegetarian chili.

How can I customize my Classic Slow Cooker Chili?

Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, or even different types of beans based on your preference for added texture and flavor.

What toppings pair well with Classic Slow Cooker Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado slices which enhance the dish’s richness.

Is there a way to make this chili spicier?

Absolutely! Increase the amount of chili powder or add fresh jalapeños while cooking for an extra kick of heat.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Slow Cooker Chili recipe is not only hearty but also incredibly versatile. You can easily customize it with various ingredients to suit your taste. We encourage you to try this recipe; it’s perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners!