If you’re looking for a dish that warms your heart and fills your belly, you’re in the right place! This Slow Cooker Chili is my go-to recipe for those chilly evenings when you want something hearty yet so easy to prepare. With just a little bit of chopping and browning, you can set it and forget it, letting the slow cooker do all the magic. It’s perfect for busy weeknights or family gatherings, where everyone can help themselves to a delicious bowl.

What I love most about this chili is its comforting flavors and how customizable it is. You can serve it up with cornbread or over rice, making it as filling as you like. Trust me, once you try this recipe, it will become a favorite in your home!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Effortless preparation: With minimal hands-on time, this dish is perfect for busy cooks.
Family-friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili! It’s a hit with kids and adults alike.
Make-ahead convenience: Prepare it in advance and enjoy the flavors that deepen over time.
Deliciously satisfying: The combination of spices and beans creates a rich taste that warms you from the inside out.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our chili! These items come together to create a soothing meal that you’ll want to make again and again.

For the Chili

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced any color
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef or vegetable broth

Variations

One of the best things about this Slow Cooker Chili is its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your preferences or what you have on hand.

Swap the protein: Try using ground chicken or even lentils for a vegetarian option.
Add more veggies: Toss in corn, zucchini, or carrots for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or chipotle peppers in adobo sauce.
Top it off: Experiment with toppings like avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or dairy-free cheese.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Brown the Meat

In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef (or turkey). Cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon for about 5-7 minutes. Browning the meat adds depth to the flavor of your chili. Drain any excess fat before transferring the meat to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

To the slow cooker, add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and broth. Stir everything together well. This step ensures all those wonderful flavors meld beautifully as they cook!

Step 3: Cook Low and Slow

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6 hours (or high for 3 hours). Cooking on low allows all those amazing flavors to develop slowly—trust me; it’s worth the wait!

Step 4: Adjust Seasonings

About 30 minutes before serving, taste your chili. Adjust seasonings if necessary; maybe it needs a little more salt or spice? This is your chance to make it just right!

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy

Once cooked to perfection, ladle the chili into bowls. Feel free to garnish with toppings if desired! Now sit back and enjoy each flavorful bite—you’ve earned it!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chili

Making the perfect slow cooker chili is all about enhancing flavors and ensuring a comforting texture. Here are some pro tips to take your chili to the next level:

Brown the meat first: Searing the ground beef or turkey in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker adds depth and richness to the flavor. It also helps to develop a nice texture.
Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can significantly enhance the taste of your chili. If you have whole spices, consider grinding them right before use for an aromatic boost.
Let it rest: If you can, allow your chili to cool slightly and sit for a little while after cooking. The flavors will meld beautifully, making every bite even more delicious.
Feel free to customize: Don’t hesitate to add your favorite veggies like corn or zucchini, or swap out beans based on what you have on hand. This flexibility makes each batch uniquely yours!
Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier chili, add a chopped jalapeño or a dash of cayenne pepper. For milder flavors, simply reduce the amount of chili powder.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili

Serving slow cooker chili is all about creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Whether it’s for a family dinner or a gathering with friends, here are some ideas on how to present this cozy dish:

Garnishes

To elevate your chili experience, consider adding these simple garnishes:

Chopped fresh cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness that complements the hearty flavors.
Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of this creamy topping helps balance the spice and adds richness.
Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of cheese melts into the hot chili, bringing additional flavor and creaminess.

Side Dishes

Pairing your slow cooker chili with complementary side dishes can create an unforgettable meal. Here are some recommendations:

Cornbread: The slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture of cornbread contrast beautifully with savory chili, making it a classic pairing.
Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful texture alongside your chili; they’re perfect for dipping or crumbling over the top.
Rice or quinoa: Serving your chili over rice or quinoa not only makes it heartier but also adds an extra layer of nutrition and satisfaction.
Simple green salad: A fresh green salad with vinaigrette provides a refreshing crunch that balances out the richness of the chili.

With these tips and serving suggestions, your slow cooker chili will be an absolute hit at any gathering! Enjoy each warm bowlful as you share good times with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Chili is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep. You can make it ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week, ensuring you have hearty meals ready to go!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
Transfer leftovers to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

Let the chili cool down completely before freezing.
Portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers.
Label with the date and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Alternatively, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute increments, stirring in between.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chili:

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chili with different beans?

Absolutely! You can use any variety of beans you prefer. Black beans, pinto beans, or even garbanzo beans work wonderfully too.

How long does Slow Cooker Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, your Slow Cooker Chili will stay fresh for about 4 days in the refrigerator.

Is this Slow Cooker Chili spicy?

The spice level is adjustable! You can add more chili powder or include jalapeños for extra heat. Conversely, you can reduce the amount of chili powder if you prefer a milder flavor.

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?

Definitely! Simply replace the ground meat with additional beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

What’s the best way to serve Slow Cooker Chili?

Serve it hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, chopped onions, or sour cream alternatives. It pairs well with cornbread or over rice!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Slow Cooker Chili as much as I do! It’s not just filling and flavorful; it’s also a wonderful dish to share with family and friends. Whether you’re cozying up at home or hosting game day, this recipe is sure to impress. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Chili

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Author: Autumn
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re in search of a comforting, filling meal that’s effortlessly easy to prepare, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chili. Perfect for chilly evenings and busy weeknights, this recipe combines ground beef or turkey with hearty beans and flavorful spices for a dish that warms your heart and satisfies your hunger. Simply brown the meat, toss all the ingredients into the slow cooker, and let it simmer until everything melds into a rich, savory delight. This chili is not only customizable—allowing you to add your favorite veggies or adjust the spice levels—but also makes for excellent meal prep, so you can enjoy it throughout the week. Serve it with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal that will quickly become a family favorite!

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef or turkey
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 bell pepper, diced any color
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 cup beef or vegetable broth

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef or turkey in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes until fully cooked; drain excess fat.
In the slow cooker, combine the browned meat with kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, chili powder, cumin, salt, black pepper, and broth. Stir well.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Taste before serving and adjust seasonings as needed.
Ladle into bowls and serve warm.