There’s something magical about a steaming bowl of chili on a chilly evening. It warms your body, fills your home with savory aromas, and brings everyone together at the dinner table. But let’s face it: traditional chili recipes can be time-consuming, requiring constant stirring and careful monitoring. That’s where Slow Cooker Chili comes to the rescue. This effortless recipe delivers all the hearty, bold flavors of chili with none of the hassle.
Why You’ll Love Slow Cooker Chili
Slow cooker chili is a meal that practically cooks itself, leaving you free to focus on your day while your kitchen fills with the irresistible scent of simmering spices. Whether you’re preparing for a family dinner, meal-prepping for the week, or hosting a casual gathering, this dish is guaranteed to impress.
Plus, it’s endlessly customizable, so you can tweak the ingredients to suit your taste buds or dietary preferences.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili
Here’s what you’ll need to make this hearty chili:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
| Ground beef | 1 pound |
| Diced onion | ¾ cup |
| Diced celery | ¾ cup |
| Diced green bell pepper | ¾ cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Tomato puree | 2 (10.75-ounce) cans |
| Kidney beans (with liquid) | 1 (15-ounce) can |
| Kidney beans (drained) | 1 (15-ounce) can |
| Cannellini beans (with liquid) | 1 (15-ounce) can |
| Chili powder | ½ tablespoon |
| Salt | 1 teaspoon |
| Dried basil | ¾ teaspoon |
| Dried oregano | ¾ teaspoon |
| Dried parsley | ½ teaspoon |
| Ground black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
| Hot pepper sauce | ⅛ teaspoon |
This ingredient list is packed with flavor and nutrition, creating a well-rounded dish that’s as satisfying as it is delicious.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili
1. Preparing the Ground Beef
- Place the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat.
- Cook for 8 to 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the beef is browned and cooked through.
- Drain any excess grease and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
2. Adding the Vegetables
- Dice the onion, celery, and green bell pepper.
- Mince the garlic cloves.
- Add all the chopped vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
3. Incorporating the Beans and Tomato Puree
- Pour in the tomato puree, kidney beans (with liquid), kidney beans (drained), and cannellini beans (with liquid).
4. Seasoning the Chili
- Add the chili powder, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce to the slow cooker.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
5. Slow Cooking to Perfection
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low.
- Let the chili cook for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen.
6. Serving the Chili
- Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Why Slow Cooker Chili Stands Out
1. Effortless Cooking
With a slow cooker, you can set it and forget it, making this recipe perfect for busy days.
2. Rich, Bold Flavors
The slow cooking process enhances the spices, creating a chili that’s layered with flavor.
3. Packed with Protein and Fiber
Thanks to the beans and ground beef, this chili is both hearty and nutritious.
Tips for Perfect Slow Cooker Chili
1. Use Fresh Ingredients
Fresh vegetables and high-quality ground beef make a noticeable difference in flavor.
2. Adjust the Spice Level
- Add more hot pepper sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper if you like it spicy.
- For a milder chili, reduce or omit the hot pepper sauce.
3. Add Toppings
- Enhance the chili with toppings like shredded cheese, diced avocado, or crushed tortilla chips.
4. Make It Ahead of Time
Chili often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors continue to develop.
Serving Suggestions for Slow Cooker Chili
1. Classic Chili Bowls
Serve the chili in bowls with your favorite toppings for a hearty, satisfying meal.
2. Over Rice
Spoon the chili over steamed rice for a filling dinner.
3. Chili Dogs
Use the chili as a topping for hot dogs, adding cheese and onions for a classic twist.
4. Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and jalapeños for a delicious snack or appetizer.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1 cup) |
| Calories | 300 |
| Protein | 20g |
| Fat | 10g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
This chili is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a great choice for a balanced meal.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Not Draining the Ground Beef
Failing to drain the grease can result in an overly oily chili.
2. Adding Too Much Liquid
Stick to the recipe measurements to ensure the chili has a thick, hearty consistency.
3. Overpowering the Spices
Start with the recommended amounts and adjust gradually to suit your taste.
4. Opening the Slow Cooker Lid Too Often
Each time you lift the lid, you let out heat, which can extend the cooking time.
How to Customize Your Slow Cooker Chili
1. Swap the Beans
Use black beans, pinto beans, or a mix of your favorites to change up the flavor.
2. Go Vegetarian
Replace the ground beef with diced sweet potatoes or extra beans for a meatless version.
3. Experiment with Spices
Try adding smoked paprika, ground cumin, or a dash of cinnamon for unique flavor profiles.
FAQs About Slow Cooker Chili
1. Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?
Yes, you can cook it on the stovetop in a large pot. Simmer the chili over low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
2. How long does leftover chili last?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
3. Can I freeze chili?
Absolutely! Chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
4. How do I thicken chili if it’s too thin?
Let the chili cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes, or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
5. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe.
6. What’s the best way to reheat chili?
Reheat chili on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
Final Thoughts: Why Slow Cooker Chili Is a Winner
There’s a reason Slow Cooker Chili is a go-to recipe for so many people—it’s comforting, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or simply craving a warm, hearty meal, this recipe delivers every time.
So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a chili that’s as effortless as it is delicious.
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Slow Cooker Chili: A Flavor-Packed Comfort Food That Practically Cooks Itself
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves 6–8
Description
This hearty, flavor-packed Slow Cooker Chili is the ultimate comfort food. Loaded with beans, ground beef, and rich spices, it’s an effortless meal that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- ¾ cup diced onion
- ¾ cup diced celery
- ¾ cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (10.75-ounce) cans tomato puree
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (with liquid)
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans (drained)
- 1 (15-ounce) can cannellini beans (with liquid)
- ½ tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ¾ teaspoon dried basil
- ¾ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon dried parsley
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon hot pepper sauce
Instructions
- Prepare the Ground Beef:
- Heat a skillet over medium heat and add the ground beef.
- Cook for 8–10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until browned and fully cooked.
- Drain excess grease and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Add the Vegetables:
- Dice the onion, celery, and green bell pepper, and mince the garlic.
- Add all the vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Incorporate the Beans and Tomato Puree:
- Add the tomato puree, kidney beans (both with liquid and drained), and cannellini beans (with liquid) to the slow cooker.
- Season the Chili:
- Add chili powder, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and hot pepper sauce.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook:
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to Low.
- Cook for 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Serve:
- Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- Customize the Spice: Adjust the amount of hot pepper sauce or add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Toppings: Enhance your chili with toppings like diced avocado, crushed tortilla chips, or fresh cilantro.
- Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
