Ah, my dear friend! Let’s talk about a recipe that’s not just food; it’s a warm hug in a bowl. You know how sometimes, life can get a bit hectic? Well, this Easy Slow Cooker Chili is your culinary answer to those busy evenings when you want something delicious and satisfying—but don’t want to spend all day fussing over it.
Here’s why this chili is such a winner
Now, let me tell you why you’ll absolutely adore making this chili. First off, it brings together the heartiness of ground beef and the comfort of beans—think of it as a cozy blanket against the cool evening air. The canned tomatoes pack in the flavor without any fuss, and when you whip up your homemade chili seasoning, you’ll instantly elevate the dish to gourmet levels.
But wait, there’s more! This chili is incredibly versatile. You can toss it in your slow cooker in the morning, go live your life, and come home to an aroma that will have your family flocking to the kitchen. It’s not just about taste; it’s about creating memories around the dinner table. Plus, a big batch means leftovers for lunch the next day—who doesn’t love that?
Ingredients overview
Let’s gather our ingredients, shall we? Here’s what you’ll need to create this spectacular bowl of comfort:
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Ground Beef: You can use any kind you like—85% lean is perfect. It gives that juicy flavor without too much grease.
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Canned Beans: Kidney or black beans work beautifully here. They not only add protein but also a lovely creaminess. Don’t have any? No worries, you can swap them for pinto beans or even chickpeas in a pinch!
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Canned Tomatoes: Whether you go for diced or crushed tomatoes, they add a beautiful base to our chili. If fresh are in season, chop ’em up and go for it!
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Homemade Chili Seasoning: You’ll mix chili powder, cumin, and paprika to create a signature blend. Feel free to adjust the spice level! Add cayenne if you like a little kick.
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Optional Veggies: Diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper lend freshness. These ingredients bridge the flavors nicely, so don’t skip them if you can help it!
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Salt and Pepper: Always necessary for rounding out the flavors!
Preparing Easy Slow Cooker Chili
Now, let’s get down to business, and I promise it’s easier than a Sunday stroll!
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Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Make sure to drain off any excess fat—nobody wants a greasy chili!
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Combine Ingredients: Toss the browned beef into your slow cooker along with the canned beans and tomatoes.
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Add Seasoning: Now sprinkle in your homemade chili seasoning. This is where the magic begins, so mix it all together really well.
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Optional Additions: If you’re using onion, garlic, or bell pepper, toss those in next. They add a wonderful depth of flavor!
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Season to Taste: A generous sprinkle of salt and pepper will elevate everything just the way you like it.
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Time to Cook: Cover and set your slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. You want it to be bubbling and fragrant by the time it’s done!
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Serve and Savor: When it’s ready, serve it hot and enjoy each delightful bite.
Best way to enjoy it
Chili is one of those rare dishes that’s fab on its own but is even better when you get a little creative! Serve it with thick slices of cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips for scooping. Want to take it up a notch? Drizzle some sour cream on top, sprinkle with shredded cheese, or chop some fresh cilantro for a pop of color.
How to store and freeze
So, let’s talk about what to do with leftovers! If you find yourself with extra chili (and trust me, it happens!), allow it to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. You can keep it in the fridge for up to 4 days—just reheat in a saucepan or the microwave.
But if you’re looking to stock your freezer, ladle it into freezer-safe bags, flatten them out, and freeze. This way, you’ll have future meals ready to defrost whenever you crave comfort!
Pro chef tips
Here’s a few insider secrets to elevate your chili! First, toast those spices before adding them—they release their essential oils and deepen the flavors wonderfully. You can also add a splash of beer or red wine for an extra layer of richness—just let it cook longer to evaporate the alcohol. If you want a thicker chili, mash some of those beans against the side of the slow cooker!
Creative Twists
Feel like switching it up? How about adding some roasted sweet potatoes or even quinoa for a twist? You can make it vegetarian by swapping beef for lentils and using veggie broth instead of chicken stock. The possibilities are endless, my friend!
Ingredients list
- Ground beef
- Canned beans (kidney or black beans)
- Canned tomatoes (diced or crushed)
- Homemade chili seasoning (chili powder, cumin, paprika)
- Onion (optional)
- Garlic (optional)
- Bell pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions to follow
- In a skillet, brown ground beef over medium heat and drain excess fat.
- Combine browned beef, beans, tomatoes, and seasoning in the slow cooker.
- Add optional ingredients like onion, garlic, or bell pepper.
- Mix well and season with salt and pepper.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve hot and enjoy!
Your questions answered
Q: Can I use turkey instead of beef?
A: Absolutely! Ground turkey will work just fine—though you might consider adding a dash of oil since it’s leaner.
Q: How spicy is this chili?
A: That’s all up to you! Control the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder and cayenne to match your taste preferences.
Q: What if I don’t have a slow cooker?
A: No worries! You can make this chili on the stove. Just simmer on low for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally.
Q: Can I add more veggies?
A: Definitely! Zucchini, mushrooms, or even carrots would be wonderful additions.
Q: Will it still taste good if I freeze it?
A: Yes! It actually improves in flavor as it sits, making it an excellent meal prep option.
I hope you take this recipe and make it your own. Each batch of chili is like a unique fingerprint—you can always add a dash of this or a pinch of that! So grab your slow cooker, roll up your sleeves, and let’s get cooking. Trust me, when you serve this chili at the dinner table, you’ll be greeted with smiles and “this is delicious!” Keep sharing those warm moments—and don’t forget to let me know how yours turns out!
Easy Slow Cooker Chili
Description
This Easy Slow Cooker Chili is your answer for busy evenings—delicious, satisfying, and easy to prepare.Ingredients
Main Ingredients
Instructions
Cooking Steps
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Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s no longer pink. Drain off any excess fat. -
Combine Ingredients
Toss the browned beef into your slow cooker along with the canned beans and tomatoes. -
Add Seasoning
Sprinkle in your homemade chili seasoning and mix well. -
Optional Additions
Add diced onion, minced garlic, and bell pepper, if using. -
Season to Taste
Sprinkle with salt and pepper to your liking. -
Cook
Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.Chili should be bubbling and fragrant. -
Serve
Serve hot and enjoy each delightful bite!
Nutrition Facts
Servings 6
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 350kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 20g31%
- Saturated Fat 8g40%
- Trans Fat 1g
- Cholesterol 70mg24%
- Sodium 800mg34%
- Potassium 800mg23%
- Total Carbohydrate 30g10%
- Dietary Fiber 8g32%
- Sugars 4g
- Protein 25g50%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
