Slow Cooker Chili

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Slow Cooker Chili is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for chilly days or feeding a crowd. Originating from the southwestern United States, chili has become a beloved staple across the country, known for its rich, meaty flavor and spicy kick.

This slow cooker version allows the flavors to meld together over several hours, resulting in a deeply flavorful and satisfying meal with minimal effort. Ideal for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this chili is sure to become a family favorite.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

You’ll love Slow Cooker Chili for its convenience and delicious taste. The slow cooker does all the work, simmering the ingredients to perfection and filling your home with mouth-watering aromas. This chili is versatile and can be customized to your taste, making it perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or simply craving a cozy meal, this chili is sure to hit the spot.

Expert Tips and Tricks

  • Brown the Meat: For extra depth of flavor, brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
  • Don’t Skip the Spices: Toasting the spices in the skillet before adding them to the slow cooker can enhance their flavors.
  • Adjust the Heat: Customize the level of spiciness by adjusting the amount of chili powder, cayenne pepper, or adding diced jalapeños.
  • Thicken the Chili: If the chili is too thin, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking or stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal.
  • Add Beans Later: To prevent the beans from becoming too mushy, add them during the last hour of cooking.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

  • Turkey Chili: Substitute ground turkey for a leaner version of this chili.
  • Vegetarian Chili: Use a variety of beans and vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and corn instead of meat.
  • White Chicken Chili: Use chicken breast, white beans, and green chilies with a chicken broth base for a different flavor profile.
  • Sweet Potato Chili: Add diced sweet potatoes for a touch of sweetness and extra nutrition.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Serve Slow Cooker Chili with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, or fresh cilantro. Pair it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal. A cold beer or a glass of red wine also complements the rich flavors of the chili.

Storage and Reheating Tips

  • Refrigeration: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Freeze the chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
  • Reheating: Reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave.

Recipe FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time? Yes, chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.

How can I make the chili thicker? If the chili is too thin, you can remove the lid for the last hour of cooking or stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal.

Can I use different types of beans? Absolutely! Feel free to mix and match different beans like kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans.

Is this chili spicy? The level of spiciness can be adjusted to your preference by adding more or less chili powder, cayenne pepper, or diced jalapeños.

What can I use instead of ground beef? You can use ground turkey, chicken, or a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

Slow Cooker Chili

Slow Cooker Chili

Yield: 8 servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes

Enjoy a hearty and comforting meal with this Slow Cooker Chili. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, this rich and flavorful chili is easy to make and customizable to your taste. Serve with your favorite toppings and sides for a satisfying dish.

Ingredients

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, diced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and diced (optional)
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (11 oz) corn, drained (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
  2. Prepare Vegetables: Add the diced onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
  6. Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings and sides.

Notes

  • Toast the Spices: For enhanced flavor, toast the spices in the skillet for a minute before adding them to the slow cooker.
  • Deglaze the Pan: Use a bit of the beef broth to deglaze the skillet and get all the flavorful bits before transferring to the slow cooker.
  • Stir Occasionally: If possible, give the chili a stir occasionally to ensure even cooking.

    • Nutrition Information:
    Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1
    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 278Total Fat: 11gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 51mgSodium: 660mgCarbohydrates: 26gFiber: 6gSugar: 10gProtein: 21g
    © Chasety.com
    Cuisine: American / Category: Dinner

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