I discovered a fantastic slow cooked chili recipe that redefines classic flavor. Ground beef, tomatoes, and beans mingle with punchy spices to create a rich, satisfying dish. Every bite bursts with tradition and culinary innovation. This slow cooked chili celebrates hearty ingredients in a way that inspires a true love for cooking.
I love throwing together my Slow Cooker Beef Chili because it’s a game changer on busy weeknights. I start with 2 lbs ground beef, 1 large onion chopped, and 3 garlic cloves minced – it’s all about building that flavor from the base.
Then I add in 2 cans of diced tomatoes with juice, 1 can tomato sauce and both kidney and black beans to create a hearty mix. I mix in 1 cup beef broth along with 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and if you like it spicy, a pinch of cayenne works wonders.
I let everything slowly cook until the beef is nice and juicy. This Slow Cooked Chili really impresses everyone and has become a staple in my kitchen.
#BeefItsWhatsForDinner, #NicelyDone, #BeefFarmersandRanchers, @beeffordinner. Enjoy!
Why I Like this Recipe
I really like this recipe because it’s super flavorful. When the ground beef simmers with the beans, tomatoes, and spices for so long, it develops this rich taste that just warms me up from the inside out.
I also love that it’s easy to make. Even if I mess up a little or don’t get every step perfect, it still turns out great, and I don’t have to be a master chef to pull it off.
Another reason is that it brings the family together. I enjoy getting the kids involved in the cooking process, and it makes mealtime feel more fun and relaxed.
Plus, I appreciate the little flexibility in the recipe. I can add more spice or adjust the seasoning to suit my mood, and that makes me feel like I really made it my own.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: Packed with protein and essential fats, it gives a hearty robust flavor.
- Onion: Offers fibre, vitamins and adds a subtle sweetness to enhance the flavor.
- Garlic: Imparts a zesty aroma and healthy antioxidants, making it a flavorful boost.
- Diced tomatoes: Brings tangy moisture and lycopene, offering vitamins and natural sweetness.
- Beans: Both types provide fibre and healthy carbs, making chili filling and nutritious.
- Beef broth: Infuses savory depth and moisture while balancing the chili’s spice levels.
Ingredient Quantities
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy
How to Make this
1. Brown the 2 lbs ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until its no longer pink, then drain off any extra grease and transfer it to your slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped large onion and the minced 3 garlic cloves to the slow cooker along with the beef.
3. Pour in the 2 cans of diced tomatoes along with their juice and the 1 can of tomato sauce.
4. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the mix.
5. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, making sure it covers all the ingredients.
6. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and if you like it spicy, a pinch of cayenne.
7. Stir everything together gently until well combined.
8. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
9. Give it a good stir half-way through the cook time if you can.
10. Taste and adjust your seasonings if needed before serving, then enjoy your family-friendly chili!
Equipment Needed
1. Large skillet – you’ll need this to brown the beef over medium-high heat
2. Slow cooker – for mixing and slow cooking all the ingredients
3. Sharp knife – to chop the onion and mince the garlic
4. Cutting board – essential for prepping your veggies
5. Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of beef broth and spices
6. Can opener – for opening the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans
7. Strainer or colander – to drain and rinse the beans properly
8. Stirring utensil – a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together
FAQ
Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe Substitutions and Variations
- Instead of 2 lbs of ground beef, you can use ground turkey or chicken if you’re looking for a leaner option.
- If you can’t find diced tomatoes with juice, try using canned crushed tomatoes which gives a smoother texture.
- If kidney beans or black beans are out, pinto beans work pretty well and add a nice twist.
- Beef broth can be replaced with chicken or even veggie broth if you prefer a lighter flavor.
- Dont worry if you don’t have chili powder on hand – a mix of extra cumin, paprika, and a bit more garlic powder can fill in.
Pro Tips
1. When you’re browning the beef, don’t crowd the pan too much so it actually gets a good sear, that means more flavor from the caramelized bits.
2. Try stirring the chili a couple of times while it simmers to help distribute the flavors evenly; sometimes slow cookers can be a bit uneven.
3. If you like a little twist, add a splash of something acidic like lime or even a bit of balsamic vinegar right at the end to brighten up the overall taste.
4. Let the chili sit for a few minutes after you turn off the heat so all the flavors settle in, it really helps make each bite more delicious.
Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe
My favorite Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe
Equipment Needed:
1. Large skillet – you’ll need this to brown the beef over medium-high heat
2. Slow cooker – for mixing and slow cooking all the ingredients
3. Sharp knife – to chop the onion and mince the garlic
4. Cutting board – essential for prepping your veggies
5. Measuring cups and spoons – to get the right amounts of beef broth and spices
6. Can opener – for opening the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans
7. Strainer or colander – to drain and rinse the beans properly
8. Stirring utensil – a wooden spoon or spatula to gently mix everything together
Ingredients:
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes with juice
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional: a pinch of cayenne if you like it spicy
Instructions:
1. Brown the 2 lbs ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until its no longer pink, then drain off any extra grease and transfer it to your slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped large onion and the minced 3 garlic cloves to the slow cooker along with the beef.
3. Pour in the 2 cans of diced tomatoes along with their juice and the 1 can of tomato sauce.
4. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans to the mix.
5. Pour in 1 cup of beef broth, making sure it covers all the ingredients.
6. Sprinkle 2 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and if you like it spicy, a pinch of cayenne.
7. Stir everything together gently until well combined.
8. Cover the slow cooker and let it cook on low for about 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
9. Give it a good stir half-way through the cook time if you can.
10. Taste and adjust your seasonings if needed before serving, then enjoy your family-friendly chili!
