Description
A hearty, soul-soothing slow cooker chili packed with bold flavor, beans, spices, and nostalgia. Perfect for family dinners, tailgates, or cozy weekends.
Ingredients
Ground beef or turkey – 1–1.5 lbs
Onion, diced – 1 medium
Garlic, minced – 3 cloves
Crushed tomatoes – 28 oz can
Kidney beans, drained – 15 oz can
Black beans, drained – 15 oz can
Beef or vegetable broth – 1 cup
Chili powder – 2 tbsp
Cumin – 1 tsp
Smoked paprika – 1 tsp
Salt and pepper – To taste
Optional: Jalapeños, cayenne, dark chocolate, or brewed coffee for added depth
Instructions
1. Sauté diced onion and garlic in a splash of oil until translucent.
2. Add ground meat and brown fully.
3. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
4. Add crushed tomatoes, beans, broth, and all spices. Stir well.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 8 hours or High for 4 hours.
6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve hot.
7. Top with cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or avocado as desired.
8. Pair with buttery biscuits, garlic bread, or cornbread.
Notes
Customize with extras like corn, green chilies, or chipotle chili powder.
Bloom spices during the browning phase for extra flavor.
Store in the fridge for 5 days or freeze up to 3 months.
Reheat gently with a splash of broth if thickened.
Portion before freezing for easy weekday meals.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 55mg
Keywords: slow cooker chili, comfort food, easy dinner, chili recipe