Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for busy days. This easy recipe combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices slow-cooked to develop deep, rich flavors.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 2 cans beans (such as kidney or black beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14.5 ounces)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Step 2: Add the cooked ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Step 3: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours, until the chili is thick and flavors are well blended.
4. Step 4: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Tips & Variations

• For a spicier chili, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
• Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or omit meat for a vegetarian version.
• Use different kinds of beans like pinto or black beans to vary the texture.
• Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra veggies.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it in a pot over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use canned chili beans instead of plain beans?

Yes, canned chili beans come pre-seasoned and can be used in place of plain beans, but you may want to reduce the added spices to avoid overpowering the dish.

Do I need to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the beef first enhances the flavor and texture, but if you’re short on time, you can add raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker. Just make sure to cook it on high for a bit longer.

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 114 reviews

This hearty Slow Cooker Chili combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices slow-cooked to perfection, resulting in a rich and flavorful meal perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings.

• Author: Mick
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6 hours (low) or 3 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat

• 1 pound ground beef

Beans

• 2 cups cooked kidney beans (or 1 can, drained and rinsed)

Vegetables

• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes

Spices

• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Prepare Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
2. Add to Slow Cooker: Add cooked ground beef, beans, diced tomatoes, and all spices into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
3. Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors have melded and the chili is rich and thick.
4. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions.

Notes

• For a spicier chili, add chopped jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
• Use low-sodium beans and tomatoes to reduce salt content.
• You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
• For vegetarian chili, omit meat and add extra beans and vegetables.
• Slow cookers vary; check chili consistency and taste before finishing cooking time.

Keywords: slow cooker chili, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, comfort food, slow cooked chili