Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

🍲 Set It and Forget It: Slow Cooker Chili Recipe for Busy Days 🌶️

Hey there, foodies! Chef Alex here, your kitchen buddy with another deliciously easy recipe to spice up your life. Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorite comfort foods: Slow Cooker Chili! This hearty, soul-warming chili is a total lifesaver when life gets hectic and you’re craving a cozy, satisfying meal but just don’t have the energy to stand over a stove all day.

With just about 15 minutes of prep time, you toss everything into your crockpot, walk away, and let the slow cooker do its magic. Before you know it, your home is filled with the mouthwatering aroma of bubbling chili loaded with juicy beef, beans, zesty tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices.

Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Life-Changing Chili: A Personal Anecdote 📖

Growing up, chili night was always my favorite night of the week. It brings back vivid childhood memories of chilly Sunday afternoons at my grandparents’ home after soccer practice. I’d walk in muddy cleats and all and instantly be hit with the most comforting smell: Grandma’s famous chili slowly simmering, enticing everyone in the house.

Fast-forward a bunch of years later, I’ve kept the tradition alive, though I’ve tweaked Grandma’s classic recipe a little to suit my preferences (sorry, Grandma!). This hearty, flavorful Slow Cooker Chili has gotten me through countless busy days, from long kitchen shifts to big game day parties with friends—it’s always a huge hit.

Ready to experience chili bliss? Let’s get cooking!

🥄 Ingredients for Your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Here’s what you’ll need to gather:

– 1½ lbs ground beef (you can absolutely swap it for turkey if you prefer!)
– 1 large sweet onion, chopped
– 2 cloves garlic, minced
– 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
– 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
– 2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
– 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
– 1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained
– 1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained
– 3 tbsp chili powder
– 2 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp smoked paprika
– 1 tbsp brown sugar (this little secret adds balance)
– ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for a subtle kick)
– ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper (feel free to add more if you’re bold!)
– Salt & black pepper, to taste

🔥 Let’s Get Cooking: Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Brown Your Meat

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add your ground beef (or turkey) and brown it, breaking it apart with your spoon as it cooks. Halfway through browning, go ahead and toss in your chopped onion, stirring occasionally until the onion is soft and fragrant. Near the end, stir in the garlic and cook it all together for about 1 more minute—just enough to release that amazing garlic aroma. Drain off any excess grease and transfer your mixture into the slow cooker.

Step 2: Tomato Time!

In a bowl or measuring cup, whisk tomato paste into the beef broth until it’s nice and smooth. This step helps you easily mix in the tomato paste without clumps later on. Pour this rich, tomatoey goodness over your beef and onion mixture in the slow cooker.

Step 3: Bring on the Beans and Spices

Now, the fun part—dump everything else in! Kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, fire-roasted tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, and cayenne pepper. Stir it up gently until everything’s combined.

Step 4: Set and Forget (With Confidence!)

Pop the lid on your trusty slow cooker, set it, and when you come back, chili magic awaits. Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours. It’s that easy!

Step 5: Taste and Season

Before serving, give your chili a good stir, taste it, and adjust the salt and pepper as needed. That little chef’s taste test is essential—you deserve the first bite anyway!

🍽️ Serving and Topping Suggestions

Now is the fun part—customizing your bowl! Ladle your chili into bowls and add all your favorite toppings. Here are some tasty ideas:

– Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese (yes, please!)
– A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for cool creaminess
– Fresh chopped cilantro or scallions for a fresh burst of flavor
– Crunchy tortilla chips or Fritos for texture
– Diced avocado or guacamole, because avocado makes everything better
– A squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness
– Serve alongside warm, buttery cornbread (my personal favorite) or fluffy steamed rice.

🌟 Pro Tips from Chef Alex:

– Double Up, Freeze Up: This chili freezes beautifully! Make a double batch, freeze some for meal prep, and future-you will thank present-you big time.
– Spice It Your Way: Adjust heat level easily by cutting down or bumping up cayenne and red pepper flakes. Start slow—add gradually and taste as you go.
– No Beans? No Problem: Not a bean fan? Substitute with extra ground beef, vegetables like chopped bell peppers, zucchini, carrots, or even sweet potatoes. Totally customizable!

📋 Nutritional Information (Per Serving):

This comforting bowl is not only delicious but also packs protein and satisfying nutrition:

– Calories: 249
– Protein: 17g
– Carbs: 6g
– Fat: 18g

Not bad for pure comfort on a spoon, right?

🕒 Ready In:

– Prep Time: 15 minutes
– Cook Time: 5–8 hours
– Total: Around 5 hrs 30 mins
– Serves: 8 hungry foodies

✨ Get Ready for Comfort in Every Spoonful!

There you have it—my go-to, fuss-free Slow Cooker Chili recipe that’s just perfect for cozy nights, game-day gatherings, or anytime you want bold, satisfying flavor with minimal effort. Your home will smell absolutely amazing, making it nearly impossible to wait for that first spoonful—trust me, it’s worth every second!

Loved this recipe or tweaked it in your own way? Hit me up in the comments below! I’m always excited to hear about your kitchen adventures. Keep cooking and keep spreading foodie love!

Bon Appétit, friends! 😋❤️

— Chef Alex

Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Print Recipe

• Author: Emily Walker
• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 5–8 hrs
• Total Time: 5 hrs 30 mins
• Yield: 8

Ingredients

• 1½ lbs ground beef or turkey
• 1 large sweet onion, chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 2 (10 oz) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies (like Rotel)
• 1 (14.5 oz) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
• 1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans, drained
• 1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans, drained
• 3 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• ¼ tsp red pepper flakes
• ⅛ tsp cayenne pepper
• Salt & black pepper, to taste

Instructions

In a skillet, brown the ground beef. Add chopped onion halfway through and cook until soft. Stir in garlic and cook for 1 more minute. Drain grease.

Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker.

Whisk tomato paste into beef broth, then pour over the meat.

Add all remaining ingredients: diced tomatoes, beans, and spices.

Cover and cook:
• Low for 6–8 hours
• High for 3–4 hours

Nutrition

• Calories: 249
• Fat: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Protein: 17g