Craving a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself? This Slow Cooker Chili recipe is here to save the day! Packed with tender ground beef, smoky spices, and a medley of beans, this chili is rich, bold, and perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, meal prepping for the week, or just looking for a cozy dinner, this slow cooker chili is a winner. Plus, it’s incredibly easy to make—just set it and forget it! Let’s dive into this ultimate comfort food recipe.
🛒 Ingredients
Here’s everything you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Recipe:
🥩 2 lbs lean ground beef
🧅 1 large onion, diced
🧄 6 cloves garlic, minced
🫑 1 red bell pepper, diced
🫑 1 green bell pepper, diced
🍅 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
🍅 1 can (15 oz) crushed tomatoes
🌶️ 1 can (4 oz) diced green chilies
🥫 2 tablespoons tomato paste
🥫 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
🥫 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
🍺 1 cup beef broth (or beer for extra flavor)
🌿 2 tablespoons chili powder
🌿 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
🌿 1 teaspoon ground cumin
🌿 1/2 teaspoon ground coriander
🌿 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
🧂 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
🧂 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
🍯 1 teaspoon sugar
🍯 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
🍫 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (trust me, it’s magic!)
Toppings (optional):
🧀 Shredded cheese
🥄 Sour cream
🌱 Green onions, chopped
🌿 Fresh cilantro
🌶️ Sliced jalapeños
🍞 Cornbread or tortilla chips (for serving)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to make the ultimate Slow Cooker Chili Recipe:
- Brown the Beef: If your slow cooker has a sauté function, use it to brown the ground beef directly in the pot. If not, brown the beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
- Sauté the Veggies: In the same pot or skillet, sauté the diced onion, garlic, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper for 3-5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add the diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, diced green chilies, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth (or beer), and all the spices (chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne, salt, pepper, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa powder). Stir well to combine.
- Cook Low and Slow: Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors will develop.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Add more salt, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
- Serve and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings—shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for the ultimate experience.
🍴 Pro Tips & Variations
- Make It Spicy: Add extra cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño for more heat.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
- Extra Smoky Flavor: Add a teaspoon of liquid smoke or an extra tablespoon of smoked paprika.
- Beer Lover’s Twist: Use a dark beer like stout or porter for a richer, deeper flavor.
For more slow cooker inspiration, check out Top 12 budget slow cooker recipes
🥡 Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigeration: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili thickens too much.
Looking for more make-ahead meals? Try our Slow Cooker Mac and Cheese Recipe for easy dinners!
🍽️ Recipe Card (Structured Data)
Slow Cooker Chili
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes to 8 hours 20 minutes
- Servings: 8
- Calories: 350 per serving
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (Leave a review below!)
