Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Introduction

Slow cooker chili is a hearty and comforting dish that’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm and filling meal ready when you come home. This recipe combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices to create a flavorful and satisfying chili. Let’s get started!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 ounces) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 ounces) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup corn kernels (frozen or canned)
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and tortilla chips

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned and no longer pink. Use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent.
3. Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.
4. Add the diced red bell pepper, diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and corn to the slow cooker.
5. Season the chili with chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
6. Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
7. Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you like it spicier, add more cayenne pepper or chili powder.
8. Serve the slow cooker chili hot in bowls, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, diced avocado, and tortilla chips.
9. Enjoy your homemade slow cooker chili!

Tips

• If you prefer ground turkey or chicken, you can substitute them for the ground beef.
• Customize your chili by adding other ingredients like diced jalapeños, bell peppers, or different types of beans.
• This chili can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for a few days, making it a great meal prep option.
• To make it vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Variations

• For a smokier flavor, you can add a teaspoon of smoked paprika to the chili.
• If you like your chili thicker, you can add a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina during the last hour of cooking.
• Experiment with different types of beans, such as navy beans or Great Northern beans, to change the texture and flavor of your chili.

This slow cooker chili recipe is versatile and easily adapted to your taste preferences. It’s a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for potlucks, game days, or just a cozy evening at home. Enjoy!