Description
This Classic Slow Cooker Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a cozy meal. It blends lean ground beef, a variety of beans, tomatoes, and spices, slow-cooked to tender perfection. Easy to prepare and simmered for hours, this chili offers rich, deep flavors with minimal hands-on time, making it ideal for busy days or gatherings.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef (85/15 fat content)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes with juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice
- 15 oz tomato sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp fine sea salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Browning the Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the ground beef until it releases its fat, about 4-5 minutes. Break the meat up continuously with a spatula to ensure even cooking and browning.
- Sautéing the Onion and Spices: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook until tender, approximately 4-5 minutes. Then stir in the minced garlic along with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for about 30 seconds more, stirring constantly to release the flavors.
- Transferring to Slow Cooker and Combining Ingredients: Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the drained black beans and kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice, and tomato sauce. Stir everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cooking: Cook the chili on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld nicely and the chili to thicken.
- Final Seasoning and Serving: Taste the chili and adjust salt or other seasonings if needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add beef broth to reach the desired texture. Serve the chili warm and enjoy.
Notes
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content without sacrificing flavor.
- Rinse and drain beans thoroughly to prevent excessive sodium and achieve the best texture.
- Slow cooker sizes vary; a 6-quart slow cooker is suggested to accommodate the ingredients comfortably.
- Adding beef broth is optional and can help achieve your preferred chili consistency.
- For spicier chili, consider adding extra diced green chilis or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make sure to stir occasionally during slow cooking if your slow cooker has a tendency to cook unevenly.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American