Slow Cooker Beef Chili Packed with Flavorful Goodness

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If you love a hearty, soul-warming meal, you will adore this Slow Cooker Beef Chili! Packed with tender beef, beans, and mouthwatering spices, this dish is both easy and delicious. With just a few simple ingredients, you can create a comfort food classic that will warm your home and please your taste buds. Ready to learn how to make this flavorful goodness? Let’s dive in!

Why I Love This Recipe

1. Comforting Meal: This beef chili is the perfect comfort food, ideal for cozy nights in or gatherings with friends and family.
2. Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps and a slow cooker, it’s a hassle-free recipe that allows for busy schedules.
3. Flavorful Ingredients: The combination of spices and fresh vegetables creates a rich and hearty flavor that warms the soul.
4. Customizable Heat: Adjust the spiciness by adding jalapeños or other peppers, making it just right for your taste preferences.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients for Slow Cooker Beef Chili

– 1.5 lbs ground beef

– 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

– 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables and Spices

– 1 medium onion, finely chopped

– 2 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 green bell pepper, diced

– 1 red bell pepper, diced

– 1 jalapeño, deseeded and minced (optional)

– 2 tablespoons chili powder

– 1 teaspoon ground cumin

– 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

– 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper

– 1/2 teaspoon salt

Liquid Ingredients

– 1 cup beef broth

– 1 can diced tomatoes (28 oz), with juices

I find that using fresh ingredients makes all the difference. The ground beef is the star of the show. I prefer using grass-fed beef for its rich flavor. The beans add great texture and fiber. Kidney beans bring a hearty bite, while black beans add a unique taste.

Now, let’s talk about the vegetables. Onions and garlic are must-haves. They create a base of flavor that really shines. Bell peppers add sweetness and color. The jalapeño, if you like heat, gives your chili a nice kick. Adjust the amount to fit your taste.

Spices bring everything together. Chili powder is the main spice, giving the chili its warm flavor. Cumin and smoked paprika add depth and a hint of smokiness. Salt and pepper bring out all the flavors.

Finally, the liquid ingredients are key. Beef broth adds richness, while diced tomatoes add acidity. This combo helps meld all the flavors together during cooking. Trust me, this chili will be packed with flavorful goodness!

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparing the Ground Beef

To start, you need to brown the meat in a skillet. Heat some oil over medium-high heat. Place the ground beef in the skillet. Cook until the beef is brown, breaking it apart with a spatula. This step adds flavor to your chili. Once the beef is fully cooked, drain the excess fat. This keeps your chili from being too greasy. Set the beef aside for later.

Cooking the Vegetables

Next, let’s cook the vegetables. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced green bell pepper, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté these for about five minutes. You want the veggies to be tender and fragrant. This step builds a nice flavor base for your chili.

Combining Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Now it’s time to combine everything in the slow cooker. Transfer the sautéed mixture along with the browned beef into the slow cooker. Then, add the drained kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes along with their juices. Don’t forget the tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, and beef broth. If you like heat, add the minced jalapeño. Stir everything together until well mixed.

Cooking Time and Temperature Settings

Finally, it’s time to cook the chili. Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to low for six to eight hours or high for three to four hours. Cooking on low lets the flavors develop more. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. When it’s done cooking, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. Enjoy the rich flavors of your slow cooker beef chili!

Tips & Tricks

Enhancing Flavor

To make your chili even better, think about adding more spices. A pinch of oregano or cayenne pepper can bring out more taste. If you want it spicy, toss in more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce. Start slow, so you can control the heat.

Serving Suggestions

When serving, top your chili with fresh cilantro and a dollop of sour cream. You can also add shredded cheese for extra creaminess. For a fun crunch, serve it with warm cornbread or crispy tortilla chips. They pair perfectly with the rich flavors of the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Be careful not to overcook your chili. If you leave it too long, the meat can turn tough. On the other hand, undercooking leaves flavors unblended. Also, always drain your beans well. Not draining them can make your chili watery, so be sure to rinse and drain before adding them.

Variations

Different Protein Options

You can switch up the beef in your chili. Turkey or chicken works great. Ground turkey gives a leaner option. Chicken adds a nice flavor too. Just follow the same steps as with beef. For a vegetarian or vegan twist, skip the meat. Use lentils or mushrooms instead. These options still pack a punch in flavor.

Adding Additional Ingredients

Get creative with your chili! Adding extra veggies makes it heartier. Think about zucchini or corn for a sweet bite. You can also toss in carrots or spinach. They blend well and add color. When it comes to beans, feel free to mix it up. Use pinto or cannellini beans for a different taste. Each bean adds its own texture and flavor.

Spicy vs. Mild Chili

Do you like heat? You can easily spice things up. Add more jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. A bit of hot sauce can also do the trick. If you prefer a milder flavor, tone down the spices. Reduce chili powder or leave out the jalapeños. You can always add spices later if needed. Taste as you go for the best results.

Storage Info

Refrigerating Leftovers

You can keep your beef chili in the fridge for up to four days. Use airtight containers to store it. This helps keep the chili fresh and tasty. Make sure to let it cool down before sealing it up. Label the container with the date, so you know when you made it.

Freezing Instructions

To freeze chili, let it cool first. Then, pour it into freezer-safe bags or containers. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. This way, it can last up to three months. When you’re ready to eat it, move it to the fridge overnight to thaw. You can also thaw it in the microwave if you’re in a hurry.

Reheating Guidelines

When reheating, you can use either a microwave or stovetop. For the microwave, place the chili in a bowl and cover it with a lid. Heat it in short bursts, stirring in between. This helps it heat evenly. If using the stovetop, pour the chili into a pot. Stir it often and heat it on medium until hot. This method also keeps the flavors fresh.

FAQs

Can I make Slow Cooker Beef Chili without beans?

Yes, you can! Many people enjoy chili without beans. You can use more meat or add grains like quinoa or rice. Some great substitutes include:

– Extra ground beef or turkey

– Chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture

– Lentils for a healthy touch

This way, you still get a tasty chili without beans.

What to serve with Slow Cooker Beef Chili?

Chili is perfect with many sides. Here are some great options:

– Warm cornbread for a sweet touch

– Tortilla chips for crunch

– Rice to soak up the chili

– A fresh salad for balance

These sides make a complete meal.

How do I thicken my beef chili?

If your chili is too thin, here are some easy tips:

– Add more tomato paste for thickness

– Stir in some masa harina or cornmeal

– Let it cook longer with the lid off

These methods help you achieve the right texture.

Can I cook this chili overnight?

You can cook chili overnight, but be safe! Use the low setting to keep it safe. Here are tips:

– Make sure your slow cooker is in good shape

– Start it before bed and check in the morning

– If cooking for more than 8 hours, add extra broth

This way, you wake up to a delicious meal waiting for you!

Slow cooker beef chili combines rich flavors and hearty ingredients. We covered the main components like beef, beans, spices, and veggies. I shared step-by-step instructions for cooking and tips for enhancing taste. Remember to avoid common mistakes while preparing your chili. Experiment with different proteins and spices to make it your own. Store any leftovers properly for future meals. Now, enjoy your delicious chili with your favorite topping

Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Chili

A delicious and comforting beef chili made in a slow cooker, perfect for gatherings.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 15 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

  

• 1.5 lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 jalapeño deseeded and minced (optional for heat)
• Fresh cilantro, for garnish

Instructions

 

• In a large skillet, heat a drizzle of cooking oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook thoroughly until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat and set the beef aside.
• In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced green bell pepper, and diced red bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, or until the vegetables are tender and fragrant.
• Transfer the sautéed mixture along with the ground beef into the slow cooker.
• To the slow cooker, add the drained kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, black pepper, salt, beef broth, and minced jalapeño (if using). Stir all the ingredients together until evenly combined.
• Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully together.
• Once cooking time is complete, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt or spices if desired.
• Ladle the warm chili into bowls and garnish generously with fresh cilantro on top.

Notes

Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Keyword beef, chili, comfort food, slow cooker

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