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This hearty Slow Cooker Chili is rich, flavorful, and perfect for busy weeknights or game day. Just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it simmer into a deeply satisfying dish. It’s packed with protein, loaded with spices, and perfect with cornbread, rice, or on its own.
⏱️ Prep Time
| Task | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 15 minutes |
| Cook Time | 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High) |
| Total Time | ~6–8 hours |
🧰 Equipment
- Slow cooker (4–6 quarts)
- Skillet (optional, for browning meat)
- Wooden spoon
- Cutting board & knife
- Can opener
- Ladle
🧂 Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
📌 Ingredient Notes
- Ground Meat: Ground beef is classic, but turkey or plant-based meat works too.
- Beans: Use any combination you like—pinto, chili beans, or even lentils.
- Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes add depth of flavor if available.
- Broth: Helps thin out the chili and adds flavor; adjust based on how thick you want it.
- Spice Level: Add cayenne or diced jalapeños for more heat, or omit for a milder chili.
🍳 Instructions
- Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended):
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef and diced onion until browned. Add garlic in the last minute.
- Drain excess fat and transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Add all beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, paste, bell pepper, broth, and spices to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cook:
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
- Adjust Seasoning:
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, or more chili powder before serving.
- Serve:
- Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite toppings.
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (Per serving, based on 6 servings)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | ~350 kcal |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbs | 30g |
| Fat | 15g |
| Fiber | 8g |
| Sodium | 700mg |
| Sugar | 6g |
Values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
💡 Tips
- Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day—make it ahead for meal prep.
- Thick or Thin: For thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes. For thinner, add more broth.
- Double Batch: Great for freezing—store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
🔄 Variations
- Vegetarian Chili: Omit meat and double the beans or add lentils, sweet potato, or quinoa.
- White Chicken Chili: Use shredded chicken, white beans, and green chiles with a cream base.
- Tex-Mex Style: Add corn, jalapeños, and top with avocado or tortilla strips.
- Beer Chili: Replace 1/2 cup of broth with dark beer for deeper flavor.
