The Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe – Easy & Delicious
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe – Easy & Delicious
There’s nothing quite like coming home to the comforting aroma of beef chili that’s been simmering all day in your slow cooker. This easy recipe delivers rich, flavorful chili with tender beef and perfectly cooked beans – the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself!
Slow cooking allows the flavors to deepen and meld together beautifully, creating a chili that’s far superior to anything you can make quickly on the stove. Plus, the convenience of “set it and forget it” cooking makes this perfect for busy weekdays or cozy weekend meals.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup beef broth
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to your slow cooker.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker – beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, and beef broth.
Step 4: Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Step 6: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Expert Tips
For richer flavor: Brown the ground beef in small batches to ensure proper caramelization. This creates deeper, more complex flavors in your final chili.
Bean options: Feel free to mix and match beans! Pinto beans, navy beans, or even chickpeas work wonderfully in this recipe.
Spice level: Control the heat by adjusting the amount of cayenne pepper. Start with 1/4 teaspoon if you prefer milder chili.
Make ahead: This chili actually tastes even better the next day. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stove.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use stew meat instead of ground beef? Absolutely! Use 2 lbs of beef stew meat cut into 1-inch pieces. The cooking time remains the same.
How can I thicken my chili? If your chili is too thin, mix 2 tablespoons of cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water, then stir into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Can I freeze leftover chili? Yes, this chili freezes beautifully! Store in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
What toppings go well with this chili? Try shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, chopped cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
The Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe – Easy & Delicious
Ingredients
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat and transfer to your slow cooker.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the same skillet and sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker – beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, spices, and beef broth.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
