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Best Slow-Cooker Chili Recipe for Easy Cozy Meals

slow-cooker chili - featured image

This slow-cooker chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish made with tender beef, beans, and bold spices in a rich tomato-based sauce. Perfect for cozy comfort meals and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs lean ground beef
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks, about 5-7 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
  2. Remove the beef from the skillet and transfer it to your slow cooker, leaving some of the grease in the skillet.
  3. In the same skillet, add the diced onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened slightly. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, stirring frequently.
  4. Transfer the sautéed veggies to the slow cooker.
  5. Add the kidney beans, pinto beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes (with their juice), beef broth, and tomato paste to the slow cooker.
  6. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined.
  7. Set your slow cooker to low heat and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours. Stir occasionally if you’re home, but it’s not necessary.
  8. After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it cook uncovered on high for another 30 minutes.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings—cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

[‘Browning the beef adds deeper flavor and prevents greasiness.’, ‘Sautéing the onion, peppers, and garlic boosts overall taste.’, ‘For thicker chili, cook uncovered or add cornmeal or masa harina.’, ‘Adjust spice levels to your preference.’]

Nutrition

Keywords: slow-cooker chili, easy chili recipe, comfort food, hearty chili, meal prep, family dinner, cozy meals