Here’s a hearty, flavorful slow cooker chili recipe that’s perfect for busy days — dump everything in the pot and let it cook! 🍲
🌶 Slow Cooker Chili
Serves: 6–8
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450 g) ground beef, or substitute turkey/chicken
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth
- 2–3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro
Instructions
1️⃣ Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended)
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until browned.
- Drain excess fat.
- This step adds flavor but you can skip and add raw meat directly to the slow cooker.
2️⃣ Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
- Ground beef
- Onion, garlic, bell pepper
- Diced tomatoes, tomato sauce
- Beans
- Broth
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, pepper
Stir well to combine.
3️⃣ Cook
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavor.
4️⃣ Taste & Adjust
- About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning.
- Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
5️⃣ Serve
- Ladle into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cilantro.
- Serve with crusty bread or tortilla chips.
💡 Tips
- For extra flavor, add 1–2 tsp smoked paprika or a splash of Worcestershire sauce.
- For thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Freeze leftovers in portions — chili tastes even better the next day.
If you want, I can also give you a vegetarian slow cooker chili version that’s just as hearty and flavorful.
Do you want me to do that?
