Here’s a simple, reliable slow cooker chili recipe that turns out rich, hearty, and low-effort.
🥣 Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
🧾 Ingredients
- 500g ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 can (400g) black beans (optional), drained & rinsed
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) tomato sauce or passata
- 1–2 tbsp tomato paste (for thicker chili)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional but good)
- 1–2 tsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp oregano (optional)
- ½–1 tsp red chili flakes or cayenne (for heat)
- ½ cup water or beef broth (as needed)
🔥 Instructions
1. Brown the meat (recommended)
- In a pan, cook ground beef with onions until browned.
- Add garlic and cook 30 seconds more.
- Drain excess fat.
(You can skip this step, but browning improves flavor.)
2. Add everything to slow cooker
- Transfer meat mixture to slow cooker.
- Add beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, bell pepper, and spices.
- Stir well.
3. Cook
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
Stir once or twice if possible, but not required.
4. Adjust at the end
- Taste and add salt, chili, or cumin if needed.
- If too thin: cook uncovered for 20–30 minutes or add a little more tomato paste.
- If too thick: add a splash of water or broth.
🍽️ Serving Ideas
- Top with shredded cheese
- Sour cream or yogurt
- Chopped coriander (cilantro)
- Jalapeños
- Serve with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips
🔄 Easy Variations
- Vegetarian: Skip meat, add extra beans + corn + mushrooms
- Smoky flavor: Add ½ tsp smoked paprika
- Extra rich: Add a small piece of dark chocolate or 1 tsp cocoa powder
- Spicier: Add fresh green chilies or extra cayenne
If you want, I can also give you a Pakistani-style chili version, a no-bean chili, or a high-protein meal prep version.
