Description
This best slow cooker chili recipe combines ground beef with a flavorful blend of tomatoes, beans, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection. It’s a hearty, comforting dish ideal for meal prep or cozy family dinners, delivering layers of smoky, savory, and mildly spicy flavors with minimal hands-on cooking.
Ingredients
Scale
Protein and Vegetables
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Tomatoes and Beans
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
Liquids and Sauces
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 tsp salt
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it is thoroughly browned. Drain the excess fat to reduce grease and create a better texture.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent, releasing its flavor.
- Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. Add all canned tomatoes (diced, crushed, and sauce), kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, oregano, black pepper, brown sugar, and chopped bell pepper if desired. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld deeply. Alternatively, cook on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally during the cooking process if possible to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust & Thicken: After cooking, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt, pepper, or spices. For a thicker chili, leave the slow cooker uncovered and cook for an additional 30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
- Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced avocado for added texture and flavor.
Notes
- Using ground turkey instead of beef creates a leaner chili option.
- Drain and rinse beans to reduce sodium content.
- The optional cayenne pepper adds heat but can be omitted to make the chili milder.
- Leftover chili stores well and tastes even better the next day.
- Toppings like cheese and sour cream add richness but can be omitted for a dairy-free diet.
