There is nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili on a cool day. It is one of those meals that just feels like a big, cozy hug. If you have been searching for a straightforward and delicious Chili Recipe, you have come to the right place. This one is a keeper.
We are going to make this crowd pleaser in the slow cooker. That means you get to do a little prep work and then let the machine do all the heavy lifting. It is an amazing meal for busy weeknights or a lazy Sunday afternoon. Let’s get cooking!
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Honestly, what is not to love? This is a truly Popular Chili Recipe for so many reasons. First, it is incredibly easy to put together. You do not need any special cooking skills to make a fantastic batch of chili that will impress everyone.
The flavor is another huge win. It is rich, savory, and has just the right amount of spice. The slow cooking process lets all the ingredients meld together beautifully. This creates a deep and satisfying taste that gets even better over time.
It is also a wonderfully versatile dish. You can serve it with so many different toppings. Think shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or some fresh cilantro. Everyone can customize their own bowl, which makes it a fun family meal.
Plus, this can easily be a Healthy Chili Recipe. We use lean ground beef, and it is packed with beans and tomatoes. Beans are a great source of fiber and protein. You get a hearty meal that is also good for you. It is the best of both worlds.
And let’s talk about leftovers. This Chili Recipe is one of those dishes that tastes even more amazing the next day. The flavors continue to develop in the fridge. It is fantastic for meal prepping for the week ahead.
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef, (90 percent lean)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans, two 15oz cans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Step By Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown The Beef And Onions
First things first, grab a large skillet. Place it over medium high heat. Add your ground beef and let it cook for about four to five minutes. You will want to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You are looking for it to release its fat.
Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet. Continue to sauté everything together for another four to five minutes. The onion should become soft and tender. This step builds the foundation of flavor for our delicious Chili Recipe.
Step 2: Add Garlic And Spices
Now it is time for the aromatics. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Then, sprinkle in all the wonderful seasonings. That includes the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This part smells so good!
Stir everything constantly for about thirty seconds. This quick cook awakens the spices and toasts them a little bit. It really deepens their flavor. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. After that, transfer the entire mixture into your slow cooker.
Step 3: Combine And Slow Cook
This is where the magic really happens, and it is the easiest part. Add all the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker. This includes the rinsed beans, the diced tomatoes with their juice, and the tomatoes with green chilis.
Pour in the tomato sauce as well. Give everything a good stir to combine it all. This is one of my favorite Crockpot Chili Recipes because it is so simple. You just set it and forget it. What could be better than that?
Secure the lid and set your slow cooker. You can cook it on high for three to four hours. Or, if you have more time, cook it on low for six to eight hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes. I love the low and slow method.
When it is done, give it a final stir. Taste it and add a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Your homemade Chili Recipe is now ready to serve warm. Enjoy every single bite.
How To Store Leftovers
If you happen to have any chili left over, you are in for a treat. Storing it is super simple. First, let the chili cool down completely to room temperature. You should not put hot food directly into the refrigerator.
Once cooled, transfer the chili to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to four days. The flavors will continue to meld, and it honestly might taste even better the next day. It makes for a fantastic quick lunch.
Chili also freezes beautifully. You can store it in a freezer safe container or a heavy duty freezer bag. It will last for up to three months in the freezer. When you are ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove.
Tips
Want to customize your Chili Recipe? Go for it! You can easily adjust the spice level. If you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili powder slightly.
Feel free to experiment with the beans. While this recipe uses black and kidney beans, pinto beans also work really well. It is all about personal preference. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.
For a thicker chili, you can leave the lid off the slow cooker for the last thirty minutes of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate. If you prefer a thinner chili, you can add a splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
To make this an even more Healthy Chili Recipe, you could use lean ground turkey instead of beef. You could also toss in some extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn. They add both nutrition and a lovely texture.
Do not forget the toppings! A great chili bar is so much fun. Set out bowls of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and maybe some tortilla chips for crunch.
Conclusion
And there you have it. A simple, hearty, and incredibly flavorful Chili Recipe that your whole family will love. It is the kind of meal that brings everyone to the table and leaves them feeling happy and full. It is a true comfort food classic.
Whether you are making it for a game day party or just a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe is a sure winner. The slow cooker makes it so convenient. I hope this becomes a staple in your home, just as it is in mine. Happy cooking!
FAQ
Can I Make This Chili On The Stovetop?
Yes, you absolutely can. After browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics, just add all the other ingredients to the same large pot or Dutch oven. Bring it to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it cook for at least one hour, stirring occasionally.
Is This Chili Recipe Gluten Free?
This Chili Recipe is naturally gluten free. All the ingredients listed do not contain gluten. However, it is always a good idea to double check the labels on your spices and canned goods just to be sure there is no cross contamination.
Can I Use Ground Turkey Instead Of Beef?
Of course! Ground turkey is a fantastic, leaner alternative. The cooking process remains exactly the same. It is a great way to make a lighter version of this Popular Chili Recipe without sacrificing any of the delicious, savory flavor.
What Can I Serve With This Chili?
The serving options are endless! Classic pairings include fluffy cornbread, saltine crackers, or tortilla chips. You can also serve it over a bed of rice or even on top of a baked potato. And do not forget a simple side salad to round out the meal.
Hearty Slow Cooker Chili
This straightforward and delicious Chili Recipe is made in a slow cooker, combining lean ground beef, beans, and diced tomatoes for a hearty, savory meal. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and perfect for meal prepping.
Requirements
Ingredients
Instructions
- First things first, grab a large skillet. Place it over medium high heat. Add your ground beef and let it cook for about four to five minutes. You will want to break it up with a spatula as it cooks. You are looking for it to release its fat.
- Once the beef is browned, add the diced onion to the skillet. Continue to sauté everything together for another four to five minutes. The onion should become soft and tender. This step builds the foundation of flavor for our delicious Chili Recipe.
- Now it is time for the aromatics. Add the minced garlic to the skillet. Then, sprinkle in all the wonderful seasonings. That includes the cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. This part smells so good!
- Stir everything constantly for about thirty seconds. This quick cook awakens the spices and toasts them a little bit. It really deepens their flavor. Be careful not to let the garlic burn. After that, transfer the entire mixture into your slow cooker.
- This is where the magic really happens, and it is the easiest part. Add all the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker. This includes the rinsed beans, the diced tomatoes with their juice, and the tomatoes with green chilis.
- Pour in the tomato sauce as well. Give everything a good stir to combine it all. This is one of my favorite Crockpot Chili Recipes because it is so simple. You just set it and forget it. What could be better than that?
- Secure the lid and set your slow cooker. You can cook it on high for three to four hours. Or, if you have more time, cook it on low for six to eight hours. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes. I love the low and slow method.
- When it is done, give it a final stir. Taste it and add a little more salt or pepper if you think it needs it. Your homemade Chili Recipe is now ready to serve warm. Enjoy every single bite.
Notes
Want to customize your Chili Recipe? Go for it! You can easily adjust the spice level. If you like it hot, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeño. For a milder version, you can reduce the chili powder slightly.
Feel free to experiment with the beans. While this recipe uses black and kidney beans, pinto beans also work really well. It is all about personal preference. Just make sure to drain and rinse them to remove excess sodium.
For a thicker chili, you can leave the lid off the slow cooker for the last thirty minutes of cooking. This allows some of the liquid to evaporate. If you prefer a thinner chili, you can add a splash of beef broth to reach your desired consistency.
To make this an even more Healthy Chili Recipe, you could use lean ground turkey instead of beef. You could also toss in some extra vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn. They add both nutrition and a lovely texture.
Do not forget the toppings! A great chili bar is so much fun. Set out bowls of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, and maybe some tortilla chips for crunch.
Nutrition
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Sugar
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