If you’re craving a rich, hearty meal that practically cooks itself while filling your home with irresistible aromas, this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is your new best friend. Perfect for cozy evenings and family gatherings, this dish combines tender ground beef or turkey, a medley of flavorful beans, smoky spices, and a trio of tomatoes that give it vibrant color and deep flavor. It’s a comforting bowl of warmth, packed with just the right balance of spice and sweetness, and the slow cooker does all the work so you can relax and enjoy every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe has a special role, coming together simply but powerfully to create a dish bursting with flavor, texture, and just the right amount of kick. From the savory meat and hearty beans to the rich spices, these are the essentials you’ll want on hand.
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or turkey: This is the hearty protein base that makes your chili filling and delicious; choose beef for a classic flavor or turkey for a leaner option.
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and depth when browned with the meat.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Brings a subtle pungency and warmth to balance the chili’s spices.
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the chili moist and rich without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Adds intense tomato flavor and thickness to the sauce.
- 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies: Provide vibrant acidity with a gentle heat for complexity.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Brings a smoky undertone and robust texture you can taste.
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans beans (dark red kidney and pinto), drained and rinsed: These beans add a creamy texture and substance, making the chili hearty and satisfying.
- 3 tablespoons chili powder: The star spice that defines the chili’s bold, warm flavor.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Offers an earthy, nutty layer that complements the chili powder beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Enhances smokiness without the need for a grill.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity and heat with a subtle sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds just enough heat to keep things interesting without overwhelming.
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne: A little kick to elevate the spice level.
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing everything together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking your choice of ground beef or turkey together with the finely chopped sweet onion until the meat is nicely browned and the onions become soft and translucent. This step is crucial because it develops deep flavors that form the foundation of your chili.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Once the meat and onions are ready, stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute to release its fragrant aroma. Garlic is a small but mighty ingredient that boosts complexity and aroma, so don’t skip this step.
Step 3: Transfer Mixture to Slow Cooker
Carefully transfer your flavorful meat and onion mixture into the slow cooker. This is where the magic starts as all these ingredients will meld together over the slow cooking process to produce a rich chili.
Step 4: Whisk Beef Broth and Tomato Paste
In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture over the meat in the slow cooker to add moisture, richness, and that signature thick tomato base that chili is known for.
Step 5: Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices
Next, stir in all the diced tomatoes with green chilies, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, cayenne, kosher salt, and black pepper. This dynamic combination of spices and ingredients creates the nuanced, bold flavor profile that makes this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe stand out.
Step 6: Slow Cook Until Perfect
Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow simmer allows all the ingredients to blend beautifully, tenderizing the meat and thickening the chili into a luscious, satisfying stew.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Adding garnishes is where you get to have fun and personalize your chili experience. A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar, diced green onions, or freshly chopped cilantro can brighten up each bowl and add texture contrast.
Side Dishes
Chili pairs beautifully with classic sides like warm cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips for dipping. You can also serve it over steamed rice or with a simple green salad to balance the richness of the chili.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond the bowl by turning your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe into a chili-topped baked potato, chili nachos, or even chili-stuffed peppers. These creative presentations turn an everyday dish into a crowd-pleasing event.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and safety.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully, making it a perfect meal prep choice. Portion it into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Just remember to thaw it overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also reheat it in the microwave by covering it and heating in short bursts, stirring in between to ensure even heating.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat in this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! While ground beef or turkey are traditional choices, you can also use ground chicken or a plant-based meat substitute to fit your preferences or dietary needs.
What if I don’t have all the spices listed?
Don’t worry if you’re missing one or two spices; chili powder, cumin, and paprika are the most vital. You can adjust amounts or omit certain spices, but adding chili powder and cumin will keep the flavor very close to the original.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has a mild to medium heat level thanks to the red pepper flakes and cayenne. You can adjust the spice to your liking by adding more or less, or by choosing milder or hotter canned chilies.
Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?
Yes! You can make it on the stovetop by simmering everything in a large pot over low heat for about an hour, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors and thicken the sauce.
Is this recipe freezer-friendly?
Definitely. The Slow Cooker Chili Recipe freezes wonderfully and makes for an easy, convenient meal later. Just thaw it slowly in the fridge before reheating.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is a real crowd-pleaser that brings warmth and comfort to any table with minimal effort. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a laid-back weekend, this chili is the kind of meal that invites you to sit back, savor each spoonful, and feel a little more at home. Give it a try—you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it!
Print
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours low or 3-4 hours high
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili recipe featuring ground beef or turkey, a blend of beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a perfect balance of spices slow-cooked to tender perfection. This easy-to-make chili is perfect for cozy meals and can be ready in just 3-8 hours depending on your chosen slow cooker setting.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or turkey
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Canned Goods
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans beans (dark red kidney and pinto), drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Browning the Meat: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef or turkey with the finely chopped sweet onion until the onion is soft and the meat is fully cooked, stirring occasionally to break up the meat.
- Adding Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the skillet and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat and onion mixture from the skillet to the slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
- Preparing Broth and Tomato Base: In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth and tomato paste until smooth, then pour this mixture over the meat in the slow cooker.
- Adding Remaining Ingredients: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed beans (dark red kidney and pinto), chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, ground cayenne, and season to taste with kosher salt and black pepper. Mix thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Cooking the Chili: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, allowing all flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to your desired consistency.
Notes
- You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a leaner chili.
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the cayenne and red pepper flakes to taste.
- Drain and rinse the beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
- Serve with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for extra flavor.
- This chili stores well and flavors often improve a day after cooking, making it great for leftovers.
