The Heartwarming Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe You’ll Adore

Crafting the perfect classic slow cooker chili recipe demands creativity and a dash of culinary magic.

Hearty beans, tender meat, and robust spices dance together in a symphony of flavors.

Comfort meets convenience when you let your slow cooker work its delicious charm.

Each ingredient tells a story of warmth and satisfaction.

Bold seasonings mingle with rich protein, creating a meal that feels like a warm embrace.

Weekend gatherings or quiet nights deserve this soul-satisfying dish.

Dive into a bowl that promises to become your new favorite comfort food.

Common Questions About Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Can I use different types of ground meat?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat for a leaner or vegetarian version of the chili.

• Is this chili spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer more spice, add extra chili powder or include diced jalapeños. For less heat, reduce the chili powder amount.

• Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the slow cooker?

Browning the meat helps develop deeper flavors and removes excess fat. While not mandatory, it’s recommended for a richer taste and better texture in your chili.

• Can I make this chili without beans?

Absolutely! You can omit the beans or replace them with additional vegetables like diced bell peppers or corn to maintain the chili’s volume and nutrition.

Why Classic Slow Cooker Chili Always Delivers

• Stress-Free Cooking: Minimal prep work and simple steps make this chili a breeze to prepare, perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious meal without complex techniques.
• Customize Your Comfort: Easily adaptable recipe allows you to adjust spices, swap beans, or add extra toppings to match your family's taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Crowd-Pleasing Meal: Packed with protein and bold flavors, this hearty chili brings everyone together around the dinner table, making it ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers with friends.
• Slow Cooker Magic: Set it and forget it method means you can walk away and return to a rich, fully developed meal with zero constant monitoring required.

What Ingredients Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Protein-packed legumes that add creamy texture and nutritional value to the dish.

• Onion, Garlic: Foundational ingredients that create a deep, savory base flavor for the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilis, Tomato Sauce: Ingredients that provide moisture, acidity, and a robust tomato foundation for the chili.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: A blend of spices that create a complex, warming flavor profile typical of classic chili.

How To Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili With Ease

Step 1: Brown Ground Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Sizzle ground beef until it releases its fat and breaks into crumbly pieces, cooking for 4-5 minutes.

Step 2: Sauté Aromatic Vegetables

• Minced garlic
• Cumin
• Chili powder
• Garlic powder
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Cook for 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release the fragrant spices.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Pour the seasoned beef mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Beans and Tomatoes

• Black beans
• Kidney beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Diced tomatoes with green chilis
• Tomato sauce

Stir everything together until well mixed.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and develop a rich, hearty taste.

Step 6: Final Seasoning and Serving

Taste the chili and adjust seasonings if needed. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, robust meal.

Helpful Tips For Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Boost Beef Flavor: Brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to develop deeper, richer taste and prevent bland meat.
• Spice Smart: Bloom spices in the skillet for 30 seconds to release their essential oils and maximize their aromatic potential before adding to the slow cooker.
• Bean Balance: Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content and prevent the chili from becoming too salty, ensuring a more balanced flavor profile.
• Texture Trick: For a thicker chili, leave the lid slightly ajar during the last hour of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate and concentrate the flavors.
• Freeze-Friendly Fix: Store leftover chili in airtight containers for up to 3 months, making it a convenient make-ahead meal that tastes even better the next day.

How To Put A Spin On Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Vegetarian Bean Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat crumbles or extra firm tofu, maintaining the same spice blend and cooking method for a protein-rich meatless version.
• Turkey Chili Lean Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative, keeping the same slow cooker technique and seasoning profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced jalapeños, green chiles, and a dash of cayenne pepper to increase heat intensity, creating a more intense flavor experience.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Chili: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free, replacing any potential gluten-containing seasonings with pure spices and checking bean and tomato labels for safe consumption.

Pairings That Go Well With Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Pair with Bold Red Wines: Choose robust red wines like Zinfandel or Cabernet Sauvignon that complement the chili's rich, spicy flavors and stand up to the hearty meat.
• Enhance with Crisp Cornbread: Prepare a side of warm, slightly sweet cornbread to balance the chili's heat and provide a delightful textural contrast with its crumbly, golden crust.
• Cool Down with Craft Beer: Select an amber ale or hoppy IPA that cuts through the chili's intensity, offering a refreshing counterpoint and bringing out the dish's complex spice profile.
• Top with Fresh Garnishes: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, chopped green onions, and a dollop of sour cream to add creamy, tangy layers that brighten the chili's deep, warming characteristics.

How To Keep Classic Slow Cooker Chili Fresh

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool the chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly and steaming.

Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 30 reviews

• Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes to 8 hours 11 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Hearty Midwestern Chili celebrates robust flavors with rich ground beef, tender beans, and aromatic spices simmering slowly. Comfort comes in a bowl, promising warmth and satisfaction for hungry families craving a soul-satisfying meal you’ll want to savor.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 2 pounds (907 grams) lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 30 ounces (850 grams) diced tomatoes (with their juice)
• 10 ounces (283 grams) diced tomatoes and green chilis (with their juice)
• 30 ounces (850 grams) tomato sauce

Spices and Beans:

• 2 teaspoons cumin powder
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounces (425 grams) can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 30 ounces (850 grams) kidney beans (two 15-ounce cans, drained and rinsed)

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Instructions

1. Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, crumbling with a spatula until fat renders and meat separates.
2. Incorporate diced onions into the skillet, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent and softened.
3. Introduce minced garlic and dry spices including cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir continuously for 30 seconds to bloom aromatics and intensify flavors.
4. Transfer seasoned meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker, ensuring even distribution.
5. Pour black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilis, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker. Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
6. Secure lid and cook on high temperature for 3-4 hours or low temperature for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
7. Perform final taste test, adjusting seasonings as necessary to enhance overall flavor profile.
8. Ladle hot chili into serving bowls, ensuring each portion contains a balanced mix of meat, beans, and sauce.

Notes

• Enhance beef flavor by using a cast-iron skillet for initial browning, creating deeper caramelization and richer taste.
• Control spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding optional jalapeños for extra heat without overwhelming the dish.
• Make the chili more nutritious by incorporating additional vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini during the initial sautéing stage.
• Transform into a gluten-free and low-carb version by replacing beans with diced sweet potatoes or additional vegetables, maintaining hearty texture and protein content.

• Prep Time: 10-11 minutes
• Cook Time: 3-8 hours (slow cooker)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 229 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 560 mg
• Fat: 8 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 22 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 21 g
• Cholesterol: 50 mg