Slow-Cooker Beef Chili
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp.vegetable or canola oil
- 1 largeyellow onion
chopped, about 1 1/2 c.
- kosher salt
- 4 clovesgarlic
finely chopped
- 2 tbsp.tomato paste
- 2 lb.ground beef
- freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp.chili powder
- 1 tbsp.ground cumin
- 2 tsp.smoked paprika
- 1 tsp.dried oregano
- cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder
optional
- 2cans kidney beans
drained, rinsed
- 1can crushed tomatoes
- 1 c.beer
low-sodium beef broth, or water
- 1lime
halved
- fritos
shredded cheddar, thinly sliced scallions, and sour cream, for serving, optional
Directions
- 1
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat oil. Add onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until slightly softened and translucent, 7 to 9 minutes. Add garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute more. Add tomato paste and cook, stirring, until brick-red, 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer onion mixture to a large slow cooker.
- 2
In same skillet over medium heat, break up beef; season with salt and black pepper. Cook, undisturbed, until mostly browned, about 5 minutes. (It doesn’t need to be fully cooked through.) Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using) and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Using a slotted spoon, transfer beef mixture to slow cooker. Discard any excess fat.
- 3
Add beans, tomatoes, and beer to slow cooker; season with salt and black pepper.
- 4
Cover and cook on low, uncovering during the last 20 minutes if needed, until chili has slightly thickened, 4 to 6 hours.
- 5
Squeeze lime halves over chili; season with salt and pepper. Top with Fritos, cheddar, scallions, and sour cream (if using).
Slow-Cooker Beef Chili
Similar Recipes
Ratings & Reviews
Based on 12 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
Craving a deeply comforting, hearty dinner that practically cooks itself? This Slow-Cooker Beef Chili is your answer to effortless weeknight meals, delivering rich, savory flavor with minimal fuss.
Why This Chili Works
Chili is already a fantastic big-batch, make-ahead dish, but truly shines when prepared in a slow cooker. The low, slow cooking allows the robust flavors of ground beef, aromatic vegetables, and a blend of spices to meld and deepen beautifully, transforming it into a true hero for any meal plan. You’ll love how easily it fits into your busy schedule.
What to Expect
Prepare for a spoonful of pure comfort. This slow-cooker chili offers a rich, satisfying texture with tender ground beef, soft kidney beans, and crushed tomatoes, all infused with a complex spice blend. The aroma of garlic, onion, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika will fill your kitchen, promising a profoundly savory experience. It’s a dish that feels both robust and incredibly warming, perfect for cooler evenings, and surprisingly simple to achieve thanks to the slow cooker doing most of the work over its 6-hour 30-minute total cooking time.
Customization & Variations
One of the best parts of this beef chili is its versatility. You can easily adjust the liquid, swapping beer for low-sodium beef broth or water based on your preference. For an extra kick of heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder to suit your taste. And don't forget the optional, yet highly recommended, toppings to enhance every bowl.
Serving & Context
This generous 8-serving Slow-Cooker Beef Chili is ideal for busy weeknight dinners, casual gatherings, or meal prepping for the week ahead. Serve it piping hot with a squeeze of fresh lime juice and a variety of your favorite toppings such as crunchy Fritos, shredded cheddar, thinly sliced scallions, and a dollop of cool sour cream.