Slow Cooker Chili
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 2 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion
finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic
finely minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes with green chilies*
14.5 oz
- 3 cans tomato sauce
8 oz
- 1/2 cup beef broth
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 2 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 tsp paprika
- 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 1/2 tsp ground coriander
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 1 can dark red kidney beans
drained and rinsed, 15 oz
- 1 can light red kidney beans
drained and rinsed, 15 oz
- Shredded cheddar cheese
for serving
Directions
- 1
Heat olive oil in a large and deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.
- 2
Add onion and saute 3 minutes, then add garlic and saute 30 seconds longer. Pour onions into a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker (I like this one HERE).
- 3
Return skillet to medium-high eat, add beef and cook stirring occasionally until beef has browned.
- 4
Drain most of fat from beef, leaving about 2 Tbsp in with beef (this is optional, I think it ads flavor but you can drain it all if you'd prefer). Pour browned beef into slow cooker.
- 5
Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cocoa powder, sugar, coriander and season mixture with salt and pepper to taste.
- 6
Cover with lid and cook on low heat for 5 - 6 hours.
- 7
Stir in dark and light red kidney beans and allow to heat through, about 2 minutes. Serve warm with desired toppings.
Slow Cooker Chili
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About this Recipe
Looking for the ultimate chili recipe that delivers deep, complex flavors and incredibly tender beef with minimal fuss? This Slow Cooker Chili is beloved for a reason, letting time do all the hard work for you. Prepare to discover what makes this one of the most popular recipes around, yielding a generous 12 cups of pure comfort.
The magic truly happens in the slow cooker, where hours of gentle simmering transform simple ingredients into a rich, robust chili with melt-in-your-mouth beef. A thoughtful blend of spices, including paprika, cumin, and a touch of unsweetened cocoa powder, creates an unparalleled depth of flavor that sets this recipe apart from everyday versions. The careful combination allows the flavors to meld beautifully, ensuring every spoonful is perfectly balanced.
Prepare for a truly comforting bowl of chili, bursting with savory notes from the lean ground beef and a complex spice blend that lingers pleasantly on the palate. You'll find a hearty texture, with perfectly tender dark and light red kidney beans, swimming in a thick, rich tomato-based sauce, all unified by the subtle warmth of diced green chilies.
While the cooking process is lengthy, the hands-on prep is surprisingly quick, making this an ideal meal for busy days when you crave something truly satisfying and homemade. It's an approachable recipe that rewards your patience with incredible flavor and a hearty meal.
While this recipe is perfect as written, feel free to customize it to your taste. For a leaner option, ground turkey can be substituted for the lean ground beef. If you prefer a different bean profile, black beans could replace one of the kidney bean cans, or you can adjust the total amount of beans to your liking. Don't have diced tomatoes with green chilies? You could use regular diced tomatoes, though you'll miss that extra subtle kick.
This Slow Cooker Chili is perfect for game days, chilly evenings, or feeding a crowd, offering a hearty and satisfying meal that everyone will love. Serve it hot, topped generously with classic shredded cheddar cheese, perhaps alongside a simple cornbread or crusty bread for dipping.