Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe (Print Version)
Classic slow cooker chili recipe with tender beef, beans, and perfect spices. Easy comfort food that simmers all day for incredible flavor.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
2 lbs ground beef (80/20)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
04 -
2 cans diced tomatoes (28 oz each)
05 -
1 can tomato paste (6 oz)
→ Bean Brigade
06 -
1 can kidney beans, drained
07 -
1 can black beans, drained
08 -
1 can pinto beans, drained
→ Spice Cabinet Heroes
09 -
3 tablespoons chili powder
10 -
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
11 -
2 teaspoons ground cumin
12 -
1 teaspoon oregano
13 -
1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
→ Finishing Touches
14 -
2 cups beef broth
15 -
2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
16 -
Salt and black pepper
17 -
Shredded cheddar cheese
18 -
Sour cream
# Instructions:
01 -
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks for 6-8 minutes. Drain off most fat but leave a little for richness.
02 -
In the same skillet, cook diced onion for 4-5 minutes until translucent, then add garlic for 1 minute. Transfer to slow cooker with beef.
03 -
Add diced tomatoes with juice, tomato paste, and all drained beans to slow cooker. Stir to distribute tomato paste evenly.
04 -
Stir in all spices, pour in beef broth, add brown sugar. Mix well and season lightly with salt and pepper.
05 -
Cover and cook on low 6-8 hours or high 3-4 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings in the last hour.
06 -
Remove lid in last 30 minutes if too thin. Do final seasoning adjustments and serve hot with desired toppings.
# Notes:
01 -
Don't skip browning the beef-it makes a huge difference in flavor depth.
02 -
This chili tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead when possible.
03 -
Drain your beans completely or the chili will be watery and bland.
04 -
Add a square of dark chocolate in the last hour for incredible richness.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
wooden spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 385
Total Fat: 18g
Total Carbohydrate: 28g
Protein: 32g