Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Ingredients

2 lb lean Ground Beef, (90/10 or 93/7)

1 large onion, diced

3 garlic cloves, minced

2 tsp cumin powder

2 Tbsp chili powder

1 tsp garlic powder

1 tsp dried oregano

1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste

1/2 tsp black pepper

15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed

30 oz kidney beans, two 15oz cans, drained and rinsed

30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice

10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice

30 oz tomato sauce

Instructions

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat (4-5 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula.

Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Cook another 30 seconds stirring constantly. Transfer to a 6 Qt slow cooker.

Add remaining ingredients into the slow cooker: rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Season to taste if desired and serve warm.

Nutrition Information:

Serving Size: 1 cup

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I use a different type of meat for this slow cooker chili?

Certainly! While the recipe suggests lean ground beef, you can substitute it with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat alternative like textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a vegetarian version.

How can I adjust the spice level of the chili?

To control the spice level, you can modify the amount of chili powder, diced tomatoes with green chilis, or hot sauce.

Start with smaller quantities and adjust according to your preference during the cooking process.

Can I freeze leftovers of this slow cooker chili?

Absolutely! This chili freezes well.

Allow it to cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Thaw and reheat when ready to enjoy again.

Are there alternative bean options I can use?

Certainly! While the recipe calls for black and kidney beans, you can customize it by using pinto beans, navy beans, or a combination of your favorite beans.

What toppings can I add to enhance the chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, diced avocados, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro.

Consider serving it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for added texture.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef in this slow cooker chili recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will work well with the other ingredients.

Just ensure it’s cooked through and well-browned before transferring it to the slow cooker.

Is there a way to make this chili vegetarian?

Yes, you can make a delicious vegetarian version by omitting the ground beef altogether or substituting it with plant-based alternatives like crumbled tofu, textured vegetable protein (TVP), or additional beans.

Can I customize the spice level of the chili?

Certainly! Adjust the quantity of chili powder, diced tomatoes with green chilis, or even add a dash of hot sauce to control the spice level.

Taste and modify as needed during the cooking process.

How do I store and reheat leftover chili?

Allow the chili to cool to room temperature before transferring it to airtight containers.

Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

To reheat, use a stovetop or microwave, adding a little water or broth if needed to restore moisture.

Can I prepare this chili in advance and freeze it?

Absolutely! This chili freezes well. After cooking, let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags.

Label with the date, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.