Description
This Slow Cooker Chili is the ultimate hands-off comfort food rich, hearty, and full of bold flavor. Made with lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, it simmers low and slow to perfection. Whether it’s a cozy weeknight dinner, game-day favorite, or freezer-friendly meal prep, this chili brings warmth and satisfaction to every bowl.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (15 oz each) diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies (with juice)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) tomato sauce
- Optional: ½ tsp red pepper flakes, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 cup corn
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 4–5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns.
- Add diced onion and cook until tender, about 4–5 minutes.
- Stir in garlic, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook 30 seconds to bloom spices.
- Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add drained beans, diced tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 6–8 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
- Serve warm with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado slices.
Notes
- Use high-quality beef for richer flavor.
- Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- To thicken, remove the lid in the last 30 minutes of cooking or add a tablespoon of tomato paste.
- For a vegan version, use plant-based crumbles and vegetable broth.
- Freezes beautifully perfect for meal prep!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Dinner / Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 740mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 70mg