Slow cooker chili is the quintessential comfort food, perfect for busy days, gatherings, and any occasion when you need something hearty, flavorful, and incredibly satisfying. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity, with a blend of beef, beans, tomatoes, and aromatic spices all simmered together in a crockpot, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully. Whether youâre making it for a cozy family dinner or a crowd-pleasing party dish, slow cooker chili is always a hit. Itâs the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, beckoning everyone to the table.
PrintSlow Cooker Chili: The Ultimate Comfort Food
Nothing beats a bowl of Slow Cooker Chili for pure comfort! đČđ With perfectly cooked ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this dish simmers all day to bring out rich, deep flavors. đ¶ïžâš Whether youâre enjoying it on a chilly night or at a family gathering, this chili will warm you up and fill you up! A little heat, a little heartiness, and a whole lot of love in every bite. đ
#ChiliCravings đ¶ïž #SlowCookerEats â±ïž #ComfortFoodLove đČ #HeartyMeals đœïž #FlavorExplosion đ„ #SpicyDelight đ„ #ChiliSeason đĄ #WinterComforts âïž #CrockpotDelight đ #SatisfyYourCravings đ
- Total Time: 4 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- Ground Beef
The base of this chili is ground beef, which provides a rich, savory flavor. For this recipe, 90% lean beef is recommended because it gives you the perfect balance of flavor without being too greasy. However, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian version. If you like your chili extra hearty, you could also add some sausage or ground pork for additional flavor. - Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the beef and onions, adding a bit of richness to the dish. You can also use vegetable oil or even butter if you prefer, though olive oil offers a nice subtle flavor that complements the spices in the chili. - Onion and Garlic
Onions and garlic are essential aromatics that bring depth and complexity to the dish. They sautĂ© in the olive oil until soft and fragrant, creating the perfect base for the rest of the ingredients. If you donât have fresh garlic on hand, you can substitute with garlic powder. As for the onions, feel free to experiment with different varieties, such as yellow or red onions, for slightly different flavors. - Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
These two ingredients provide the rich, tangy base for the chili. The diced tomatoes add a chunkiness to the chili, while the tomato sauce gives it a smooth, velvety texture. The diced tomatoes are not drained to ensure the chili has enough liquid, and the tomato sauce helps thicken the dish as it cooks. If you prefer a smoother chili, you can use crushed tomatoes or puree the tomatoes before adding them to the slow cooker. - Beef Broth
Beef broth adds depth and richness to the chiliâs liquid base. If you donât have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a more intense flavor, try using homemade broth or stock, but store-bought versions work just as well. - Chili Powder, Cumin, and Smoked Paprika
These three spices are what make this chili truly special. Chili powder is the most important spice in chili, providing warmth and a slight kick of heat. Cumin brings an earthy, smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the other spices. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, giving the chili a depth that makes it stand out. If you donât have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but smoked paprika imparts a unique richness that elevates the dish. - Cocoa Powder and Granulated Sugar
The addition of cocoa powder might sound unusual, but itâs a secret ingredient that adds a subtle bitterness and depth to the chili. Itâs not enough to make the chili taste chocolaty, but it balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and complements the warmth of the chili powder. The granulated sugar helps round out the flavors, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and spice. - Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. Salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, while pepper adds a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste, but the recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, divided, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. - Kidney Beans
Dark red kidney beans are commonly used in chili because they hold their shape well and have a slightly sweet flavor that balances out the spiciness of the dish. If you prefer, you can use other beans like black beans or pinto beans, or even a mix of beans for added texture and flavor. - Toppings
To serve the chili, youâll want to add some tasty toppings to elevate the dish. Shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions are classic choices, but you can get creative with toppings such as jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, or even crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch.
Instructions
- Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary, and transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. - Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step will help release the natural sweetness of the onions and the depth of flavor from the garlic. - Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker with the browned beef. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. - Slow Cook the Chili
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deep, rich chili with tender meat and beans. - Add the Beans
About 20 minutes before serving, add the dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed) to the slow cooker. Stir them into the chili and let them warm through. - Serve
Once the chili is ready, serve it immediately in bowls. Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Notes
- Make It Spicier: If you prefer a spicier chili, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a diced jalapeño or two when cooking the beef. You can also add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Add More Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to your chili, consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots along with the onions. Theyâll soften and absorb the chiliâs flavors as they cook.
- Meat Alternatives: If you want to make the chili leaner, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based meat or double the amount of beans for extra protein.
- Serving Suggestions: This chili is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of cornbread, over a bed of rice, or even with a few tortilla chips for dipping. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or a chili dog!
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
This recipe, with its rich combination of spices and savory ingredients, creates a chili thatâs as flavorful as it is comforting. And the best part? You can let the slow cooker do the work while you go about your day, making it a true set-it-and-forget-it dish. The tender, juicy beef and beans soaked in a smoky, slightly sweet broth will warm you up from the inside out.
The Allure of Slow Cooker Chili
Thereâs something magical about the way slow cooking enhances flavors. When you cook chili in a slow cooker, the ingredients have time to soften and mingle, creating a depth of flavor thatâs hard to replicate with faster cooking methods. Each bite of this chili is an explosion of rich, comforting flavors, from the smoky paprika to the slight bitterness of the cocoa powder, balanced by the sweetness of the sugar.
Chili is a dish that can be made in countless variations, but this recipe offers a classic base that will appeal to a wide range of tastes. The combination of ground beef, tomatoes, beans, and spices is a timeless classic that never fails to satisfy. And with the addition of cocoa powder and smoked paprika, this chili gets a special twist, making it stand out from the rest.
What makes slow cooker chili even more appealing is its versatility. You can easily customize it to suit your preferences or dietary restrictions. Whether you want to make it spicier, add more veggies, or switch up the proteins, there are countless ways to make this dish your own. Best of all, itâs a one-pot wonder, so cleanup is a breeze.
The Ingredients: A Blend of Bold Flavors
The key to making the best slow cooker chili is using high-quality ingredients that complement each other beautifully. Below is a breakdown of the ingredients that make this chili so special, as well as some tips for making substitutions or variations.
Ground Beef
The base of this chili is ground beef, which provides a rich, savory flavor. For this recipe, 90% lean beef is recommended because it gives you the perfect balance of flavor without being too greasy. However, you can substitute with ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based ground meat if you prefer a leaner or vegetarian version. If you like your chili extra hearty, you could also add some sausage or ground pork for additional flavor.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the beef and onions, adding a bit of richness to the dish. You can also use vegetable oil or even butter if you prefer, though olive oil offers a nice subtle flavor that complements the spices in the chili.
Onion and Garlic
Onions and garlic are essential aromatics that bring depth and complexity to the dish. They sautĂ© in the olive oil until soft and fragrant, creating the perfect base for the rest of the ingredients. If you donât have fresh garlic on hand, you can substitute with garlic powder. As for the onions, feel free to experiment with different varieties, such as yellow or red onions, for slightly different flavors.
Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce
These two ingredients provide the rich, tangy base for the chili. The diced tomatoes add a chunkiness to the chili, while the tomato sauce gives it a smooth, velvety texture. The diced tomatoes are not drained to ensure the chili has enough liquid, and the tomato sauce helps thicken the dish as it cooks. If you prefer a smoother chili, you can use crushed tomatoes or puree the tomatoes before adding them to the slow cooker.
Beef Broth
Beef broth adds depth and richness to the chiliâs liquid base. If you donât have beef broth, you can substitute with chicken broth or vegetable broth. For a more intense flavor, try using homemade broth or stock, but store-bought versions work just as well.
Chili Powder, Cumin, and Smoked Paprika
These three spices are what make this chili truly special. Chili powder is the most important spice in chili, providing warmth and a slight kick of heat. Cumin brings an earthy, smoky undertone that pairs beautifully with the other spices. Smoked paprika adds a subtle smoky flavor, giving the chili a depth that makes it stand out. If you donât have smoked paprika, regular paprika can be used, but smoked paprika imparts a unique richness that elevates the dish.
Cocoa Powder and Granulated Sugar
The addition of cocoa powder might sound unusual, but itâs a secret ingredient that adds a subtle bitterness and depth to the chili. Itâs not enough to make the chili taste chocolaty, but it balances out the acidity of the tomatoes and complements the warmth of the chili powder. The granulated sugar helps round out the flavors, adding a touch of sweetness to balance the heat and spice.
Salt and Pepper
Salt and pepper are essential for seasoning. Salt brings out the flavors of the other ingredients, while pepper adds a touch of heat. You can adjust the amount of salt and pepper to your taste, but the recipe calls for 1 1/2 teaspoons of salt, divided, and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Kidney Beans
Dark red kidney beans are commonly used in chili because they hold their shape well and have a slightly sweet flavor that balances out the spiciness of the dish. If you prefer, you can use other beans like black beans or pinto beans, or even a mix of beans for added texture and flavor.
Toppings
To serve the chili, youâll want to add some tasty toppings to elevate the dish. Shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions are classic choices, but you can get creative with toppings such as jalapeños, avocado, cilantro, or even crushed tortilla chips for some extra crunch.
Step-by-Step Instructions: Making the Perfect Slow Cooker Chili
Making slow cooker chili is incredibly easy and straightforward, and the beauty of using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it. Hereâs a detailed breakdown of how to make this delicious chili:
- Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Season the beef with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper. Cook the beef until it is browned and fully cooked through, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat, if necessary, and transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker. - Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pan, add the diced onions and minced garlic. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become soft and translucent, and the garlic becomes fragrant. This step will help release the natural sweetness of the onions and the depth of flavor from the garlic. - Combine the Ingredients
Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic into the slow cooker with the browned beef. Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, sugar, and the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Stir everything together until well combined. - Slow Cook the Chili
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, creating a deep, rich chili with tender meat and beans. - Add the Beans
About 20 minutes before serving, add the dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed) to the slow cooker. Stir them into the chili and let them warm through. - Serve
Once the chili is ready, serve it immediately in bowls. Top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions.
Flavor, Texture, and Aroma: What to Expect
When you make this slow cooker chili, your kitchen will soon be filled with the comforting aroma of simmering beef, tomatoes, and spices. The scent of the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika will waft through the air, making your mouth water. As the chili simmers, the flavors become more concentrated, creating a rich and savory base. The beef becomes tender and juicy, while the kidney beans absorb the spices, adding a delightful texture.
The chili itself is thick and hearty, with chunks of beef and soft beans floating in a slightly tangy, smoky broth. The slight sweetness from the cocoa powder and sugar balances out the heat from the chili powder, making each bite a perfect harmony of flavors. The toppings, such as the cool, creamy sour cream and the melty cheese, provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili, making each spoonful even more satisfying.
Tips and Variations
- Make It Spicier: If you prefer a spicier chili, you can increase the amount of chili powder or add a diced jalapeño or two when cooking the beef. You can also add hot sauce or crushed red pepper flakes to taste.
- Add More Vegetables: If you want to add more veggies to your chili, consider adding diced bell peppers, zucchini, or carrots along with the onions. Theyâll soften and absorb the chiliâs flavors as they cook.
- Meat Alternatives: If you want to make the chili leaner, try substituting ground turkey or chicken for the beef. For a vegetarian version, you can use plant-based meat or double the amount of beans for extra protein.
- Serving Suggestions: This chili is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a side of cornbread, over a bed of rice, or even with a few tortilla chips for dipping. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or a chili dog!
Conclusion: A Hearty, Flavorful Meal
Slow cooker chili is a versatile, comforting dish thatâs perfect for any occasion. Whether youâre preparing it for a family dinner or a crowd, itâs sure to be a crowd-pleaser. With its rich, smoky flavors, tender beef, and hearty beans, this chili will warm you up from the inside out. And because itâs made in the slow cooker, itâs incredibly easy to prepare. So go ahead, gather your ingredients, and let the slow cooker work its magicâthis chili is waiting to be enjoyed!