Ah, a slow cooker full of chili—the ultimate comfort meal! Here’s a classic way to make it hearty, flavorful, and low-effort:
Ingredients
- 1–1.5 lbs ground beef, turkey, or sausage (or a mix)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)
- 1–2 cans (15 oz each) beans, drained and rinsed (kidney, black, or pinto)
- 1 can (14–15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef or chicken broth (or water)
- 2–3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
- ½–1 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown meat – In a skillet, cook ground meat until browned, then drain excess fat.
- Add to slow cooker – Place browned meat, onion, garlic, bell pepper, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and broth in the slow cooker.
- Season – Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
- Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust – Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve – Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips.
💡 Tips:
- For extra depth, add 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beer.
- For smoky flavor, use smoked paprika or chipotle in adobo.
- If you like it thicker, mash some beans or remove the lid for the last 30 minutes.
If you want, I can give a “loaded chili” version with bacon, corn, and extra cheese that turns it into a meal in itself. Do you want that?
