Get ready to transform your kitchen into a flavor paradise with the most mouthwatering, soul-warming Slow Cooker Chili that will have your family and friends begging for seconds! This isn't just another chili recipe - it's a culinary journey that combines tender ground beef, hearty beans, and a perfect blend of spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. Imagine coming home to a house filled with the irresistible aroma of a chili that's been simmering all day, promising a meal that's both incredibly easy to prepare and devastatingly delicious.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 2 cans pinto beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 2 lbs of ground beef, 2 cans of pinto beans (drained), 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes.
- Once the ground beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is important to prevent your chili from being too greasy.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the ground beef. Sauté for an additional 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Make sure to scrape any remaining bits from the skillet into the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Next, add the drained pinto beans and the can of diced tomatoes (including their juice) to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle the chili powder over the mixture in the slow cooker. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir all the ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low heat for 6 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the chili for seasoning. Adjust with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired.
- Once done, serve the chili hot in bowls. It can be garnished with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions, if you like.
- Enjoy your delicious slow cooker chili with ground beef and beans, perfect for a hearty meal!
Tips
- Brown the beef thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to lock in maximum flavor and prevent a watery texture.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef to keep your chili from becoming greasy.
- For an extra flavor boost, consider adding a splash of beef broth or a tablespoon of tomato paste when mixing ingredients.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the 6-hour slow cook is crucial for developing deep, rich flavors.
- Experiment with toppings like sharp cheddar cheese, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream to personalize your chili.
- This chili freezes beautifully, so don't hesitate to make a large batch for future quick meals.
- For those who like extra heat, add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper when seasoning.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 266kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 49mg
