Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of a hearty, slow-simmered chili that practically cooks itself! This Slow Cooker Chili recipe is your ticket to the most effortless and delicious meal that will have your family begging for seconds. No more slaving over a hot stove – with just a few simple ingredients and your trusty slow cooker, you'll create a Tex-Mex masterpiece that transforms ordinary ground beef into a mouthwatering feast that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare ingredients by finely chopping the onion and mincing the garlic cloves.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, breaking it into small crumbles.
- Drain excess fat from the ground beef and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
- Add drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chopped onion, and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the ingredients, stirring to ensure even distribution.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat setting.
- Cook for 6 hours, allowing flavors to meld and ingredients to become tender.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- After 6 hours, taste and adjust seasoning if needed with additional salt, pepper, or spices.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Tips
- Brown the Ground Beef First: Taking the extra few minutes to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker will enhance the depth of flavor and help remove excess fat.
- Layer Your Flavors: Don't just dump ingredients – add them strategically. Start with browned meat, then layer beans, tomatoes, and spices for maximum flavor infusion.
- Spice It Up: Feel free to customize the spice level. Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for heat or a dash of smoked paprika for extra complexity.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Resist the temptation to rush the cooking process. The 6-hour slow cook allows flavors to meld and develop a rich, robust taste.
- Prevent Sticking: Stir occasionally during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent ingredients from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Optional Toppings: Elevate your chili with garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added texture and flavor.
- Make Ahead Friendly: This chili tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance and reheat for an easy meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 20g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
