Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Slow Cooker Spicy Taco Chili is not just another recipe – it's a mouth-watering journey through Mexican-inspired flavors that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. Imagine coming home to a kitchen filled with the irresistible aroma of perfectly seasoned beef, beans, and spices, all simmered to perfection with minimal effort. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook, or just someone who loves incredible food, this recipe is your ticket to an easy, delicious meal that promises to become a household favorite!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 1 can corn, drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing all your ingredients. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Drain the black beans and corn, and set them aside.
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef. Break it apart with a spatula as it cooks. Cook until it is no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- In the slow cooker, combine the browned ground beef, diced onion, minced garlic, black beans, corn, and diced tomatoes (including their juice).
- Add the taco seasoning to the mixture in the slow cooker. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly coated with the seasoning.
- Pour in the beef broth, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This will allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid and stir the chili. Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed.
- Serve the spicy taco chili hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Spicy Taco Chili with tortilla chips or over rice for a hearty meal!
Tips
- Meat Matters: For the richest flavor, use ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio). This helps keep the chili moist and adds depth to the taste.
- Seasoning Hack: If you want an extra kick, mix your taco seasoning with a pinch of cayenne pepper or add a diced jalapeño to amp up the heat.
- Slow Cooker Strategy: Resist the temptation to lift the lid during cooking. Each time you do, you'll add 15-20 minutes to the cooking time and lose precious moisture and heat.
- Make-Ahead Magic: This chili actually tastes even better the next day! Consider making it in advance and reheating for an even more developed flavor profile.
- Toppings Transform: Experiment with different garnishes like crushed tortilla chips, sliced avocado, or a squeeze of fresh lime to personalize your chili experience.
- Freezer-Friendly: This recipe freezes beautifully. Portion it out in freezer-safe containers for quick meals on busy nights.Pro Tip: For the most tender meat and most integrated flavors, make sure to brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker – this extra step adds a wonderful depth to your final dish!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 70mg
