There is nothing quite as comforting and satisfying as a hearty bowl of chili, especially when it’s effortlessly made in your slow cooker. This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is my go-to for busy days when I crave a meal packed with bold flavors and rich textures. It brings together savory ground beef or turkey, a blend of tomatoes and beans, and a perfect balance of spices simmered slowly to meld into a dish that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll want to make it a staple in your weeknight dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients might be simple, but each plays a vital role in building layers of flavor and texture that make this chili unforgettable. From the sweet onion that softens during cooking, to the smoky paprika that adds depth, every item has a purpose.
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or turkey: The protein base, browned for rich flavor and a hearty texture.
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped: Adds natural sweetness and complexity as it cooks down.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory note that enhances the overall flavor.
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth: Keeps the chili moist and adds a subtle, savory background.
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste: Thickens the chili and gives it that rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies: Bring a mild heat and chunky texture to the mix.
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes: Adds a smoky undertone and vibrant color.
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans beans (dark red kidney and pinto), drained and rinsed: These beans provide creaminess and substance.
- 3 tablespoons chili powder: The backbone spice that delivers warmth and complexity.
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin: Earthy and slightly nutty, it complements the chili powder beautifully.
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a subtle smokiness that enhances the fire-roasted tomatoes.
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar: Balances the acidity of the tomatoes with a touch of sweetness.
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes: Adds a gentle kick of heat without overpowering.
- â…› teaspoon ground cayenne: Gives the chili a lively, warming finish.
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Meat and Onions
Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your chosen ground beef or turkey. Cook it alongside the finely chopped sweet onion until the meat is nicely browned and the onion is soft and fragrant. This step is crucial for developing deep, savory notes and ensures your chili has a rich foundation.
Step 2: Add Garlic
Next, toss in the minced garlic and sauté for just about a minute until it becomes fragrant. Garlic has a quick cooking time, and you want it to release its flavor without burning, ensuring a robust aromatic element in your chili.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Once your meat and onion mixture is ready, carefully transfer it to your slow cooker pot. This transition moves all those browned bits from the skillet—packed with flavor—into the slow cooker to mingle with the other ingredients.
Step 4: Combine Broth and Tomato Paste
In a separate bowl, whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this luscious, thick mixture gently over the meat in the slow cooker. This mixture helps balance the chili with a hearty, tomato-rich base and keeps everything moist during the long cooking process.
Step 5: Add Remaining Ingredients and Spices
Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, fire-roasted tomatoes, beans, and all the spices—chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, cayenne, plus salt and pepper to your liking. Mixing them thoroughly ensures every bite delivers a perfect combination of heat, sweetness, and smoky depth.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let your chili simmer on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, tenderizing the ingredients and creating that cozy, comforting texture you expect from a classic chili.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Elevate your bowl with fresh, colorful garnishes! A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess, while shredded cheddar cheese brings a melty, indulgent touch. Don’t forget chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for brightness, and even sliced jalapeños if you like to turn up the heat a notch.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs perfectly with crusty bread or warm cornbread to soak up every delicious drop. For a lighter balance, a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette works wonderfully. You can also serve it over a bed of fluffy rice or alongside tortilla chips for a fun, casual meal.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Try serving your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe in small cups as a hearty appetizer at your next gathering. Or top baked potatoes with a generous scoop of chili and your favorite toppings for a comforting twist. For a fun weeknight dinner, use the chili as a filling for stuffed peppers or nachos — the possibilities are deliciously endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili is a total winner and tastes even better the next day. Store any leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days. When stored properly, the flavors deepen and the chili remains thick and hearty.
Freezing
Want to keep some chili on hand for busy nights? Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months. Label containers with the date and reheat whenever a comforting meal is needed in a flash.
Reheating
Reheat your Slow Cooker Chili Recipe gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave single portions, stirring halfway to ensure even heating. If the chili seems thick after refrigeration, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works wonderfully in this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe for a leaner option without sacrificing flavor. Just be sure to brown it thoroughly to develop that rich base.
Is it necessary to drain and rinse the beans?
Yes, draining and rinsing canned beans removes excess sodium and any canned liquid that can affect the chili’s flavor and texture. It helps keep the dish balanced and fresh-tasting.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Definitely! To make a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra beans or vegetables like bell peppers and mushrooms. Using vegetable broth instead of beef broth will keep the flavors vibrant and meat-free.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe?
This chili has a moderate heat level thanks to chili powder, red pepper flakes, and cayenne. If you prefer more or less spice, simply adjust these seasonings to taste. It’s versatile and forgiving!
How thick should the chili be when finished?
The chili should be thick and hearty, but still saucy enough to spoon easily. If it’s too watery for your liking, cook it uncovered on high for the last 20-30 minutes to reduce the liquid.
Final Thoughts
There’s something incredibly rewarding about coming home to a slow cooker bubbling with this flavorful Slow Cooker Chili Recipe. It’s a true crowd-pleaser that warms you up from the inside out. Give this recipe a try—you’ll love how easy it is to prepare and how deeply satisfying every bite tastes. I promise it will become a beloved classic in your kitchen!
Print
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (high)
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful meal perfect for easy weeknight dinners. Combining ground beef or turkey with a blend of beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, it simmers gently in a slow cooker to develop rich, deep flavors. It’s simple to prepare with minimal hands-on time and serves approximately six people, making it a great option for family meals or gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or turkey
- 1 large sweet onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Liquids and Tomatoes
- 3 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 2 (10-ounce) cans diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can fire-roasted diced tomatoes
Beans
- 2 (15.5-ounce) cans beans (dark red kidney and pinto), drained and rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- â…› teaspoon ground cayenne
- Kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the Meat and Onion: Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef or turkey along with the finely chopped sweet onion. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the meat is browned and the onion is softened.
- Add Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant, taking care not to burn the garlic.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the browned meat and onion mixture from the skillet into your slow cooker.
- Prepare Broth Mixture: In a separate bowl, whisk together the low-sodium beef broth and tomato paste until smooth. Pour this mixture evenly over the meat in the slow cooker.
- Add Tomatoes, Beans, and Spices: Stir in the diced tomatoes with green chilies, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, drained beans, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, brown sugar, red pepper flakes, ground cayenne, and season with kosher salt and black pepper to your taste. Mix everything together thoroughly.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken to your desired consistency.
Notes
- You can substitute turkey with ground beef for a richer flavor or use all turkey for a leaner option.
- Adjust the amount of cayenne and red pepper flakes based on your preferred spice level.
- For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- Serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
- This chili freezes well; portion leftovers into airtight containers for up to 3 months.
