Easy Slow Cooker Chili

why make this recipe

Making Easy Slow Cooker Chili is a great choice for anyone wanting a hearty and flavorful meal with minimal effort. This recipe allows you to throw all the ingredients into a slow cooker and let it do the work for you. Perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends, chili is also great for feeding a crowd. Plus, it’s versatile—customize it with your favorite toppings or sides!

how to make Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Ingredients:

  • Ground Beef
  • Beans
  • Tomatoes
  • Homemade Chili Seasoning
  • Onion (optional)
  • Garlic (optional)
  • Bell Pepper (optional)
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Directions:

  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain.
  2. Add the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, and homemade chili seasoning.
  4. Optionally, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper before adding them to the slow cooker.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
  7. Serve hot and enjoy with your choice of toppings.

how to serve Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Serve your Easy Slow Cooker Chili hot in bowls. You can add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips. Pair it with cornbread or rice for a complete meal. It’s a cozy dish perfect for family gatherings or casual get-togethers.

how to store Easy Slow Cooker Chili

To store any leftovers, let the chili cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Just make sure to thaw it in the refrigerator before reheating.

tips to make Easy Slow Cooker Chili

  • Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
  • Feel free to mix different types of beans, like kidney or black beans, for added flavor and texture.
  • Adjust the spice level by adding hot sauce or more chili seasoning to taste.
  • For a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a bit of tomato paste.

variation (if any)

You can make this recipe vegetarian by omitting the ground beef and adding more beans or some lentils instead. You can also use chicken or turkey for a lighter option. For a smoky flavor, try adding a chipotle pepper or some smoked paprika.

FAQs

Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can prepare it the day before and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

Is it okay to use canned beans?
Absolutely! Canned beans save time. Just drain and rinse them before adding them to the chili.

How can I make it spicier?
To add more heat, you can include chopped jalapeños, use spicy chili seasoning, or add some cayenne pepper while cooking.

Easy Slow Cooker Chili

A hearty and flavorful chili made effortlessly in a slow cooker, perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 1 lb Ground Beef Use lean ground beef to reduce grease.
  • 2 cans Beans Feel free to mix different types of beans, like kidney or black beans.
  • 2 cans Diced Tomatoes Use canned tomatoes for convenience.
  • 1 packet Homemade Chili Seasoning Adjust spice level to taste.
  • 1 medium Onion (optional) Sauté before adding for extra flavor.
  • 2 cloves Garlic (optional) Sauté before adding for extra flavor.
  • 1 medium Bell Pepper (optional) Sauté before adding for extra flavor.
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Pepper

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat, then drain.
  2. Add the browned beef to the slow cooker.
  3. Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, and homemade chili seasoning.
  4. Optionally, sauté onion, garlic, and bell pepper before adding them to the slow cooker.
  5. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking
  1. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
Serving
  1. Serve hot in bowls with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or tortilla chips.

Notes

To store leftovers, let the chili cool to room temperature. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator before reheating. Chili tastes even better the next day as flavors meld.