Slow Cooker Hearty Beef Chili (Printable Version)

Hearty beef and bean chili with tomatoes and spices simmers all day in your slow cooker for effortless comfort food.

# What You Need:

→ Meats

01 - 1 pound ground beef

→ Vegetables

02 - 1 medium onion, diced
03 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 1 red bell pepper, diced

→ Beans & Legumes

05 - 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed

→ Tomatoes & Liquids

07 - 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes
08 - 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
09 - 1 cup beef broth

→ Spices & Seasonings

10 - 2 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
15 - 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
16 - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper

# How To Make It:

01 - Heat a large skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain excess fat before transferring to slow cooker.
02 - Add browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
03 - Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the mixture.
04 - Stir all ingredients until well combined, ensuring spices are evenly distributed throughout.
05 - Cover the slow cooker and cook on low setting for 6 to 8 hours, or on high setting for 3 to 4 hours, until flavors meld and chili reaches desired consistency.
06 - Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices as needed before serving.
07 - Ladle into bowls and serve hot with optional garnishes such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • Minimal Effort: This easy dump-and-go recipe requires only 15 minutes of preparation.
  • Hearty and Nutritious: Packed with protein from ground beef and beans, making it a complete meal.
  • Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level with optional cayenne or chipotle peppers.
02 -
  • Gluten-Free Check: Always double-check labels on beef broth and canned goods to ensure they are gluten-free.
  • Flavor Depth: Browning the meat with the onions and garlic before adding them to the crockpot provides a richer savory base.
  • Heat Control: Start with a smaller amount of cayenne pepper and add more at the end if you prefer a spicier kick.
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