Slow Cooker Chili

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Slow cooker chili is the perfect comfort food for chilly days. You can toss everything in the pot and let it simmer all day. Your kitchen will smell amazing, and you’ll have a delicious meal waiting for you when you get home.

Want to make the best slow cooker chili? It’s easy! Just brown some ground beef, onions, and garlic. Then add beans, tomatoes, and your favorite spices. Let it cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Top it with cheese, sour cream, or whatever you like. Yum!

Exact Ingredients (+ Possible Substitutes)

Here’s what you’ll need to make a tasty slow cooker chili:

• 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups beef broth

For seasoning, you’ll want:

• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Don’t have everything? No worries! You can swap ground beef for chicken or make it vegetarian with extra beans. Black beans or pinto beans work great too.

No bell pepper? Try using carrots or celery for crunch. Vegetable broth can replace beef broth for a different flavor.

Feel free to add your favorite veggies like corn or zucchini. Spice it up with jalapeños if you like heat. Remember, chili is flexible – use what you have and make it your own!

Instructions

Start by browning ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up as it cooks until no pink remains. This takes about 6-8 minutes.

Add chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 5-7 minutes until the veggies soften. Toss in minced garlic and cook for another minute.

Transfer the meat and veggie mixture to your slow cooker. Add these ingredients:

• Rinsed and drained beans
• Diced tomatoes with juice
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Salt and pepper

Stir everything together in the slow cooker. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.

Give the chili a taste when it’s done. Add more seasonings if needed. Serve your slow cooker chili warm with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

For extra flavor, try browning some Italian sausage with the beef. You can also add a can of corn or diced green chilis for variety.

Tips, Tricks & Storing

Make your slow cooker chili even better with these handy tips:

Brown the meat first. This adds extra flavor to your chili. Cook the ground beef with onions and garlic in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.

Don’t overfill your slow cooker. Fill it only about 2/3 full for the best results.

Add spices early. Put them in at the beginning so the flavors have time to blend.

Save some toppings for later. Add fresh herbs, cheese, and sour cream after cooking for the best taste and texture.

Storing your chili is easy:

• Let it cool before putting it in the fridge
• Keep it in an airtight container
• It will stay good for 3-4 days in the fridge
• Freeze it for up to 3 months

To reheat, just warm it up on the stove or in the microwave. Add a splash of water if it’s too thick.

Try making a big batch on the weekend. You can enjoy it all week or freeze portions for quick meals later.