How long does it take to make Easy Slow Cooker Chili?

Based on our recipe instructions, the total cooking time is about 8 hours and 10 minutes. This includes approximately 10 minutes for browning the ground beef on the stove, followed by 8 hours of cooking in the slow cooker on a low setting. It’s a great dish to prepare in the morning and enjoy later in the day.

What ingredients do I need for Easy Slow Cooker Chili?

You'll need the following ingredients: 1 pound ground beef, 3/4 cup each of diced onion, celery, and green bell pepper, 2 cloves of garlic, 2 cans of tomato puree, 2 cans of black beans (one drained), 1 can of chickpeas with liquid, 1/2 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt, 3/4 teaspoon each of dried basil and oregano, 1/2 teaspoon dried parsley, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/8 teaspoon hot sauce.

Can I use a different type of meat for this chili recipe?

Yes, you can substitute the ground beef with other halal ground meats such as turkey, chicken, or lamb. Each option will slightly alter the flavor and texture of the chili, but they all work well in this recipe. Ensure the meat is browned thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.

What can I serve with Easy Slow Cooker Chili?

Easy Slow Cooker Chili pairs perfectly with a variety of sides. You can serve it with crusty bread or over steamed rice for a hearty meal. A fresh green salad or a side of cornbread also complements the chili well. For a refreshing drink, consider serving it with a glass of iced tea or apple juice.

Can I make this chili spicier?

Certainly! To make the chili spicier, you can increase the amount of hot sauce or add additional spices like cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Adjust the spice level gradually, tasting as you go, to ensure it meets your heat preference without overpowering the other flavors.

Is it necessary to drain one can of black beans?

Yes, draining one can of black beans is important to control the consistency of the chili. The liquid from one can is used to enhance the flavor and texture, while draining the other prevents the dish from becoming too watery. It’s a balance to achieve the right chili thickness.

Easy Slow Cooker Chili: Taste the Ultimate Comfort Food Delight

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If you’ve ever felt the warmth of a kitchen filled with laughter and the aroma of a slow-cooking meal, then you’ll know exactly what I mean when I say that making an easy slow cooker chili is more than just about the food. It’s about creating a moment. I recall countless evenings gathered around the table, bowls of steaming chili in hand, sharing stories and creating memories that last a lifetime.

This easy slow cooker chili recipe holds a special place in my heart. It’s a dish that has been a reliable companion during cozy nights and bustling gatherings alike. The simplicity of it never fails to astonish me—just a few ingredients and a slow cooker are all you need to create something truly comforting. The ground beef, paired with a medley of vegetables and beans, melds into a rich, hearty dish that brings people together.

Every step in making this easy slow cooker chili feels like an invitation to pause and enjoy the process. From browning the beef to the final stir before serving, each moment is a reminder of how cooking can transform ordinary ingredients into extraordinary meals. The aroma that fills the kitchen is enough to draw everyone near, eager to taste the delicious results of a day’s slow simmering.

I find joy in knowing that this easy slow cooker chili recipe is not just about satisfying hunger—it’s about feeding the soul. It invites creativity and offers a comforting embrace, much like the cozy corners of this blog that I hope you’ll come to love. Let’s explore how you can create your own chili masterpiece with ease and joy.

Easy Slow Cooker Chili

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Author: Aria
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 490 minutes
Total Time: 505 minutes
Yield: 8
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Discover how to make delicious Easy Slow Cooker Chili with this foolproof recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, this comforting dish will become a family favorite.

Ingredients

1 pound ground beef (454 g)
3/4 cup diced onion (180 ml)
3/4 cup diced celery (180 ml)
3/4 cup diced green bell pepper (180 ml)
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (10.75 oz / 305 g each) tomato puree
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans with liquid
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) chickpeas with liquid
1/2 tablespoon (8 ml) chili powder
1 teaspoon (5 ml) salt
3/4 teaspoon (4 ml) dried basil
3/4 teaspoon (4 ml) dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) dried parsley
1/4 teaspoon (1 ml) ground black pepper
1/8 teaspoon (1 ml) hot sauce

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 8 to 10 minutes until it’s uniformly cooked. Remove excess fat.
Transfer the cooked beef to a slow cooker. Add the onion, celery, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato puree, both black beans (one drained, one with liquid), and chickpeas with liquid. Sprinkle with chili powder, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, black pepper, and hot sauce.
Secure the lid and let it cook on a low setting for 8 hours.
Dish out while hot and savor!

Notes

For a lighter option, use lean ground beef or turkey instead of regular ground beef.
Adjust chili powder and hot sauce to your preferred level of spiciness.
Enhance flavor by adding Worcestershire sauce or cumin.

Creating Your Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Fundamentals

To start your easy slow cooker chili, gather the essentials: ground beef, diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, garlic, tomato puree, black beans, and chickpeas. These ingredients form the backbone of a meal that’s as nourishing as it is flavorful. By selecting fresh and high-quality ingredients, you lay the groundwork for a chili that’s rich in taste and texture.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity. Ground beef provides a hearty base, while the vegetables add depth and nutrition. The combination of black beans and chickpeas introduces a delightful variety in texture, making each bite a unique experience. A careful selection of spices—chili powder, dried herbs, and a touch of hot sauce—gives the chili its signature warmth and complexity.

Preparation and Setup

Begin by browning the ground beef in a pan over medium heat. This step is crucial as it enhances the flavor of the meat and ensures a rich, savory base for your chili. Stir occasionally, allowing the beef to cook uniformly. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the final dish from becoming greasy.

Transfer the cooked beef to your slow cooker, a kitchen tool that makes this recipe incredibly convenient. Add the diced onion, celery, green bell pepper, and minced garlic, followed by the tomato puree, black beans, and chickpeas. These ingredients come together in the slow cooker, creating a symphony of flavors as they cook gently over time.

Sprinkle the chili with spices—chili powder, salt, basil, oregano, parsley, and black pepper—adding depth and character to your dish. A dash of hot sauce introduces a subtle kick, balancing the flavors perfectly. Secure the lid and let the slow cooker work its magic. In just a few hours, you’ll have a chili that’s ready to be savored.

Mastering the Art of Slow Cooking

Technique

The technique of slow cooking allows flavors to develop gradually, transforming simple ingredients into a complex and hearty chili. By cooking at a low temperature for an extended period, the beef becomes tender, and the vegetables soak up the rich flavors of the spices and tomato puree. This method ensures a consistent texture and taste throughout the dish.

Patience is key when making an easy slow cooker chili. Allowing the chili to cook for the full eight hours on low heat ensures that all the flavors meld together seamlessly. Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently, as this can release heat and extend the cooking time. Trust the process, and you’ll be rewarded with a dish that’s worth the wait.

Tips and Tricks

One of the great aspects of this easy slow cooker chili is its versatility. Feel free to adjust the spice level to your preference. If you enjoy a bit more heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or an extra dash of hot sauce. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder or omit the hot sauce altogether.

To enhance the flavor further, consider sautéing the vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker. This step is optional but can add a layer of richness to the dish. Additionally, you can experiment with different types of beans, such as pinto or kidney beans, to create variations of this classic recipe.

If you love creative comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try these easy homemade chili recipes or explore the rich flavors of slow cooker pinto beans, green chile, and beef to find your perfect match.

Perfecting and Personalizing Your Chili

Perfecting Results

Achieving the perfect easy slow cooker chili involves a balance of flavors and textures. The key is to taste as you go. Once the chili has cooked for several hours, sample it to assess the seasoning. Adjust the salt, herbs, and spices to suit your taste, ensuring that every bite is as satisfying as the last.

Consider the texture of your chili. If it’s too thick, add a splash of broth or water to achieve your desired consistency. Conversely, if it’s too thin, allow it to cook with the lid off for the last hour to thicken. This adaptability ensures that your chili is always just right for your preferences.

Troubleshooting and Variations

If you encounter any issues with your chili, don’t worry—there are simple solutions. If the chili is too spicy, add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese to mellow the heat. For an overly salty chili, a small amount of sugar or a splash of vinegar can help balance the flavors.

Variations on this easy slow cooker chili are endless. Try incorporating different vegetables like zucchini or corn for added texture and flavor. For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and increase the quantity of beans or add hearty vegetables like mushrooms or sweet potatoes.

Explore other comforting dishes like slow cooker brown sugar pineapple turkey ham or discover the joys of easy sous vide style breakfast egg bites for more culinary inspiration.

Serving Your Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Serving and Presentation

Presenting your easy slow cooker chili can be as creative as you like. Serve it in rustic bowls with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Accompany it with warm crusty bread or cornbread on the side for a complete meal that’s both satisfying and comforting.

Consider offering a variety of toppings to allow each person to customize their bowl. Shredded cheese, diced avocado, and sliced jalapeños are popular choices that add layers of flavor and texture. A squeeze of lime can also brighten the dish, enhancing the overall taste with its zesty tang.

Pairings and Storage

For a delightful pairing, serve your chili with a side of fluffy rice or a fresh green salad to balance the richness of the dish. A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt can offer a cooling contrast to the chili’s spice. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for longer storage.

Your chili can also be repurposed in creative ways. Use it as a filling for tacos, a topping for baked potatoes, or as a base for a hearty chili mac. The possibilities are endless, making this dish not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.

For more inspiration, check out these slow cooker Cracker Barrel fried apples or dive into a classic quick and easy shepherd’s pie for another comfort food favorite.

Conclusion

Embarking on the journey of creating an easy slow cooker chili opens the door to a world of flavor and comfort. This dish, with its rich combination of meat, beans, and spices, is a testament to the power of simple ingredients coming together to create something extraordinary. Its ease of preparation and ability to bring people together make it a staple in any kitchen.

The utility of this recipe extends beyond just one meal. Its versatility allows for endless variations and uses, ensuring that every chili night is a unique experience. Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or as a hearty meal after a long day, this chili promises warmth and satisfaction with every bite.

Let this easy slow cooker chili become part of your culinary repertoire, a go-to recipe that invites creativity and delivers comfort with every serving. Its strengths lie not only in its taste but in the memories it creates—memories of shared meals, laughter, and the joy of cooking.