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

Based on our recipe instructions, the Healthy Slow Cooker Chili requires about 10-15 minutes of preparation time, including browning the beef and softening the onions and garlic. The slow cooker does the rest of the work, taking five to six hours on high or seven to eight hours on low to fully cook the chili.

What ingredients do I need for Healthy Slow Cooker Chili?

You'll need the following ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil, 1.5 pounds ground beef, 1 medium white onion, 4 cloves garlic, 2 cans dark kidney beans, 1 can fire roasted diced tomatoes, 2 cans diced green chiles, 1 cup chicken or beef broth, 1 bay leaf, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1/2 tablespoon cumin, 2 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional), and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.

Can I use a different type of oil instead of coconut or olive oil?

Absolutely! You can use any vegetable oil you have on hand, such as canola or sunflower oil. These will work just as well for browning the ground beef and won't significantly alter the flavor of your chili.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes, you can make this chili vegetarian by substituting the ground beef with plant-based crumbles or additional beans and vegetables. Just ensure you use vegetable broth instead of chicken or beef broth to keep it plant-based.

How can I adjust the spiciness of the chili?

To modify the spiciness, you can adjust the amount of cayenne pepper. If you prefer a milder chili, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper altogether. For those who like it spicier, consider adding more cayenne or a diced jalapeño to the mix.

What are some serving suggestions for the chili?

Once your chili is ready, you can enjoy it with various garnishes like sour cream, green onion, avocado, or cheddar cheese. Pair it with crusty bread or a side salad for a more complete meal. For beverages, a glass of apple or grape juice complements the flavors well.

Healthy Slow Cooker Chili: Bold & Flavorful Comfort in Every Bite

Name: Healthy Slow Cooker Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: PT-492120H48M1S
Total time: PT-492120H48M1S
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil (15 ml); 5 pounds ground beef (680 g); 1 medium white onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (16 oz / 450 g each) dark kidney beans; 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) fire roasted diced tomatoes (regular canned diced tomatoes will work too); 2 cans (4 oz / 113 g each) diced green chiles; 1 cup (240 ml) chicken or beef broth; 1 bay leaf; 2 tablespoons (30 ml) chili powder; 1/2 tablespoon (8 ml) cumin; 2 teaspoons (10 ml) salt, plus more to taste; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano; 1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika; 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) cayenne pepper (optional); 1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) black pepper, plus more to taste

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Healthy Slow Cooker Chili

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Author: Chloe
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5-8 hours
Total Time: 5-8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

Discover how to make a hearty and flavorful Healthy Slow Cooker Chili that is perfect for busy weeknights. This easy recipe will become a family favorite!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon coconut or olive oil (15 ml)
5 pounds ground beef (680 g)
1 medium white onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (16 oz / 450 g each) dark kidney beans
1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) fire roasted diced tomatoes (regular canned diced tomatoes will work too)
2 cans (4 oz / 113 g each) diced green chiles
1 cup (240 ml) chicken or beef broth
1 bay leaf
2 tablespoons (30 ml) chili powder
1/2 tablespoon (8 ml) cumin
2 teaspoons (10 ml) salt, plus more to taste
1 teaspoon (5 ml) dried oregano
1 teaspoon (5 ml) smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
1/2 teaspoon (3 ml) black pepper, plus more to taste

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Instructions

Warm up a large frying pan on medium-high heat. Once it’s hot, drizzle some oil in and add the ground beef. Cook the beef until it’s browned, making sure to break it apart as it cooks, then remove any extra fat.
Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking for an additional four to six minutes until the onion becomes soft.
Move the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Incorporate the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, spices, bay leaf, and broth. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure it’s well integrated.
Put the lid on and let the chili cook on high for five to six hours or on low for seven to eight hours.
Once the cooking time is up, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Serve right away and top with your preferred garnishes like sour cream, green onion, avocado, or cheddar cheese.

Notes

Use olive oil instead of coconut oil for a healthier option with less saturated fat.
Drain and rinse kidney beans before adding to reduce sodium levels.
For a spicier chili, add optional cayenne pepper for extra heat.

Creating Your Healthy Slow Cooker Chili

Fundamentals

To create a delicious Healthy Slow Cooker Chili, it’s essential to start with quality ingredients. Ground beef forms the base of this hearty dish, providing rich flavor and texture. The addition of dark kidney beans and fire-roasted diced tomatoes enhances the chili with a robust and slightly smoky taste. These elements make up the fundamental components of a traditional chili.

Spices like chili powder, cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika are crucial for depth and warmth. These spices, combined with fresh garlic, diced onion, and diced green chiles, create layers of flavor that develop beautifully during the slow cooking process. Remember, a bay leaf adds a subtle herbal note, while chicken or beef broth ensures the chili stays moist and flavorful.

Preparation/setup

Begin by warming up a large frying pan over medium-high heat. Drizzle in the coconut or olive oil, and once it’s hot, add the ground beef. Cook the beef until browned, breaking it into smaller pieces as it cooks. Once browned, remove any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion softens.

Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Incorporate the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, green chiles, spices, bay leaf, and broth. Stir everything together to ensure a well-blended mixture. Cover and let the chili cook on high for five to six hours or on low for seven to eight hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld perfectly.

Mastering the Art of Slow Cooking

Technique

Slow cooking is an art that transforms humble ingredients into a symphony of flavors. For our Healthy Slow Cooker Chili, this technique ensures that each spice and ingredient releases its essence slowly, creating a rich and deeply satisfying dish. The heat remains gentle, allowing the beef to become tender and the beans to absorb all the wonderful flavors.

Patience is key when using a slow cooker. Unlike traditional cooking methods, slow cooking requires time for each ingredient to reach its peak flavor. This extended cooking time ensures that the spices meld seamlessly into the dish, offering a balanced and harmonious taste that’s worth the wait.

Tips/tricks

While preparing your Healthy Slow Cooker Chili, consider these tips to enhance the final dish. Use fresh spices for the best flavor—old, stale spices can diminish the dish’s overall taste. Adjust the cayenne pepper according to your heat preference. For a milder chili, reduce or omit it entirely. If you love creative comfort food, you’ll definitely want to try these slow cooker pinto beans, green chile, and beef for another delightful slow-cooked meal.

Another trick is to let the chili sit for a few minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to settle and intensify. If you’re looking for more slow-cooked inspiration, check out this slow cooker brown sugar pineapple turkey ham for a sweet and savory treat.

Perfecting Your Chili Experience

Perfecting results

Achieving the perfect Healthy Slow Cooker Chili involves small adjustments that make a big difference. Taste the chili before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. A little extra salt or pepper can elevate the flavors significantly. Consider adding a squeeze of lime juice for a fresh, tangy finish that brightens up the dish.

Experiment with garnishes to add texture and color. Try topping your chili with sliced avocado, shredded cheddar cheese, or a dollop of sour cream. These additions not only enhance the visual appeal but also complement the chili’s robust flavors. For more chili perfection tips, explore this easy homemade chili guide.

Troubleshooting/variations

If your chili turns out too spicy, balance it with a touch of sweetness or a dollop of sour cream. If it’s too thick, add a bit more broth until the desired consistency is achieved. For a vegetarian version, replace the ground beef with additional beans or vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini.

For those interested in exploring other chili variations, try this sous vide ground beef chili, which offers a unique cooking method for tender, flavorful results. Another exciting option is this chili verde burritos with hatch green chile sauce for a different take on classic chili.

Serving and Storing Your Chili

Serving/presentation

Presentation is key when serving your Healthy Slow Cooker Chili. Use colorful bowls to make the dish visually appealing. Garnish with fresh herbs like cilantro or green onions for a pop of color. Serve with a side of crusty bread or cornbread to soak up every last bit of the flavorful chili.

Consider creating a chili bar with various toppings for a fun and interactive dining experience. Offer options like jalapeños, diced tomatoes, shredded cheese, and fresh lime wedges. This not only enhances the meal but also allows each guest to customize their bowl to their liking.

Pairings/storage

Pair your chili with simple sides that don’t overshadow its bold flavors. A fresh green salad or a bowl of steamed rice can complement the richness of the chili beautifully. For a unique pairing, try these slow cooker cracker barrel fried apples as a sweet contrast.

Storing leftover chili is straightforward. Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days or can be frozen for up to three months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed to restore its original consistency.

Conclusion

Crafting the perfect Healthy Slow Cooker Chili is about building flavors patiently and allowing each component to shine. This dish’s strength lies in its simplicity and the way it brings people together around the table. The versatility of the recipe means it can easily adapt to various tastes and dietary preferences, making it an essential addition to any home cook’s repertoire.

From its rich, hearty flavors to the ease of preparation, this chili embodies the spirit of comfort food at its finest. Whether you’re serving it for a casual family dinner or a gathering with friends, its appeal is universal. Embrace the process, make it your own, and enjoy the warmth and satisfaction that comes with every spoonful.