Are you ready to warm your soul with a bowl of the best chili you've ever tasted? Our Simple Slow Cooker Chili is not just a meal; it's an experience that brings comfort and satisfaction to your dinner table. With just 10 minutes of prep time and a slow cooker doing all the hard work, you’ll be rewarded with a rich, flavorful chili that serves up to 8 hearty portions. Imagine the aroma wafting through your home as it simmers for 6 hours, creating a dish that’s perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Don’t miss out on this easy recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 10 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 1 can black beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 pound of ground beef, 1 chopped onion, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 cans of diced tomatoes, 1 can of drained kidney beans, 1 can of drained black beans, 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large skillet over medium heat, add the ground beef. Cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the cooked ground beef. Sauté for another 2-3 minutes until the onion is translucent and the garlic is fragrant.
- Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture into the slow cooker. Make sure to scrape all the bits from the skillet into the slow cooker for added flavor.
- Open the cans of diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and black beans. Pour them into the slow cooker, along with their juices. This will add moisture and flavor to your chili.
- Sprinkle in the 2 tablespoons of chili powder, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to cook on low for 6 hours. This slow cooking process will allow the flavors to meld beautifully.
- After 6 hours, check the chili for seasoning. You may want to adjust the salt, pepper, or chili powder based on your taste preference.
- Once the chili is done, serve it hot. It pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. Enjoy your delicious homemade slow cooker chili!
Tips
- Brown the Beef Well: Make sure to brown the ground beef thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker. This step enhances the flavor of your chili by creating a rich, savory base.
- Customize Your Beans: Feel free to mix and match your beans! While kidney and black beans are delicious, adding pinto beans or chickpeas can give your chili a unique twist.
- Spice It Up: If you like your chili with a kick, consider adding some diced jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for extra heat. Adjust the chili powder according to your taste preference as well.
- Let it Simmer: Resist the urge to open the lid while it cooks! Keeping the lid on helps maintain the heat and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
- Serve with Toppings: Elevate your chili experience by serving it with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado for added creaminess and texture.
- Make It Ahead: This chili is perfect for meal prep! Make a big batch and freeze individual portions for a quick and easy meal on busy days.
- Perfect Pairings: Serve your chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over a bed of rice for a complete and satisfying meal.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 22g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 60mg
