Craving a hearty, protein-packed meal that doesn't compromise on taste while keeping your carb count low? Look no further than this ultimate Slow Cooker Texas Chili recipe that brings the bold, spicy flavors of the Lone Star State right to your kitchen! Perfect for busy home cooks and low-carb enthusiasts, this chili is so delicious, you won't even miss the beans or high-carb sides.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Cheddar cheese for topping
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart with a wooden spoon, cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.
- While the beef is cooking, dice the onion and mince the garlic. Once the beef is browned, drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Transfer the browned ground beef to the slow cooker. Add the diced onions and minced garlic directly into the slow cooker with the meat.
- Pour in the can of diced tomatoes, including all the liquid from the can. This will help create the base for your chili sauce.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper over the meat and tomatoes. Use a spoon to mix all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat. Allow the chili to cook for 6 hours, which will help the flavors meld together and create a rich, deep taste.
- After 6 hours, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. If the chili seems too liquid, you can leave the lid slightly ajar for the last 30 minutes to help it reduce.
- When ready to serve, ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese for added flavor and richness.
- For a low-carb option, serve the chili without crackers or bread, or optionally with a small side of low-carb cauliflower rice.
Tips
- Choose high-quality ground beef with a slightly higher fat content (80/20) for maximum flavor and juiciness.
- Brown the meat thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to develop a rich, deep flavor base.
- Don't rush the cooking process - the 6-hour slow cook allows spices to meld and tenderize the meat.
- For extra depth, consider toasting your spices in a dry pan for 30 seconds before adding them to the chili.
- If you want to reduce carbs further, skip the tomatoes or use fresh diced tomatoes with no added sugar.
- Garnish with additional toppings like sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro for extra texture and flavor.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for future quick meals.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 5g
Protein: 28g
Fat: 27g
Saturated Fat: 12g
Cholesterol: 110mg
