Classic Slow Cooker Chili: Easy Weeknight Dinner (Print Version)
Make a hearty, classic slow cooker chili for a hands-off, easy weeknight dinner. This comforting recipe is packed with flavor and simple to prepare.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 480 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 495 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
2 lbs lean ground beef (90/10)
02 -
1 large yellow onion, diced
03 -
1 large green bell pepper, diced
04 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rich Tomato & Bean Base
05 -
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
06 -
1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes
07 -
1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
08 -
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
09 -
1 cup beef broth
→ Signature Chili Spice Blend
10 -
3 tbsp chili powder
11 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 tsp dried oregano
14 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
15 -
1 tsp kosher salt
16 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
# Instructions:
01 -
In a large skillet, brown 2 lbs lean ground beef over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat. Add 1 large yellow onion, diced, 1 large green bell pepper, diced, and 4 cloves garlic, minced. Cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer the mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker.
02 -
To the slow cooker, add 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 (15 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans (rinsed and drained), 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans (rinsed and drained), and 1 cup beef broth.
03 -
Stir in 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional), 1 tsp kosher salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. This blend creates the rich flavor for your Classic Slow Cooker Chili for an Easy Dinner.
04 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours (480 minutes), or on the HIGH setting for 4 hours. This extended cooking time allows the flavors of your Classic Slow Cooker Chili for an Easy Dinner to meld beautifully.
05 -
Once cooked, stir the chili well. Ladle into bowls and serve hot. For the ultimate Classic Slow Cooker Chili for an Easy Dinner experience, offer toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
# Notes:
01 -
Serve your chili with your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or a side of cornbread.
02 -
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
03 -
For more heat, increase the cayenne pepper or add a pinch of red pepper flakes. For less heat, omit the cayenne entirely.
04 -
Feel free to swap out the kidney and pinto beans for black beans or cannellini beans based on your preference.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
can opener
06 -
measuring cups
07 -
measuring spoons
08 -
stirring spoon
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 377 kcal
Total Fat: 13 g
Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
Protein: 34 g