Description
This Classic Slow Cooker Chili recipe features lean ground beef simmered with a robust blend of spices, beans, and tomatoes, making a hearty and comforting meal perfect for any occasion. Using a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich and flavorful chili that’s easy to prepare and satisfying to enjoy.
Ingredients
Units
Scale
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Beans and Tomatoes
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans (two 15oz cans), drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
- Sauté Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for about 4-5 minutes until it releases fat, breaking it up into smaller pieces with a spatula.
- Add Onion: Stir in the diced onion and continue to sauté until the onion is tender, about 4-5 minutes.
- Add Garlic and Spices: Mix in the minced garlic, cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring constantly to release the flavors.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Slow Cook: Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, allowing the chili to thicken and flavors to deepen.
- Season and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm, garnished as desired.
Notes
- Using lean ground beef helps reduce excess fat and makes the chili healthier.
- Rinsing and draining the beans prevent the chili from being too thick or starchy.
- Cooking times in a slow cooker may vary, so check for desired thickness.
- For added heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3-4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (approx. 240g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 620mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 60mg
