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Cozy Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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A rich and flavorful slow cooker chili that combines tender beans, savory beef, and smoky spices for a perfect winter meal. Easy to prepare and ideal for cozy family dinners or gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (85% lean)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 411 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, avocado slices

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook for 5-7 minutes, breaking it up with a wooden spoon until browned and no pink remains.
  2. Add diced onion, minced garlic, and diced bell peppers to the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to the slow cooker. Stir in fire-roasted diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and tomato paste.
  4. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, salt, and black pepper. Pour in beef broth and stir gently to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if desired. If too thick, stir in a splash more broth or water.
  7. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or avocado slices.

Notes

Brown the meat first to lock in flavor and prevent greasy chili. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and avoid metallic flavor. Layer spices by adding a pinch early when sautéing veggies and the rest with liquids. If chili is too watery, remove lid for last 30 minutes to thicken. Leftovers taste better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, hearty chili, winter meals, easy chili recipe, beef chili, comfort food, slow cooker recipes