Get Cozy with the Best Slow-Cooker Chili Recipe for Chilly Days!
This Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili Recipe is sure to warm you up on a chilly day. With just the right amount of spice, it’s the perfect meal for any occasion. But what secret ingredient gives this recipe its extra kick? Keep reading to find out.
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With its rich and hearty flavors, chili has been a comfort food for people across the world for centuries. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, with or without beans, there is no denying the comforting warmth and satisfying taste of a great bowl of chili.
In the United States, chili has a long and colorful history dating back to the early 1800s. According to legend, the first chili con carne (chili with meat) was invented by a group of cowboys who combined chili peppers, beef, and spices while on a cattle drive. Since then, chili has become a staple dish in American cuisine, with countless variations that reflect regional tastes and cooking styles.
One popular variation is slow-cooker chili, which is a great way to infuse the flavors of the ingredients and develop a rich and complex taste. This particular recipe features ground beef, kidney and black beans, diced tomatoes, and a variety of spices and aromatics that add depth and dimension to the dish. The addition of beef broth further enhances the rich and savory flavor of the chili, making it a perfect meal for cold winter nights or any time you’re craving something warm and comforting.
What’s more, this slow-cooker chili is easy to make and requires minimal effort. Simply brown the beef and combine all of the ingredients in a slow cooker, set it on low or high, and let the magic happen. You can even experiment with different toppings and garnishes, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro, to add an extra pop of flavor and personalize the dish to your liking.
So, what are you waiting for? Grab your slow cooker and get ready to enjoy a bowl of slow-cooker chili that is sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.
Ask the Chef: Pro Tips for making Slow-Cooker Chili
Customize Your Chili
You can customize this recipe with your preferred ingredients. For example, you can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or omit the meat entirely to make it vegetarian. You can also add more spice or adjust the flavors to your preference.
Use Dried Beans
Using dry beans instead of canned ones can add a depth of flavor and texture to your chili. However, this requires more planning and prep time. If you decide to use dried beans, soak them in water overnight, then cook them in boiling water for about an hour before adding them to the slow cooker.
Don’t Skip Browning the Meat
Browning the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker deepens the flavor of your chili and prevents it from being greasy.
Use High-Quality Spices
Spices are crucial in making delicious chili, and using fresh, high-quality spices will make a big difference in the final result. Make sure to use spices that are not expired to get the most flavor from them.
Monitor the Liquid Level
Slow cookers are perfect for making chili, but liquid may evaporate during the cooking process. Keep an eye on the liquid level and add more beef broth as necessary to ensure your chili doesn’t get too thick.
Store Leftovers Properly
If you happen to have leftovers, let the chili cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months. Reheat in a pot over medium heat or in the microwave, stirring occasionally.
How Many Calories are in Slow-Cooker Chili?
Nutrition Facts
6 Servings per Recipe
Calories: 335
- Total Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 51mg
- Sodium: 872mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 31g
- Dietary Fiber: 9g
- Total Sugars: 7g
- Added Sugars: 0g
- Protein: 28g
What Drinks Pair Best with Slow-Cooker Chili?
Wine pairing: For the Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili Recipe, I would suggest pairing with a dry red wine like Zinfandel or Syrah to complement the savory beef and spices in the chili.
Beer pairing: A suitable beer pairing for this Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili Recipe would be a malty and rich American Brown Ale. The brown ale’s nutty and caramel flavors would complement the beefy and smoky flavors of the chili, while its moderate bitterness would help cut through the richness of the dish.
Cocktail pairing: A spicy Margarita paired with Hearty Slow-Cooker Chili Recipe is a match made in heaven. The heat from the chili powder and smoked paprika complements the tangy and refreshing flavors in the Margarita.
How to Make Slow-Cooker Chili
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans
- 1 can black beans
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 bell peppers, diced
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat and drain any excess fat.
- Add the ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, bell peppers, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and beef broth into the slow cooker. Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker with a lid and cook on the low setting for 7-8 hours or on the high setting for 3-4 hours, until the chili is heated through and the flavors are well combined.
- Stir the chili occasionally and add more beef broth if desired.
- Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or fresh cilantro.
- Enjoy your warm and hearty slow-cooker chili!
