This Mouthwatering Slow-Cooker Chili is the perfect meal for cozy days when you want something warm and comforting without a lot of hassle. It’s packed with tender beans, juicy ground beef or turkey, and a mix of spices that give it a little kick without overwhelming your taste buds. The slow cooker does all the work, letting all those flavors meld together beautifully over time.
I love making this chili on a weekend when I have a busy day planned because I can just set it up in the morning and forget about it until dinner. The smell that fills the house is like an invitation to relax and gather around the table. A little tip I’ve learned is to give it a good stir before serving to make sure everything is nicely combined and the flavors are just right.
My favorite way to enjoy this chili is with a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, and a handful of crunchy tortilla chips on the side. It’s casual, satisfying, and always feels like a treat. Plus, it makes great leftovers, so I often have an extra bowl for lunch the next day. This slow-cooker chili never fails to bring people together and warm up any chilly evening.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground beef: This adds rich flavor and texture. If you want a leaner option, ground turkey or chicken works well. For a vegetarian chili, try crumbled tofu or a plant-based meat substitute.
Beans: Black beans and kidney beans create a nice mix of textures. Feel free to swap with pinto beans or chickpeas depending on what you like or have on hand.
Tomato base: A mix of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and paste gives depth and thickness. If you prefer a chunkier chili, use less sauce. For a sweeter taste, add a bit of crushed tomatoes or stewed tomatoes.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin are classic chili flavors. Smoked paprika adds a nice warmth. Adjust cayenne pepper to your spice tolerance or leave out for mild flavors.
How Can You Build Deep Flavor in a Slow-Cooker Chili?
Building flavor with slow cooking needs a few key steps:
- Sauté your aromatics: Cook onions and garlic in oil before adding to the slow cooker. This releases their natural sweetness and scent.
- Brown the meat: Browning ground beef adds caramelized notes that enrich the chili’s taste.
- Layer spices: Add spices after sautéing so they bloom in the oil, intensifying their flavor.
- Low and slow heat: Cooking on low heat for several hours lets flavors meld and develops a rich taste and thick texture.
- Stir before serving: Mix well to blend all ingredients and taste test to adjust seasonings if needed.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker – It’s the star of the recipe and lets the chili cook low and slow without supervision.
- Large skillet – Perfect for browning the ground beef and sautéing onions and garlic first.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – Great for stirring and breaking up meat without scratching your skillet.
- Can opener – Handy for opening all the canned ingredients like beans and tomatoes.
- Measuring spoons – To get your spices just right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option that still tastes great.
- Add chopped bell peppers or diced jalapeños for extra crunch and mild heat.
- Stir in a spoonful of cocoa powder or a square of dark chocolate for a rich, deep flavor twist.
- Mix in cooked and drained black beans or kidney beans to boost fiber and add texture.
Mouthwatering Slow-Cooker Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Spices:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp oregano
- ½ tsp salt, or to taste
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Diced avocado
- Sour cream
How Much Time Will You Need?
This chili recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare, mostly for sautéing and assembling ingredients. After that, it cooks slowly in your slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). So, just set it and forget it until mealtime!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Sauté Onion and Garlic
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and garlic, and cook until soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
2. Brown the Meat
Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until browned all over, then drain off any extra fat.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Transfer the cooked meat, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add black beans, kidney beans, corn, diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
4. Add Spices and Stir
Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything well to combine.
5. Cook Slowly
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The flavors will blend and the chili will thicken during this time.
6. Final Touches and Serve
Give the chili a good stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot topped with shredded cheddar cheese, diced avocado, and a dollop of sour cream. Pair with warm bread or crunchy tortilla chips for a cozy meal.
Can I Use Frozen Meat for This Chili?
Yes! Just make sure to fully thaw the ground beef or turkey before cooking. Thaw it safely in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave, then proceed with browning the meat as instructed.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Skip the meat and add extra beans, or use plant-based meat crumbles instead. You might also want to add vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms for more texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Chili?
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stove or microwave, stirring occasionally. Chili also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Can I Adjust the Spice Level?
Definitely! Reduce or omit the cayenne pepper for a milder chili, or add extra chili powder or hot sauce if you like it spicier. Always taste before serving and adjust seasonings to your preference.
