Print

Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Beans

slow cooker beef chili with beans - featured image
Print Recipe

A cozy, hearty slow cooker beef chili with beans that comes together quickly and simmers low and slow for rich, comforting flavor. Perfect for busy weeknights or last-minute gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted optional)
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low sodium preferred)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 pound ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spatula, until no longer pink and starting to brown—about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. To the same skillet, add 1 diced medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker. Add 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can diced tomatoes; 2 tablespoons tomato paste; and 1 cup beef broth.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon oregano, and salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything well.
  5. Cover and set your slow cooker to low. Let the chili simmer gently for 6 to 8 hours. Alternatively, cook on high for 3-4 hours if short on time.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste your chili and add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If too thick, stir in a splash of beef broth to loosen.
  7. Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro if desired. Serve warm.

Notes

Brown the beef before adding to the slow cooker to enhance flavor. Drain excess fat to avoid oily chili. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned taste. Cook low and slow for best flavor and tenderness. Adjust seasoning at the end as slow cooking can dull spices. If chili is too watery, add tomato paste or cook uncovered for last 30 minutes to thicken.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, chili with beans, easy chili recipe, comfort food, slow cooker recipes, hearty chili

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/slow-cooker-beef-chili-with-beans-recipe-5-easy-steps-for-cozy-comfort/