Hearty Homestyle Slow Cooker Chili (Print Version)

Make a big batch of hearty homestyle Classic Slow Cooker Chili. This recipe brings warmth and flavor, perfect for chilly evenings or game day.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 26 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein

# Ingredients:

→ Hearty Base

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 preferred)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
04 - 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
05 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
06 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 2 cups beef broth

→ Flavor Boosters

08 - 3 tbsp chili powder
09 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
10 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
11 - 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
12 - 0.5 tsp black pepper (or to taste)

→ Optional Extras

13 - 1 small jalapeño, minced (for heat)
14 - 1 tbsp tomato paste (for deeper flavor)
15 - 1 square unsweetened chocolate (secret ingredient for richness)

→ Finishing Touches

16 - Shredded cheddar cheese
17 - Sour cream or Greek yogurt
18 - Chopped fresh green onions
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped

# Instructions:

01 - Okay, so this is the one step that requires a pan, but trust me, it’s worth it for a truly flavorful Classic Slow Cooker Chili. In a large skillet, brown your ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon. Once it’s mostly cooked through, drain any excess grease—I usually just tilt the pan and spoon it out, trying not to make a huge mess. Then, toss in your chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté them until they're soft and fragrant, about 5 minutes. The smell alone starts building the anticipation!
02 - Now for the easy part! Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic mixture into your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained!), kidney beans (drained and rinsed, I learned that the hard way!), black beans (also drained and rinsed!), and beef broth. Give it a good stir. This is where the magic starts to happen, everything mingling together before the long simmer. I love seeing all those vibrant colors in the pot.
03 - Time for the flavor! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Don't be shy here; these spices are what make this a Classic Slow Cooker Chili. Stir everything really well to ensure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. I sometimes give it a little taste right here, just to make sure I’m on the right track, though it’s not fully developed yet!
04 - Put the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, the longer it simmers on low, the more the flavors meld and deepen. I tend to forget about it for a few hours, then that incredible chili aroma starts wafting through the house, reminding me what’s for dinner. Try not to peek too much; every time you lift the lid, it loses a little heat!
05 - After the cooking time, give the chili a good stir. The beef should be tender, and the sauce should have thickened nicely. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A pinch more chili powder for extra kick? Maybe a dash of hot sauce if you like it spicy? I usually add a little more salt and pepper at this stage; it always seems to need it.
06 - Ladle your hearty Classic Slow Cooker Chili into bowls. It should look rich, thick, and inviting. The aroma will be intoxicating. Garnish with your favorite toppings (cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños – whatever makes your heart sing!). This is the moment of truth, and honestly, it always turns out so good. Grab a spoon and dig in!

# Notes:

01 - Browning the beef first is a non-negotiable step; it adds so much depth of flavor, I learned that the hard way skipping it once.
02 - Don't overfill your slow cooker; it needs room for the steam and simmering, otherwise, it can get messy.
03 - Always taste and adjust seasonings at the end; chili flavors really develop during the long cook time.
04 - Serving this with warm cornbread is a game-changer, trust me on this one!

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
03 - Ladle

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450
Total Fat: 20g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g

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