Classic Slow Cooker Chili: A Hearty Family Favorite (Print Version)

Whip up a comforting Classic Slow Cooker Chili with this easy recipe. Perfect for busy weeknights, loaded with flavor and simple ingredients.

# Recipe Info:

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

# Ingredients:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 or 90/10)
02 - 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted if possible)
03 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
04 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
05 - 1 cup beef broth

→ Flavor Boosters

06 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
07 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
08 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
09 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
10 - 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce

→ Seasonings & Spices

11 - 2 tbsp chili powder
12 - 1 tbsp ground cumin
13 - 1 tsp smoked paprika
14 - 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
15 - 1 tsp brown sugar
16 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Garnish & Toppings

17 - Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
18 - Shredded cheddar cheese
19 - Fresh cilantro, chopped
20 - Chopped green onions
21 - Cornbread, for serving

# Instructions:

01 - First things first, get that ground beef browned in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill. Once it's no longer pink, drain off any excess grease – honestly, this step is crucial for a non-greasy chili. Now, toss in your diced onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Sauté them for about 5-7 minutes until they start to soften and smell absolutely amazing. I love how the kitchen fills with that warm, savory aroma right away.
02 - Next, stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne (if you're using it). Let those spices toast for a minute, stirring constantly, until they’re super fragrant. This step really wakes up the flavors! Then, add the tomato paste and cook for another minute. Pour in the diced tomatoes (undrained, please!), beef broth, and Worcestershire sauce. Give it all a good stir to combine everything. I always make sure to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan – that’s pure flavor, folks!
03 - Carefully transfer this glorious mixture into your slow cooker. Add the rinsed and drained kidney and black beans. Give everything a gentle stir to ensure all those delicious ingredients are well distributed. Cover your slow cooker. I always double-check the lid is properly sealed; I once had a loose lid and the chili didn't thicken up properly – total bummer!
04 - Set your slow cooker to LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Honestly, the longer it simmers on low, the more those flavors meld and deepen. It’s one of those dishes that just gets better with time, truly. You'll want to give it a stir occasionally if you’re around, but it’s not strictly necessary. The aroma filling your home will be your reward, I promise!
05 - About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the brown sugar. This little bit of sweetness helps to balance out the acidity from the tomatoes and really rounds out the overall flavor profile. Now, taste your Classic Slow Cooker Chili and season with salt and pepper as needed. This is where you adjust it to <em>your</em> perfect level of savory goodness. I always go easy on the salt at first, then add more if it feels right.
06 - Once your Classic Slow Cooker Chili is thick, rich, and bubbling away, it's ready! Ladle generous portions into bowls. I love piling on all the toppings (more on that later!). The texture should be hearty, the aroma inviting, and the taste just screams comfort. It’s a beautiful sight, honestly, seeing all those vibrant colors. Get ready for some happy sighs around the table!

# Notes:

01 - Don't skip browning the beef and toasting the spices; it builds a flavor foundation you can't get otherwise.
02 - Always rinse your canned beans thoroughly, or you'll end up with a cloudy, starchy broth, which I learned the hard way.
03 - Letting it simmer on low for longer truly makes the Classic Slow Cooker Chili taste so much richer; patience pays off here.
04 - For an extra layer of flavor, add a splash of strong brewed coffee or dark beer (like a stout) to the broth.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large skillet
02 - slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
03 - cutting board
04 - knife
05 - measuring cups and spoons

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 20-25g
Total Carbohydrate: 40-50g
Protein: 30-35g

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