Ultimate Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe: Hearty and Delicious Comfort Food

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of slow cooker beef chili wafting through your home. This hearty dish is a favorite for a reason—it combines tender beef, vibrant spices, and a medley of beans that create a rich and satisfying meal. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or just looking for a cozy dinner, this chili is sure to please.

Originating from the Southwestern United States, chili has evolved into countless variations. However, the slow cooker method takes it to a whole new level. You can set it and forget it, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully while you go about your day. Get ready to enjoy a bowl of warmth and flavor that’s perfect for any occasion.

Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Creating a delicious slow cooker beef chili is both simple and satisfying. Follow these steps for a hearty dish that fills your home with an irresistible aroma.

Ingredients

Gathering the right ingredients is essential for a flavorful slow cooker beef chili. Below are the components you’ll need to create this mouthwatering dish.

Meat

• 1 pound ground beef (preferably 80/20 for optimal flavor)
• 1 pound beef stew meat (cut into bite-sized pieces)

Vegetables

• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 bell pepper (diced, any color)
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Spices and Seasonings

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup beef broth (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or your choice)
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)

Instructions

Follow these detailed steps to create your slow cooker beef chili, ensuring each component melds perfectly for a delicious outcome.

1. Gather all your ingredients. You will need:

• 1 pound ground beef
• 1 pound beef stew meat
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste

1. In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef and stew meat. Break up the ground beef with a wooden spoon as it cooks. Cook for about 5 to 7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté for 3 to 4 minutes until onions become translucent and fragrant.
3. Combine the cooked meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir well to mix all ingredients thoroughly.
4. Secure the lid on the slow cooker. Choose your cooking time:

• For low heat, cook for 6 to 8 hours.
• For high heat, cook for 3 to 4 hours.

1. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. If you want to spice it up, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix.
2. Once cooking is complete, serve your beef chili hot. Enjoy with optional toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.

Cook

Now it’s time to bring your ingredients together and let the slow cooker work its magic. Follow these steps to create a rich and flavorful beef chili.

Browning the Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and beef stew meat. Use a wooden spoon to break apart any clumps.
3. Cook for 5 to 7 minutes until the meat is browned and no longer pink. This step intensifies the flavor and adds a depth to your chili.
4. Drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist.

1. Transfer the browned meat into your slow cooker.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the slow cooker. These vegetables will enhance the flavor and provide texture.
3. Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beef broth.
4. Sprinkle the spices including chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper over the mixture. Stir well to ensure everything is evenly distributed.
5. Add tomato sauce to achieve a thicker consistency and extra flavor.
6. Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. This ensures your chili has the perfect balance of flavors.

Assemble

Now it’s time to bring all your prepared ingredients together for a hearty and satisfying slow cooker beef chili.

Mixing and Garnishing

Start by transferring the browned beef and drained fat into the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and diced bell pepper to the pot. Then, pour in the can of diced tomatoes and the drained kidney beans. Stir in the beef broth and tomato sauce, ensuring everything is well combined.

Next, sprinkle in your spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix thoroughly to coat all ingredients with the spices for even flavor distribution.

Once mixed, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. To finish, cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.

Tools Needed

To create your flavorful slow cooker beef chili, you’ll need a few essential tools. Gather the following items before you start:

• Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works well for this recipe, providing enough space for all the ingredients.
• Skillet: Use a large skillet to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, ensuring a rich flavor.
• Cutting board: A sturdy cutting board will make chopping vegetables safe and efficient.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp chef’s knife will help you dice the onion, garlic, and bell pepper with ease.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: You’ll need this for stirring your chili and mixing in the spices.
• Measuring cups: Accurate measurements ensure the right balance of ingredients for optimal flavor.
• Measuring spoons: These are essential for measuring spices precisely.
• Can opener: You’ll need this for opening canned ingredients like diced tomatoes and kidney beans.
• Serving spoon: A large serving spoon will help you dish out the chili when it’s time to serve.

Make-Ahead Instructions

Preparing your slow cooker beef chili in advance can save you time on busy days while still delivering a delicious meal. Follow these steps for effective make-ahead preparation:

Prep the Ingredients

Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers ahead of time. Store each ingredient in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. This keeps them fresh and ready to use.

Brown the Meat

Brown the ground beef and beef stew meat in a skillet. Once cooked, drain excess fat. Allow the meat to cool before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 2 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Combine the Ingredients

If you prefer, you can combine all non-perishable ingredients such as diced tomatoes, kidney beans, spices, beef broth, and tomato sauce in a separate container. Mix well and store. This can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for a couple of months.

Morning of Cooking Day

In the morning, add the refrigerated chopped vegetables and prepared meat to the slow cooker. If you made a combined mixture of the other ingredients, add that as well. Stir thoroughly to ensure even flavor distribution.

Set Your Slow Cooker

Set your slow cooker to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 hours. Enjoy the enticing aroma as it fills your kitchen while you attend to your daily tasks.

By following these make-ahead instructions, you can streamline the cooking process and savor the rich flavors of slow cooker beef chili without the last-minute rush.

Conclusion

Slow cooker beef chili is more than just a meal; it’s an experience that brings warmth and comfort to any occasion. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, it’s perfect for gatherings or quiet nights at home.

By following the simple steps and using fresh ingredients, you can create a dish that’s not only delicious but also customizable to your taste. Don’t hesitate to experiment with toppings and additional ingredients to make it truly your own.

So fire up that slow cooker and let the aromas fill your home. Enjoy every spoonful of this satisfying chili and share it with family and friends for a memorable meal.