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Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 22 reviews
  • Author: Lucy
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American

Description

A hearty and flavorful slow-cooker chili made with lean ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal with customizable toppings.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped red onion
  • Sliced jalapeno peppers
  • Sour cream


Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat.
  2. Transfer to slow cooker: Place the cooked beef in a 5-quart slow cooker.
  3. Add remaining ingredients: Add the rinsed kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
  4. Cook the chili: Cover and cook on low heat for 8 hours to allow flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  5. Serve with toppings: Spoon chili into bowls and garnish with optional shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeno peppers, and sour cream as desired.

Notes

  • Use 90% lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and keep the chili hearty but not greasy.
  • Drain the cooked beef well before adding to the slow cooker to avoid excess grease.
  • Rinse and drain kidney beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
  • Cooking on low for 8 hours allows flavors to fully develop and tenderizes the vegetables.
  • Customize toppings to add creaminess, heat, or extra flavor to suit your taste preferences.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 280 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 530 mg
  • Fat: 9 g
  • Saturated Fat: 3 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 5 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 23 g
  • Cholesterol: 60 mg