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Classic Slow Cooker Chili

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Classic Slow Cooker Chili is a hearty and flavorful comfort food made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Perfect for game day, chilly nights, or easy meal prep, this crockpot chili simmers low and slow for rich, smoky flavor in every bite. It’s easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

  • 1½ lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (any color)
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth (or water)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1½ tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes (optional)
  • Optional Toppings:
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream
  • Chopped green onions
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer to slow cooker.
  2. In the same skillet, sauté chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3–4 minutes until softened. Add to slow cooker.
  3. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beans, broth, and all spices to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  4. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
  6. Serve hot with desired toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Notes

  • Use half ground beef and half sausage for extra richness.
  • For vegetarian chili, substitute meat with more beans and veggies like corn and zucchini.
  • Add a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for a smoky kick.
  • To thicken chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or stir in masa harina or tomato paste.
  • Leftovers taste even better the next day!

Nutrition

Find it online: https://cookedbymaya.com/classic-slow-cooker-chili/