Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Classic Slow Cooker Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. This recipe brings together ground beef, hearty beans, and rich tomato sauce, all seasoned to perfection. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing flavors to develop beautifully while you focus on enjoying the moment. Whether it’s game day or a chilly evening, this chili will satisfy your cravings and warm your soul.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Chili Base
• For the Beans and Tomatoes
• For Garnish
• How to Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Step 1: Brown the Beef
• Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Spices
• Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
• Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
• Step 5: Slow Cook Your Chili
• Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve
• How to Serve Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• With Toppings
• Over Rice or Quinoa
• In a Bread Bowl
• With Cornbread
• As Nachos
• How to Perfect Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Best Side Dishes for Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Reheating Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What makes Classic Slow Cooker Chili different from other chilis?
• Can I make Classic Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?
• How long does Classic Slow Cooker Chili take to cook?
• What toppings pair well with Classic Slow Cooker Chili?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: With lean ground beef and beans, this chili is packed with protein, making it a satisfying meal for everyone.
• Easy Preparation: Just sauté a few ingredients and let the slow cooker do its magic—perfect for busy weeknights!
• Customizable Flavor: You can tweak the spices to suit your taste; add some heat with jalapeños or keep it mild for kids.
• Great for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day! Store it in the fridge for a quick lunch or dinner option.
• Perfect for Gatherings: Serving this dish at parties guarantees happy guests. It’s easy to scale up for larger crowds.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into making Classic Slow Cooker Chili, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready ensures a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is the star of the show! It allows the chili to simmer slowly, enhancing flavors while you go about your day.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
• Spatula: Used for breaking up meat and stirring ingredients; an essential tool for even cooking.

Ingredients

For the Chili Base

• 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Beans and Tomatoes

• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 30 oz kidney beans (two 15 oz cans), drained and rinsed
• 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
• 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
• 30 oz tomato sauce

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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How to Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and sauté for 4-5 minutes, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks until it releases its fat.

Step 2: Sauté Vegetables and Spices

Add the diced onion to the skillet. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until tender. Next, add minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Carefully transfer the beef mixture from your skillet into a 6-quart slow cooker.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Now add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), diced tomatoes with green chilis (with their juice), and tomato sauce to your slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 5: Slow Cook Your Chili

Cover your slow cooker. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.

Step 6: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

Once cooked, taste your chili and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve it warm alongside your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Serving Classic Slow Cooker Chili is a delightful experience that can be customized to suit your taste. Here are some creative ways to present this hearty dish that everyone will love.

With Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack for extra creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices and adds richness.
• Chopped Green Onions: Fresh green onions offer a burst of flavor and color.

Over Rice or Quinoa

• Rice: Serve the chili over fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.
• Quinoa: For a health boost, try quinoa which adds protein and texture.

In a Bread Bowl

• Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and fill it with chili for a fun and edible serving option.

With Cornbread

• Cornbread: Pair your chili with warm cornbread for a classic comfort food combination.

As Nachos

• Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with chili, cheese, and toppings for a delicious snack or appetizer.

How to Perfect Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Making the perfect Classic Slow Cooker Chili is all about the right techniques and ingredients. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Opt for lean ground beef to ensure a hearty yet healthy chili without excess grease.
• Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Sautéing the onion, garlic, and spices enhances flavors before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Adjust Spices to Taste: Feel free to modify the spice levels based on your preference; add more chili powder for heat.
• Let It Simmer Longer: Cooking on low for longer can deepen flavors even further, making it taste even better.
• Add Fresh Ingredients at the End: Consider adding fresh herbs like cilantro just before serving for an extra pop of flavor.
• Serve with Accompaniments: Offer sides like tortilla chips or cornbread to complement your chili meal.

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Best Side Dishes for Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Classic Slow Cooker Chili can enhance the meal experience. Here are some fantastic options to consider.

1. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread goes perfectly with spicy chili, offering balance in flavor.
2. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make for a great dipper and add texture to your meal.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw provides crunch and acidity that complements rich chili.
4. Rice: Serving chili over rice makes it hearty while soaking up all those delicious flavors.
5. Cheesy Garlic Bread: The buttery garlic flavor adds decadence alongside the savory chili.
6. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado salad brings freshness that lightens up the overall meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making chili in a slow cooker can be easy, but there are common mistakes that can lead to less-than-ideal results.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker can make your chili greasy. Always brown the meat first for better flavor and texture.
• Overloading on beans: Using too many beans can overwhelm the dish. Stick to the recommended amounts to maintain a balanced flavor profile.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Tasting your chili before serving is essential. Adjust spices and salt according to your preference for a well-seasoned chili.
• Not cooking long enough: Rushing the cooking time may result in tough meat and underdeveloped flavors. Allow enough time for flavors to meld together.
• Using low-quality canned ingredients: Poor quality tomatoes or beans can impact taste. Opt for good-quality canned products for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating to preserve freshness.

Freezing Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents for easy identification later.

Reheating Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated throughout.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Classic Slow Cooker Chili different from other chilis?

Classic Slow Cooker Chili features a blend of ground beef, beans, and homemade seasoning that creates a rich, hearty flavor unique from other recipes.

Can I make Classic Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Increase beans and add more vegetables for texture.

How long does Classic Slow Cooker Chili take to cook?

Depending on your setting, it takes about 3-4 hours on high or 6-8 hours on low in the slow cooker.

What toppings pair well with Classic Slow Cooker Chili?

Common toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, cilantro, or avocado slices that enhance the dish’s flavors.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Slow Cooker Chili is not only easy to make but also packed with flavor and versatility. Feel free to customize it by adding different beans or veggies based on your preferences. It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home!