Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Why Slow Cooker Beef Chili?

Overview of the Recipe

If you’re on the hunt for a comforting dish that warms the soul, Slow Cooker Beef Chili is your answer. This hearty meal brings together tender beef, flavorful spices, and wholesome beans in a way that truly delights at the dinner table. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity; with minimal effort, you can create a dish that will have family and friends raving.

Benefits of Slow Cooking

Using a slow cooker not only allows flavors to meld beautifully over hours but also gives you the freedom to carry on with your day while it does the work for you. Slow cooking is time-friendly, maximizes ingredient flavors, and often results in more tender proteins. You can set it, forget it, and return to a delicious meal waiting for you!

Sourcing your ingredients

Necessary Ingredients

For the Chili Mix

• 2 pounds of beef chuck or ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves of garlic, minced
• 2 cans of kidney beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
• 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
• 1 can of diced tomatoes (28 oz)
• 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
• 2 cups of beef broth
• 3 tablespoons of chili powder
• 1 tablespoon of ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Chili Garnish

• Grated cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Tortilla chips or cornbread for serving

Ingredient Measurements

It’s essential to use proper measurements for the best flavors. Below are the key spices and ingredients to get started with your chili:

• Chili Powder: 3 tablespoons enhance the spice.
• Cumin: 1 tablespoon for an aromatic earthiness.
• Beef: 2 pounds to ensure enough servings.
• Onion and Garlic: Essential for a flavor base, use one medium onion and three cloves of garlic.

Making the Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Preparations

Before starting the cooking process, you need to prepare your ingredients.

1. Chop your vegetables: Dice the onion and mince the garlic. This step helps in releasing the natural sugars and flavors, giving the chili a solid base.
2. Brown the meat: While not strictly necessary, browning the beef adds depth of flavor. In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef until it develops a brown crust, cooking it in batches if necessary. Drain excess fat.

Aroma-building

Before adding the beef to the slow cooker, consider sautéing onions and garlic together for about 3-4 minutes. This quick step brings out their sweetness and contributes to a well-rounded flavor.

Cooking Process

Now that your ingredients are prepared, let’s get to the cooking process.

1. Combine the ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to mix everything nicely.
2. Set your slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer you let it cook, the richer the flavors get.
3. Final touches: About 30 minutes before serving, taste your chili. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chilies for heat, depending on your preference. If you want to thicken the chili, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking to let some of the liquid evaporate.

4. Garnishing: Once your chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with your desired garnishes like grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced green onions, and fresh cilantro.

How to Serve your Beef Chili

Pairing Suggestions

Slow Cooker Beef Chili is a versatile dish that can stand on its own or be paired with various sides.

• Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili and adds a delightful crunch.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve them alongside your chili for some added texture and a fun way to scoop!
• Rice or Quinoa: For something lighter, serve your chili over rice or quinoa to absorb its rich flavors.

Presentation Tips

To make your dish visually appealing, consider these presentation ideas:

• Use vibrant bowls that contrast with the chili’s deep colors.
• Layer the garnishes attractively: a sprinkle of cheese, a swirl of sour cream, and a sprinkle of sliced green onions will make the dish pop.
• For larger gatherings, serve the chili in a large pot with a ladle, allowing guests to help themselves.

Saving the Leftovers

Storing

Leftovers of your Slow Cooker Beef Chili can be a lifesaver for busy days. To store:

• Fridge: Allow the chili to cool down before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.
• Reheating: You can reheat it in the microwave or on the stovetop until heated through.

Freezing

If you have more chili than you can consume in a few days, consider freezing it.

• Freezer-friendly: Place the cooled chili in freezer-safe bags or airtight containers. Make sure to leave some room for expansion as it freezes.
• Storage Duration: It can last for about 3-4 months in the freezer. When you’re ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat as previously mentioned.

Enhance your Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Adding a Creative Twist

While the classic recipe is comforting, there are several ways to jazz it up:

• Add a splash of beer: Incorporating a can of stout or lager during the cooking process deepens flavor.
• Incorporate different beans: Try pinto or Navy beans for a variety of texture.
• Fresh herbs: Adding chopped fresh oregano or thyme can introduce an aromatic element.

Trouble-shooting Common Problems

Here are some common issues and their solutions:

• Too spicy: If your chili is too spicy, add a tablespoon of sugar or honey to balance out the heat.
• Too watery: If your chili is too thin, cook it longer with the lid off to reduce liquid or stir in some cornmeal or masa harina to thicken it.

Is Slow Cooker Beef Chili Healthy?

Nutritional Breakdown

Making a healthy version of Slow Cooker Beef Chili can be easy if you choose lean cuts of beef and load up on vegetables.

• Calories per serving: Approximately 350-500 calories, depending on the ingredients and portions.
• Protein: With beef and beans, this dish offers a healthy dose of protein, essential for muscle maintenance.
• Fiber: The beans add fiber, which is beneficial for digestive health.

Frequently Asked Questions

What type of beef should I use?

For the best results, using beef chuck or ground beef is advisable. Chuck roast becomes tender during slow cooking, while ground beef cooks faster, yielding a different texture.

Can I add other vegetables?

Absolutely! Feel free to incorporate veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or even corn for a more robust chili.

How spicy should it be?

The spice level is entirely up to you! If you prefer milder chili, reduce the chili powder and omit the jalapeños. For those who enjoy heat, consider adding fresh diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes.

Wrapping Up

There you have it! Slow Cooker Beef Chili is not only a timeless classic but also a meal that brings warmth and comfort to any table. With easy preparation, a variety of serving options, and the ability to store leftovers efficiently, this dish is sure to become a staple in your cooking repertoire. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying a cozy night in, this chili recipe is your go-to solution. Happy cooking!

Slow Cooker Beef Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

A comforting dish that warms the soul, combining tender beef, flavorful spices, and wholesome beans.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

2 pounds of beef chuck or ground beef, 1 medium onion, diced, 3 cloves of garlic, minced, 2 cans of kidney beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed, 1 can of black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed, 1 can of diced tomatoes (28 oz), 2 tablespoons of tomato paste, 2 cups of beef broth, 3 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, Salt and pepper, to taste, Grated cheddar cheese, Sour cream, Sliced green onions, Fresh cilantro (optional), Tortilla chips or cornbread for serving

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Instructions

Chop your vegetables: Dice the onion and mince the garlic., Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium-high heat, brown the beef until it develops a brown crust. Drain excess fat., Combine the ingredients: In the slow cooker, add the browned beef, diced onion, minced garlic, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir to mix everything nicely., Set your slow cooker: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours., Final touches: About 30 minutes before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning. If you want to thicken the chili, remove the lid for the last 30-60 minutes of cooking., Garnishing: Once your chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with your desired garnishes.

Notes

For a creative twist, consider adding a splash of beer or incorporating different beans.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cool Time: 0
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 350-500
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg

Keywords: slow cooker, beef chili, comfort food, hearty meal, easy recipe