Slo-Cooker Chili
A hearty slow-cooker chili packed with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for satisfying gatherings and easy weeknight dinners with bold, comforting flavors.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown ground beef on the stovetop.
- Transfer the browned beef into the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, chopped green peppers, minced garlic, undrained whole tomatoes, kidney beans, salt, chili powder, pepper, and cumin.
- Stir to combine all ingredients.
- Cover and cook on setting No. 2 1/2 for 7 to 10 hours.
Tips & Substitutions
To enhance the depth of flavor in your Slo-Cooker Chili, consider adding diced jalapeños for extra heat or a splash of Worcestershire sauce. If you prefer a leaner dish, substitute ground turkey for ground beef. For a vegetarian version, use lentils or additional beans. Make sure to chop your vegetables uniformly for even cooking.
Serving Suggestions
Slo-Cooker Chili is perfect served with cornbread or over rice. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Sloppy Joe Onion Rings for a hearty meal. A simple green salad complements the richness of the chili beautifully.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then warm on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. Stir occasionally to ensure even heating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slo-Cooker Chili contains roughly 639 calories, with 39g protein, 105g carbohydrates, and 13g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (314% of the Daily Value), iron (222% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (137% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 607mg per serving (26% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While kidney beans are traditional, you can experiment with black beans, pinto beans, or even chickpeas. Just ensure they're drained and rinsed if using canned beans to reduce sodium content.
What if I don't have a slow cooker?
If you don't have a slow cooker, you can make this chili on the stovetop. Simply brown the beef and then combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer on low heat for about 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld.
How can I adjust the spice level?
To adjust the spice level, you can add more chili powder or incorporate cayenne pepper for extra heat. Alternatively, if you prefer a milder chili, reduce the chili powder and add a bit of sugar to balance the flavors.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).