Slow-Cooked Chili
A hearty, flavorful slow-cooked chili with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, perfect for satisfying family dinners or casual gatherings. Rich and comforting.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients except cheese in slow cooker.
- Cover and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours.
- Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded Cheddar cheese just before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For added depth of flavor, consider browning the ground beef and sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. If you prefer a spicier chili, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper. Feel free to experiment with different beans or even add corn for a twist. This dish pairs beautifully with Carol's Baked Beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chili with crusty bread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a hearty meal. Top each bowl with shredded Cheddar cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for extra flavor. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos. For a fun twist, serve it alongside Marv's Favorite Chili for a chili cook-off experience.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Slow-Cooked Chili contains roughly 753 calories, with 45g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 15g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (159% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (90% of the Daily Value), and protein (89% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1823mg per serving (79% 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 canned beans instead of dried beans for this recipe?
Yes, using canned beans is a great time-saver. Just drain and rinse them before adding to the slow cooker. Canned beans are already cooked, so you can add them in the last hour of cooking to avoid them becoming too soft.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To make a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat alternative or increase the amount of beans and add vegetables like zucchini and mushrooms. You can also use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for added flavor.
What is the best way to adjust the spiciness of the chili?
To adjust the spiciness, you can add more chili powder or include other spices like cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes. If the chili becomes too spicy, balance it out with a bit of sugar or additional tomato sauce to mellow the heat.
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).