Name: Slow Cooker Chili
Prep time: 30 min
Cook time: 4 h
Total time: 4 h 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 pounds Ground beef (80-90% lean) (Browning the beef first is essential for flavor.); 2 cans Kidney beans (Rinse and drain before adding.); 1 can Black beans (Rinse and drain before adding.); 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (For a thick but spoonable consistency.); 15 ounces Tomato sauce (For added depth.); 1 Onion, chopped (Adds flavor to the base.); 3 cloves Garlic, minced (Essential aromatics.); 2 tablespoons Chili powder (Use a fresh blend for best flavor.); 1 teaspoon Cumin (Essential for depth.); 1 teaspoon Paprika (Can use smoked for more flavor.); 1 teaspoon Dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available.); 1 teaspoon Salt (Remember to taste and adjust.); 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper; 1 can Diced green chiles (Add for extra heat.); 1 cup Beef broth (Use to adjust thickness.); 1 tablespoon Cocoa powder (For depth of flavor.); 1 cup Corn (Adds sweetness.); 1 Jalapeño, chopped (Add for heat.)

Description

A hearty and rich slow cooker chili that’s easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights, and tastes even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

For the Chili Base

2 pounds Ground beef (80-90% lean) (Browning the beef first is essential for flavor.)
2 cans Kidney beans (Rinse and drain before adding.)
1 can Black beans (Rinse and drain before adding.)
28 ounces Crushed tomatoes (For a thick but spoonable consistency.)
15 ounces Tomato sauce (For added depth.)
1 Onion, chopped (Adds flavor to the base.)
3 cloves Garlic, minced (Essential aromatics.)

Spices

2 tablespoons Chili powder (Use a fresh blend for best flavor.)
1 teaspoon Cumin (Essential for depth.)
1 teaspoon Paprika (Can use smoked for more flavor.)
1 teaspoon Dried oregano (Mexican oregano if available.)
1 teaspoon Salt (Remember to taste and adjust.)
1/2 teaspoon Black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

1 can Diced green chiles (Add for extra heat.)
1 cup Beef broth (Use to adjust thickness.)
1 tablespoon Cocoa powder (For depth of flavor.)
1 cup Corn (Adds sweetness.)
1 Jalapeño, chopped (Add for heat.)

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Instructions

Preparation

Brown the beef in a skillet over medium-high heat until nicely browned. Season with salt and pepper. Drain excess fat if needed.
Add chopped onions and garlic to the same pan and cook until softened. Scrape up any browned bits for flavor.
Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and any optional add-ins. Stir to combine.

Cooking

Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours. Remember to taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
If the chili is thicker than you prefer, add a splash of broth.
Let it rest for 10 minutes before serving to help the flavors settle.

Notes

Brown beef well for maximum flavor; fresh spices make a difference. If chili is too thick, uncover for the last 30 minutes or add tomato paste as needed. Toppings can include shredded cheese, sour cream, onion, and fresh herbs.

Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Category: dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Comfort Food