Cozy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe: Soul-Warming Comfort in a Bowl

Winters call for warm, comforting meals that stick to your bones and this hearty slow cooker chili recipe delivers pure comfort in every spoonful.

Packed with robust flavors and tender meat, this chili promises to be a game-changer for your dinner routine.

Each ingredient carefully selected brings depth and richness to the dish.

The slow cooking process allows spices to meld and meats to become incredibly tender and juicy.

Beef, beans, and a perfect blend of seasonings create a symphony of taste that will have everyone asking for seconds.

No complicated techniques or fancy equipment needed – just toss everything into your slow cooker and let magic happen.

Prepare to savor a bowl of pure, soul-warming deliciousness that will become your new cold-weather favorite.

What You’ll Need for Hearty Slow Cooker Chili

• Ground Beef: Provides rich, robust protein foundation with deep meaty flavor; choose 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio for optimal taste and juiciness.

• Onion, Garlic: Builds complex savory depth and creates aromatic base; select fresh, firm onions and plump garlic cloves for maximum flavor intensity.

• Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Dried Oregano, Salt, Black Pepper: Delivers warm, smoky southwestern profile with layered heat and earthy undertones; use freshly ground spices for vibrant taste experience.

• Black Beans, Kidney Beans: Adds hearty texture and plant-based protein; choose canned beans with no added salt for better control of overall seasoning.

• Diced Tomatoes, Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies, Tomato Sauce: Creates rich, tangy liquid foundation with subtle heat; select high-quality canned tomatoes for consistent flavor and smooth consistency.

Tools That Make Slow Cooker Chili a Breeze

• Large skillet: Essential for browning beef and sautéing aromatics.
• Spatula: Perfect for breaking up ground beef and stirring ingredients.
• 6 Qt slow cooker: Key for simmering chili and developing deep flavors.
• Cutting board: Needed for chopping onions and preparing ingredients.
• Sharp knife: Helps dice onions and mince garlic efficiently.
• Measuring spoons: Ensures accurate seasoning with spices.
• Wooden spoon or ladle: Great for stirring and serving the chili.

Cooking Chili the Hearty Slow Way

• Beef Sizzle Kickoff

Brown ground beef in a sizzling skillet, breaking it into tasty crumbles until it releases golden juices. Let the meat dance and transform into a rich, flavorful base.

• Aromatic Symphony

Toss chopped onions into the skillet, letting them soften and release their sweet essence. Sprinkle in garlic and spices, creating a fragrant melody that awakens your senses.

• Slow Cooker Magic

Transfer the spiced beef mixture into your trusty slow cooker. This is where the real transformation begins, turning simple ingredients into a hearty comfort feast.

• Liquid Gold Fusion

Pour in black beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and green chilies. Let these ingredients mingle and get to know each other, building layers of deep, complex flavors.

• Patience and Anticipation

Let the slow cooker work its wonder. Allow the chili to simmer and bubble on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, developing a rich, soul-warming depth.

• Final Flourish

Taste and adjust seasonings. Ladle into bowls and watch as friends and family dive into this warm, comforting embrace of a meal.

Spice Adjustments for a Better Chili Bowl

• Bean Boost: Experiment with different bean combinations like pinto, great northern, or cannellini beans for unique texture and flavor profiles. Each bean adds its own delicious twist to the classic chili recipe.
• Spice Adventure: Adjust heat levels by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce. Start with small amounts and taste as you go to find your perfect spice balance.
• Protein Power: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version. Each protein brings its own special character to the chili.
• Toppings Extravaganza: Enhance serving with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced green onions, or crushed tortilla chips. These garnishes add exciting layers of flavor and texture to your finished dish.
• Make-Ahead Magic: This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to meld. Store in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for future quick meals.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili with Style

• Comforting Game Day Feast: Serve this chili during football watch parties with friends, pairing it with crispy tortilla chips and cold beer for the ultimate casual dining experience.
• Cozy Winter Meal Companion: Ladle the chili into deep bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped green onions for a warming winter dinner.
• Versatile Meal Transformer: Transform leftovers into delicious chili-topped baked potatoes, nachos, or use as a hearty filling for stuffed bell peppers, maximizing your culinary creativity.
• Meal Prep Champion: Cool the chili completely, portion into meal-prep containers, and refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for future quick and satisfying meals that save time and effort.

Keeping Leftover Chili Tasty and Ready

• Batch Cooking Brilliance: Prepare double the chili recipe and freeze individual portions in airtight containers for quick weeknight meals. Perfect for busy families and meal preppers looking to save time and energy.
• Refrigerator Recovery: Store leftover chili in sealed containers for up to 4 days. The flavors actually deepen and improve after a day or two, making next-day servings even more delicious.
• Freezer Champion: Chili freezes exceptionally well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently on the stovetop to maintain its rich texture and robust flavor profile.
• Smart Portion Control: Use silicone muffin trays to freeze small chili servings. Pop out individual portions for quick lunch additions or kid-friendly meal options that can be reheated in minutes.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 20 minutes

Cook Time: 4 hours

Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 9

Cozy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

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4.6 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 9 1x

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Description

Robust Spicy Slow Cooker Chili delivers warm comfort with ground beef, beans, and rich tomato base. Rich layers of flavor simmer together, creating a satisfying meal perfect for winter gatherings.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2 lbs (907 g) ground beef, lean (90/10 or 93/7)
• 15 oz (425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 30 oz (850 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 30 oz (850 g) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 30 oz (850 g) tomato sauce
• 10 oz (283 g) diced tomatoes and green chilis, with juice
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tsps cumin powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 ½ tsps salt, or to taste
• ½ tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Meat Preparation: Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking into fine crumbles to enhance flavor and release natural juices.
2. Seasoning Fusion: Sauté onions until translucent, then incorporate garlic and spices like cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper, creating a robust flavor foundation.
3. Slow Cooker Assembly: Transfer seasoned beef mixture to slow cooker, ensuring all caramelized bits are scraped from the skillet. Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilies, and tomato sauce, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
4. Simmering Process: Cover slow cooker and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and develop a rich, complex taste profile.
5. Final Touches: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. Serve in bowls and embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro to elevate the dish’s texture and flavor complexity.

Notes

• Brown Meat Thoroughly: Properly browning ground beef develops deep, caramelized flavors and prevents watery chili texture.
• Layer Spices Strategically: Sautéing spices with onions and meat releases essential oils, intensifying overall taste and aroma.
• Bean Selection Matters: Using a combination of black and kidney beans provides varied texture and enhanced nutritional profile.
• Slow Cooking Magic: Extended low-temperature cooking allows ingredients to meld, creating rich, complex flavor development.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 9
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 32 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg