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Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili that’s easy to prepare and perfect for cozy meals any day of the week. This comforting dish features tender ground beef, a blend of aromatic spices, fresh vegetables, and kidney beans slow-cooked to create a rich, savory chili that warms the soul. Ideal for busy weeknights or leisurely weekends, it delivers bold flavors with minimal effort and is family-friendly and budget-conscious.

Ingredients

Scale

Protein

  • 1 lb ground beef
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained

Vegetables & Aromatics

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes

Liquids & Broth

  • 1 cup beef broth

Spices & Seasonings

  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Brown the Ground Beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef until browned and crumbly, enhancing flavor through caramelization before transferring to the slow cooker.
  2. Prepare Aromatics: While the beef cooks, chop the onion, garlic, and green bell pepper to add savory layers and a bit of crunch to the chili.
  3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add the browned beef to the slow cooker along with chopped onions, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Stir thoroughly to mix flavors.
  4. Slow Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, allowing the spices and ingredients to meld into a rich, flavorful chili.
  5. Final Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt or chili powder to brighten the flavors.

Notes

  • Brown the meat first to avoid metallic taste and improve texture.
  • Use fresh, high-quality chili powder and cumin for best flavor.
  • Do not skip the kidney beans, as they add fiber and balance the meatiness.
  • Add spices halfway through cooking for more vibrant flavor, if desired.
  • Slow cooking on low heat yields the richest taste.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, hearty chili, comfort food, slow cooker recipes, weeknight dinner, ground beef recipes