This hearty Slow Cooker Chili is the perfect comfort food for a crowd. Made with lean ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold seasonings, this recipe combines ease and flavor for a meal that’s ready when you are. The slow cooker does most of the work, simmering everything to a tender and savory perfection. Whether you serve it for game day, a cozy family dinner, or a casual gathering, this chili is sure to satisfy.

Ingredients (Serves 10)
- 2 lbs Lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp Cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp Chili powder
- 1 tsp Garlic powder
- 1 tsp Dried oregano
- 1 ½ tsp Salt (or to taste)
- ½ tsp Black pepper
- 15 oz Can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 30 oz Kidney beans (two 15-oz cans, drained and rinsed)
- 30 oz Diced tomatoes (with their juice)
- 10 oz Diced tomatoes and green chilis (with their juice)
- 30 oz Tomato sauce
Instructions
1. Sauté the Beef and Aromatics:
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook 2 lbs ground beef until it begins to release fat, about 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
- Add onions: Stir in 1 diced onion and continue cooking until the onions soften, about 4-5 minutes.
- Season: Add 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tsp cumin, 2 Tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 ½ tsp salt, and ½ tsp black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to bloom the spices.
2. Transfer to the Slow Cooker:
- Move the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients:
- Add 15 oz black beans, 30 oz kidney beans, 30 oz diced tomatoes (with juice), 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilis (with juice), and 30 oz tomato sauce. Stir everything to combine well.
4. Slow Cook:
- Set your slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Stir occasionally if you can, but it’s not necessary.
5. Serve:
- Once the chili is done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or sliced jalapeños.
Description and Tips
This Slow Cooker Chili is packed with flavor from the ground beef, a variety of beans, and a robust blend of spices. Cooking it low and slow allows the spices to meld into the meat and beans, creating a rich, savory flavor that’s irresistible. It’s a versatile dish that can be customized with different toppings or even adapted with additional vegetables.
Tips:
- Lean Beef: Using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) cuts down on excess fat and keeps the chili from becoming greasy.
- Rinsing the Beans: Always drain and rinse canned beans to remove excess sodium and improve texture.
- Spice it Up: For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or use a spicier chili powder blend. You can also add chopped jalapeños or hot sauce to the mix.
- Meal Prep Friendly: This chili is ideal for meal prep and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to develop. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
- Toppings: Try serving it with cornbread or over rice. You can also garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, avocado slices, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.
This chili is easy to make, deeply flavorful, and sure to become a family favorite!
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