Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Classic Slow Cooker Chili is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day party, enjoying a cozy family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this hearty dish delivers rich flavors and satisfying warmth. With ground beef, robust beans, and a delightful homemade seasoning blend, your slow cooker will work its magic while you go about your day.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For the Meat Base
• For Seasoning
• For the Beans & Tomatoes
• How to Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
• Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic
• Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
• Step 4: Cook
• Step 5: Serve
• How to Serve Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• With Fresh Toppings
• In a Bread Bowl
• As a Chili Bar
• With Side Salads
• How to Perfect Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Best Side Dishes for Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Reheating Classic Slow Cooker Chili
• Frequently Asked Questions
• How do I make Classic Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?
• Can I use different beans in my Classic Slow Cooker Chili?
• How spicy is this Classic Slow Cooker Chili?
• Can I prepare Classic Slow Cooker Chili ahead of time?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it. Perfect for busy days!
• Flavorful and Hearty: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a chili that is rich in taste and satisfying.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, with cornbread, or over rice for different meals throughout the week.
• Great for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers all week long. It tastes even better the next day!
• Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this recipe serves up to 10 people easily.

Tools and Preparation

To make Classic Slow Cooker Chili effortlessly, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Spatula
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of this recipe! It allows for low-and-slow cooking that enhances flavors.
• Large skillet: Perfect for browning the meat and sautéing veggies before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Spatula: Essential for breaking up the ground beef while cooking and mixing ingredients.

Ingredients

Classic Slow Cooker Chili calls for simple yet flavorful ingredients that combine to create a delicious meal.

For the Meat Base

• 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced

For Seasoning

• 2 tsp cumin powder
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

For the Beans & Tomatoes

• 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

How to Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef and sauté for 4-5 minutes until browned.
3. Break up the meat with a spatula as it cooks until it releases its fat.

Step 2: Sauté Onion and Garlic

1. Add the diced onion to the skillet.
2. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic, cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds while stirring constantly.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
2. Add black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), diced tomatoes with green chilis (with their juice), and tomato sauce.
3. Stir everything together thoroughly to combine.

Step 4: Cook

1. Cover the slow cooker.
2. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours until flavors meld together beautifully.

Step 5: Serve

Taste your chili before serving; adjust seasoning if needed. Serve warm with your favorite toppings!

How to Serve Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Serving Classic Slow Cooker Chili is a delightful experience that invites creativity. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, there are several ways to elevate your chili experience.

With Fresh Toppings

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Chopped Green Onions: These add a fresh crunch and vibrant color to each bowl.
• Shredded Cheese: Melted cheese on top brings richness and enhances flavors.

In a Bread Bowl

• Crusty Sourdough: Hollow out a loaf of sourdough bread for a fun and edible serving option.
• Cornbread Muffins: Serve chili in warm cornbread muffins for a sweet touch.

As a Chili Bar

• Variety of Toppings: Set up an array of toppings like jalapeños, avocado, and tortilla chips for guests to customize their bowls.
• Side Dishes: Offer options like rice or nachos alongside for extra heartiness.

With Side Salads

• Garden Salad: A light garden salad can balance the hearty chili nicely.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw complements the softness of the chili.

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How to Perfect Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Perfecting your Classic Slow Cooker Chili is all about technique and personal taste. Here are some tips to make it truly special.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose lean ground beef (90/10) for tender texture without excess grease.
• Brown the Beef First: Browning adds depth of flavor; don’t skip this step!
• Mind the Spice Level: Adjust the amount of chili powder based on your crowd’s heat tolerance.
• Let It Simmer Longer: For richer flavors, allow your chili to cook longer on low heat.
• Taste Before Serving: Always taste your chili before serving; adjust seasoning as needed.
• Add Fresh Herbs at the End: Sprinkle fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for added freshness.

Best Side Dishes for Classic Slow Cooker Chili

Pairing side dishes with Classic Slow Cooker Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent options that complement its robust flavors.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and fluffy, cornbread is a classic companion that soaks up chili perfectly.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice provides a mild base, making it ideal for serving alongside chili.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips add texture and can be used for dipping or as a topping.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a cool contrast to the spicy warmth of chili.
5. Baked Potatoes: Top baked potatoes with chili for a hearty twist on the classic dish.
6. Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy heat, pickled jalapeños add an extra kick to every bite.
7. Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Melty grilled cheese sandwiches provide comfort and pair well with hearty soup recipes like chili.
8. Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce with tangy dressing offers a refreshing contrast to rich chili flavors.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Classic Slow Cooker Chili, it’s easy to make a few common errors that can impact the flavor and texture. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Ignoring seasoning: Not adding enough spices can lead to bland chili. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
• Overcooking the beans: If you add canned beans too early, they might turn mushy. Add them during the last hour of cooking for better texture.
• Skipping browning the meat: Searing the beef adds depth of flavor. Take a few extra minutes to brown it in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Using low-quality tomatoes: Poor quality canned tomatoes can affect taste. Opt for good-quality diced tomatoes for a more robust flavor.
• Not letting it rest: Serving chili immediately can miss out on flavor development. Allow it to sit for a few minutes after cooking for better results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Classic Slow Cooker Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Classic Slow Cooker Chili:

How do I make Classic Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?

You can easily substitute ground beef with lentils or plant-based meat alternatives. Keep the other ingredients the same for a delicious vegetarian option.

Can I use different beans in my Classic Slow Cooker Chili?

Yes! Feel free to mix and match your favorite beans like pinto or garbanzo beans. Just ensure they are cooked properly.

How spicy is this Classic Slow Cooker Chili?

The level of spice largely depends on the chili powder you use. For milder flavors, use less chili powder or opt for sweet varieties.

Can I prepare Classic Slow Cooker Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients and store them separately in the fridge, then combine them when ready to cook.

Final Thoughts

This Classic Slow Cooker Chili is not only hearty and flavorful but also incredibly versatile! You can customize it with different beans, proteins, or spices according to your preference. Give it a try and enjoy a comforting bowl of chili that warms both body and soul!