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Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Beans

slow cooker beef chili with beans - featured image

A hearty and comforting slow cooker chili recipe combining savory ground beef, beans, and spices for cozy family nights. Easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large green bell pepper, diced
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 1 small can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1/2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional)
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • 1 tbsp brewed coffee (optional)
  • 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink and starting to brown, about 6-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and diced green bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté until softened, about 4-5 minutes.
  3. Carefully transfer the beef and veggie mixture into the slow cooker insert.
  4. Add rinsed kidney and black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cocoa powder. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Add the tablespoon of brewed coffee if using.
  7. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  8. About 15 minutes before serving, stir the chili and taste. Adjust salt or chili powder if desired. If too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water. Cook uncovered for the last bit if a thicker texture is preferred.

Notes

Browning the beef and sautéing the veggies before slow cooking adds depth of flavor but can be skipped if short on time. Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce excess starch and salt. Adjust chili powder to taste for desired heat level. Adding brewed coffee enhances meatiness. Avoid overcrowding the slow cooker for even cooking. Stir once or twice during cooking to prevent sticking.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, chili with beans, easy chili recipe, family dinner, comfort food, slow cooker recipes