Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Rich Flavors 🌶️🍖🔥
1. Introduction
If you’re craving a comforting, flavorful, and easy-to-make dish, then this slow cooker beef chili recipe is just what you need. Perfect for cozy weeknights or meal prep, this crockpot beef stew combines tender beef, hearty beans, and a blend of spices to create a dish packed with rich flavors. Using your slow cooker makes this easy chili recipe a stress-free process—set it and forget it while it simmers to perfection. Whether you’re a chili lover or looking for a new twist on classic beef chili, this recipe will surely become a family favorite.
2. Ingredients for Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Chili
- 2 pounds of beef chuck roast, cut into bite-sized pieces
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
3. Preparing the Ingredients
Step 1: Brown the Beef (Optional but Recommended)
For extra flavor, you can brown the beef chunks in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding them to the slow cooker. This step enhances the richness of your beef chili and develops deeper flavors.
Step 2: Prepare Vegetables and Spices
Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Gather your spices and other ingredients—you’ll add everything to your slow cooker for easy assembly.
4. Cooking Instructions for Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Step 1: Layer the Ingredients
Place the browned beef into the slow cooker. Add chopped onions, garlic, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and spices. Pour in the beef broth for added moisture and depth of flavor.
Step 2: Cook on Low for 6-8 Hours
Set your slow cooker to low and let it cook for 6 to 8 hours, or until the beef is tender and the flavors meld together beautifully. For a quicker version, cook on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 3: Final Touches
Taste and adjust salt and pepper seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings for a complete meal.
5. Storage Tips for Leftover Hearty Chili
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stove or microwave until steaming hot. This dish also reheats beautifully, making it perfect for make-ahead meals.
6. Serving Suggestions for Your Rich and Flavorful Chili
Serve your slow cooker beef chili over cooked rice, polenta, or with crusty bread. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños for additional flavor. You might also enjoy pairing it with a refreshing side like cucumber dill salad to balance the spiciness.
7. Frequently Asked Questions About This Hearty Chili Recipe
Can I substitute beef with ground beef?
Yes, ground beef works well in this easy chili recipe. Brown the ground beef first, drain excess fat, then proceed with added ingredients.
Is this chili suitable for a low-carb diet?
This recipe can be modified by reducing or omitting beans and serving with low-carb toppings. For a keto-friendly version, consider replacing beans with extra vegetables.
How long does it take to prepare this slow cooker beef chili?
The prep time is approximately 15 minutes, and the slow cooking takes about 6-8 hours. It’s an incredibly easy chili recipe that fits into busy schedules.
8. Kitchen tools that you might need for this recipe
- Crock-Pot Family-Size Slow Cooker — Make your cooking effortless with a reliable, spacious slow cooker that ensures perfectly cooked chili every time. It’s the ideal tool for this hearty crockpot beef stew.
- KitchenAid Artisan 5-Quart Stand Mixer — Perfect for prepping ingredients quickly and easily, this mixer helps you get your vegetables chopped in no time.
- Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer — Although not required for this dish, it’s great for quick side dishes or reheating leftovers with perfect crispness.
9. Conclusion
This slow cooker beef chili recipe is a flavorful, hearty, and easy dinner solution for busy nights or cozy weekends. The rich blend of spices, tender beef, and hearty beans makes every bite satisfying. Plus, preparing it in the slow cooker allows the flavors to develop fully while saving you time and effort. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides for a complete comfort meal that everyone will love. For more delicious recipes and kitchen tips, explore our Home Plate Magic website and elevate your cooking today!
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Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Rich Flavors
A rich and hearty beef chili cooked slowly to develop deep flavors, perfect for cold evenings or casual gatherings.
- Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef until cooked through. Transfer to the slow cooker.
- Add chopped onion, garlic, bell pepper, diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, pepper, and beef broth.
- Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Adjust seasoning if needed and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- You can add diced jalapenos for extra heat.
- Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro for added flavor.
- For a thicker chili, simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420 Kcal
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 32g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg