Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Craving a hearty and comforting meal? This Slow Cooker Beef Chili recipe is sure to hit the spot! Packed with bold flavors and tender chunks of beef, it’s the perfect dish to warm you up on a chilly day.

Ingredients:

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

• In a skillet, brown the ground beef with the diced onion and garlic.
• Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker and add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
• Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
• Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as cheese, sour cream, and green onions. Enjoy!

Popular questions:

• Q: Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?

A: Yes, you can substitute ground turkey for ground beef in this recipe for a leaner option. Just be aware that it may alter the flavor slightly.

• Q: Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned diced tomatoes?

A: Yes, you can use fresh tomatoes in place of canned diced tomatoes. You may need to adjust the seasoning slightly to compensate for the difference in flavor.

• Q: Can I add more vegetables to this chili?

A: Absolutely! Feel free to add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to add more veggies to this chili for added nutrition and flavor.

• Q: Can I make this chili spicier?

A: Yes, you can adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or adding some chopped jalapenos or red pepper flakes to the recipe.

• Q: Can I freeze leftovers of this chili?

A: Yes, this chili freezes well. Just store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months and reheat when ready to eat.

Helpful tips:

• Add a splash of lime juice to your chili for a burst of citrusy flavor.
• Top your chili with avocado slices for a creamy and rich texture.
• For a smokier flavor, add a touch of smoked paprika to the seasoning mix.
• If you like it extra spicy, throw in some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce.
• For a thicker chili, mix in a tablespoon of cornmeal towards the end of cooking.

Expert Secrets:

• Cooking the ground beef with the onion and garlic before adding it to the slow cooker enhances the flavor profile of the chili.
• Allow the chili to simmer on low for the full cooking time to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly.
• Adjust the seasoning to your taste preferences by adding more chili powder or cumin as needed.
• If you prefer a smoother texture, use an immersion blender to partially blend the chili once it’s done cooking.