Name: Slow Cooker Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 15 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1½ cups); Kosher salt; 4 cloves garlic, finely chopped; 2 Tbsp. tomato paste; 2 lb. (85% lean) ground beef; Freshly ground black pepper; 2 Tbsp. chili powder; 1 Tbsp. ground cumin; 2 tsp. smoked paprika; 1 tsp. dried oregano; Pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder (optional); 2 (15-oz.) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes; 1 cup beer, low-sodium beef broth, or water; 1 lime, halved; Fritos, shredded cheddar, thinly sliced scallions, and sour cream, for serving (optional)

Description

A comforting and hearty Slow Cooker Chili simmered to perfection, filled with robust flavors and perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights.

Ingredients

Scale

1 Tbsp. vegetable or canola oil
1 large yellow onion, chopped (about 1½ cups)
Kosher salt
4 cloves garlic, finely chopped
2 Tbsp. tomato paste
2 lb. (85% lean) ground beef
Freshly ground black pepper
2 Tbsp. chili powder
1 Tbsp. ground cumin
2 tsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. dried oregano
Pinch of cayenne pepper or chipotle chili powder (optional)
2 (15-oz.) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-oz.) can crushed tomatoes
1 cup beer, low-sodium beef broth, or water
1 lime, halved
Fritos, shredded cheddar, thinly sliced scallions, and sour cream, for serving (optional)

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add vegetable or canola oil. Once hot, add the chopped onion and sprinkle a pinch of salt. Sauté until the onion is slightly softened and translucent, about 7 to 9 minutes.
Add the finely chopped garlic and continue cooking, stirring frequently for about 1 minute.
Introduce the tomato paste and stir until it transitions to a brick-red color, approximately 1 to 2 minutes.
Transfer the onion-garlic mixture to a large slow cooker.
In the same skillet, crumble the ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and let it sit undisturbed for about 5 minutes until mostly browned.
Once nearly done, add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne, stirring for around a minute until fragrant.
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef mixture to the slow cooker, discarding excess fat.
Add the kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, and beer or broth. Season again with salt and pepper.
Cover and let cook on low for 4 to 6 hours. Uncover for the last 20 minutes to thicken if needed.
Before serving, squeeze lime juice over the chili and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve with toppings if desired.

Notes

Customize with different beans or vegetables. For a healthier version, use ground turkey or chicken.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 360 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 serving
Calories: 375
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 500mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 40g
Fiber: 8g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 80mg