Slow Cooker Chili

INTRODUCTION

Slow Cooker Chili is a comforting and hearty meal perfect for any time of the year, especially those chilly evenings. This dish is not only simple to prepare but also packed with flavor. Using a slow cooker allows the ingredients to blend together beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying chili. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or looking for a family dinner, this recipe will become a favorite.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

There are many reasons why Slow Cooker Chili will win your heart. First, it is easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the work for you. You just need to chop some vegetables, brown the meat, and throw everything into the slow cooker.

Second, this dish is very versatile. You can add your favorite beans, vegetables, or spices. Want it spicy? Just add more chili powder! Need it to be vegetarian? Just replace the beef with lentils or mushrooms.

Third, it’s perfect for meal prep. A big batch can easily be stored in the fridge or freezer, making it a good choice for busy days. Simply warm it up, and you have a delicious meal ready to go.

Lastly, it’s great for sharing. Whether you’re having friends over for football night or family for dinner, this chili can feed a crowd. Serve it with toppings for a fun, interactive meal. Everyone can customize their bowl just the way they like it.

HOW TO MAKE Slow Cooker Chili

Making Slow Cooker Chili is straightforward. By following the steps below, you’ll enjoy a delicious bowl of chili in no time.

EQUIPMENT NEEDED

You will need a few pieces of equipment to make this recipe:

• A large deep non-stick skillet
• A slow cooker (6 or 7 quarts)
• A chopping board and knife
• Measuring spoons and cups
• A wooden spoon or spatula for stirring

Ingredients You’ll Need

To make Slow Cooker Chili, gather the following ingredients:

• 1 Tbsp olive oil
• 2 lbs lean ground beef
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 2 cans of 14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 3 cans of 8 ounces tomato sauce
• 1/2 cup beef broth
• 2 Tbsp chili powder
• 2.5 tsp ground cumin
• 2 tsp paprika
• 2 tsp unsweetened cocoa powder
• 1 tsp granulated sugar
• 1/2 tsp ground coriander
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 1 can of 15 ounces dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can of 15 ounces light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

1. Heat olive oil: Start by heating the olive oil in a large and deep non-stick skillet over medium-high heat.

2. Sauté onions: Add the finely chopped onions to the skillet and sauté for about 3 minutes. Once the onions start to soften, add the minced garlic and sauté for an additional 30 seconds. Now, pour the sautéed onions and garlic into a 6 or 7-quart slow cooker.

3. Brown the beef: Return the skillet to medium-high heat. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, stirring occasionally until browned all over. Make sure to drain most of the fat, leaving about 2 tablespoons in the skillet with the beef. Pour the browned beef into the slow cooker with the onions and garlic.

4. Add remaining ingredients: In the slow cooker, stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, cocoa powder, granulated sugar, ground coriander, and season with salt and pepper to taste.

5. Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on low heat for about 5 to 6 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to blend together.

6. Add kidney beans: After the cooking time is up, stir in both dark and light red kidney beans. Wait for about 2 minutes, just until the beans heat through. Now, your Slow Cooker Chili is ready to serve warm with your favorite toppings.

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HOW TO SERVE Slow Cooker Chili

When serving Slow Cooker Chili, you have many options for toppings. Some popular choices include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. You can also serve it alongside tortilla chips or cornbread for a more filling meal.

Encourage everyone to customize their bowl and enjoy the fun of building their dish. A big pot of chili makes for great conversation and cozy gatherings.

STORAGE & FREEZING: Slow Cooker Chili

If you have leftovers, Slow Cooker Chili keeps well in the refrigerator. Simply store it in an airtight container. It can last for about 3 to 4 days in the fridge.

For longer storage, you can freeze the chili. Allow it to cool completely before pouring it into freezer-safe containers or bags. Label them with the date, and they can stay in the freezer for about 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

SERVING SUGGESTIONS

Slow Cooker Chili pairs well with various sides. Here are some serving suggestions:

• Cornbread: A classic side that complements the spicy and rich flavor of the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Serve with the chili for a crunchy texture.
• Rice: A bowl of rice can soak up the chili and make it more filling.
• Salad: A fresh green salad can balance out the rich taste of the chili.
• Grilled Cheese Sandwich: A warm, melty sandwich is great for dipping!

VARIATIONS

You can easily customize Slow Cooker Chili to suit your taste. Here are some ideas:

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace the ground beef with black beans, lentils, or chopped veggies like zucchini and bell peppers.
• Spicy Chili: Add jalapeños or more chili powder for extra heat.
• Sweet Chili: Incorporate corn or a bit more sugar for sweetness.
• Healthy Chili: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a leaner option.
• Chili with Sweet Potatoes: Add diced sweet potatoes for a sweet twist.

FAQs

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1. Can I make chili without meat?
   Yes! You can make a delicious vegetarian chili using beans, lentils, and your favorite vegetables.

2. What can I use instead of beef broth?
   You can use vegetable broth or even water if needed.

3. How can I make my chili spicier?
   Add more chili powder, diced jalapeños, or hot sauce to meet your spice preference.

4. Can I cook this recipe on high heat?
   Yes, you can cook on high heat for about 3 to 4 hours instead of 5 to 6 hours on low heat.

MAKE-AHEAD TIPS FOR Slow Cooker Chili

To save time, you can prep some ingredients the night before. Chop the onions and garlic and store them in the fridge. You can also brown the ground beef ahead of time. This way, you only need to combine everything in the slow cooker in the morning and let it cook while you go about your day.

Slow Cooker Chili is a wonderful dish that makes your home smell amazing while it cooks. You can look forward to a satisfying meal at the end of the day. Enjoy your cooking!

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