Are you ready to warm your soul with a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Beef and Black Bean Chili? This mouthwatering recipe is the perfect blend of rich flavors and tender meat that will have your taste buds dancing with joy! Imagine coming home after a long day to the tantalizing aroma of chili wafting through your kitchen, ready to be savored. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it, allowing the slow cooker to work its magic while you go about your day. Dive into this deliciously satisfying dish that serves up to 6 hearty portions, making it perfect for family dinners or meal prep for the week. Don’t miss out on this comforting classic that’s sure to become a staple in your home!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and brown the ground beef, breaking it into small crumbles. Drain excess fat from the meat.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker, creating the base of your chili.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the slow cooker, mixing them with the ground beef.
- Pour in the drained and rinsed black beans, diced tomatoes, and beef broth.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper over the ingredients, stirring thoroughly to ensure even seasoning.
- Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat setting.
- Allow the chili to cook slowly for 6 hours, which will help develop rich, deep flavors and tenderize the meat.
- Occasionally stir the chili during cooking to prevent sticking and ensure even heat distribution.
- After 6 hours, taste and adjust seasonings if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Serve hot, optionally garnishing with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- Brown the Beef Well: Take your time to brown the ground beef thoroughly in the skillet. This step adds depth of flavor to your chili and enhances the overall taste.
- Customize Your Beans: While black beans are a staple, feel free to mix in other beans like kidney or pinto beans for added texture and flavor.
- Layer Your Ingredients: When adding ingredients to the slow cooker, layer them rather than just mixing everything together. This helps to build flavors as they cook.
- Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a spicier chili, add some diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the mix. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder.
- Don’t Skip the Stirring: Give your chili a gentle stir once or twice during cooking to ensure even heat distribution and prevent sticking.
- Taste and Adjust: Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasonings as needed. Sometimes a little extra salt or a dash of hot sauce can elevate the dish to perfection.
- Garnish for Extra Flavor: Serve your chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños to add an extra layer of flavor and presentation.
- Make It Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time for a quick and delicious meal!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 25g
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 70mg
