Get ready to warm your soul with a bowl of hearty Beefy Chili that’s perfect for any occasion! This seasoned slow cooker recipe is not just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that brings friends and family together. With rich flavors that develop over 6 hours of slow cooking, this chili is the ultimate crowd-pleaser that will have everyone asking for seconds. Whether you're hosting a game day gathering or simply looking for a cozy weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to deliver satisfaction in every bite. Dive into the details below and discover how to create this deliciously robust dish that will keep you coming back for more!
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 6 hrs
Total Time: 6 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 8 servings
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Shredded cheese for topping
Instructions
- Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and break it apart using a wooden spoon, cooking until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains, approximately 8-10 minutes.
- While the beef is cooking, drain excess fat from the skillet, leaving just a small amount for flavor.
- Add chopped onions and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer the beef, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution of spices.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and develop a rich, deep taste.
- After 6 hours, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more salt, pepper, or spices to suit your preference.
- Serve hot in bowls, topping each serving with a generous sprinkle of shredded cheese.
Tips
- Choose Quality Beef: Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while still achieving great flavor. If you prefer a healthier option, ground turkey or chicken can be used as a substitute.
- Customize Your Spice Level: If you like your chili with a kick, consider adding jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also top your chili with hot sauce when serving for an extra heat boost!
- Prep Ahead: To save time on busy days, you can prepare the beef, onion, and garlic mixture in advance and store it in the fridge. Just combine everything in the slow cooker when you're ready to cook.
- Experiment with Beans: While kidney beans are classic, feel free to mix in black beans or pinto beans for a different texture and flavor profile.
- Let It Rest: Chili often tastes better the next day! If you have time, make it a day ahead and let the flavors meld overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Serve with Toppings: Enhance your chili experience by offering a variety of toppings like sour cream, diced onions, avocado, or fresh cilantro for guests to customize their bowls.
- Leftovers: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. It makes for a quick and easy meal later on!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 258kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 40mg
