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Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Hearty Easy Slow Cooker Chili for Cozy Nights In

This Easy Slow Cooker Chili is a hearty and rich comfort food perfect for gatherings or family dinners.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Resting Time 30 minutes
Total Time 6 hours 45 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 300

Ingredients
  

For the Chili Base
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Can substitute with avocado oil
  • 1 pound Lean Ground Beef Can substitute with ground turkey
  • 1 medium Yellow Onion Can substitute with shallots or leeks
  • 2 cloves Garlic Can use garlic powder as a substitute
  • 15 ounces Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies Can swap with plain tomatoes and add jalapeños for heat
  • 15 ounces Tomato Sauce Can use crushed tomatoes for texture
  • 1 cup Beef Broth Can use vegetable broth for vegetarian option
For the Spices
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Powder Adjust according to spice preference
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Cumin Can substitute with smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika Try smoked paprika for depth
  • 1 tablespoon Unsweetened Cocoa Powder Optional ingredient
  • 1 teaspoon Granulated Sugar Can substitute with honey or agave syrup
  • 1 teaspoon Ground Coriander Optional
For the Beans
  • 2 cans Dark Red Kidney Beans Can substitute with light red kidney beans or black beans
For the Toppings
  • 1 cup Shredded Cheddar Cheese Can substitute with sour cream or dairy-free cheese

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • skillet

Method
 

Step-by-Step Instructions
  1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Sauté the chopped yellow onion for about 3 minutes until translucent, then add minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
  3. Transfer the sautéed onions and garlic to your slow cooker.
  4. In the same skillet, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart until no longer pink.
  5. Drain excess fat and add the beef to the slow cooker, then stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
  6. Add the spices and stir well to combine.
  7. Incorporate the rinsed and drained kidney beans into the slow cooker.
  8. Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6 hours.
  9. Stir the chili before serving and top with shredded cheddar cheese or other desired toppings.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 300kcalCarbohydrates: 35gProtein: 20gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 4gPolyunsaturated Fat: 1gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 60mgSodium: 800mgPotassium: 700mgFiber: 8gSugar: 5gVitamin A: 15IUVitamin C: 25mgCalcium: 10mgIron: 15mg

Notes

This chili freezes beautifully, so make larger batches and store for quick dinners!

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