Print

Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Beans

slow cooker beef chili - featured image

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker beef chili with beans, perfect for cold winter evenings. This easy recipe combines tender beef, beans, and a blend of spices for a comforting and satisfying meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20 blend recommended)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 medium red bell pepper, chopped
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional: pinch of cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 10 minutes.
  2. Add diced onion and chopped red bell pepper to the skillet with the beef. Cook until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Stir in minced garlic during the last minute to avoid burning.
  3. Transfer the beef and veggie mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Stir in kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
  5. Add beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add cayenne pepper if desired.
  8. Serve warm, optionally garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

Brown the beef well to add caramelized flavor. Use fresh garlic for better aroma. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve flavor. Cook low and slow to avoid mushy beans and to meld flavors. Adjust spice levels to taste. Can be adapted for stovetop or Instant Pot.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, chili with beans, winter comfort food, easy chili recipe, hearty chili, slow cooker recipe