Classic Beef and Bean Slow Cooker Chili
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this classic beef and bean slow cooker chili Perfect for game day or a busy weeknight
Warm up with a comforting bowl of this classic beef and bean slow cooker chili Perfect for game day or a busy weeknight
- shredded cheese
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- sour cream
- diced avocado
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- sliced green onions
- 8 cloves garlic minced
- 1 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 14 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 yellow onions diced
- 4 oz can diced green chiles
- diced fresh tomatoes
- 1 red or green bell pepper diced
- 2 lbs ground beef (i use an 80/20 fat content)
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes ((or diced))
- 2 cans dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- minced cilantro
- tortilla strips or broken tortilla chips
- diced or sliced jalapeã±os
- Carbohydrate 12.3915635396937 g
- Cholesterol 14.225 mg
- Fat 6.35167599916086 g
- Fiber 2.58553749814862 g
- Protein 4.80195054675833 g
- Saturated Fat 2.93592460404334 g
- Serving Size 1 1 serving (371g)
- Sodium 688.000926859664 mg
- Sugar 9.80602604154507 g
- Trans Fat 0.503771009885365 g
- Calories 119 calories
Step-by-step
- To a large skillet, add oil and heat over MED to MED-HIGH heat.
- Add onions and bell pepper and cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and very fragrant, about 5 minutes.
- Add ground beef and cook about 5 minutes, crumbling with a wooden spoon or potato masher, until beef is no longer pink.
- Drain any excess fat, and return beef mixture to skillet.
- Add salt, chili powder, cumin and black pepper and minced garlic, and cook about a minute.
- Transfer beef mixture to the bottom of slow cooker.
- Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans and green chiles, and stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or on HIGH for 5-6 hours.
- Taste chili and season with salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve with any desired toppings and enjoy!
My Go-To Weeknight Chili: A Simple Recipe for Busy Lives
As a working mom, time is my most precious commodity. Dinner needs to be quick, easy, and delicious, and that's where my trusty slow cooker comes in. This Classic Beef and Bean Slow Cooker Chili is my absolute go-to recipe for busy weeknights, and it’s also perfect for those cozy weekend evenings when I want something hearty and satisfying. Forget complicated recipes and endless prep work; this chili is all about simplicity and flavor.
The beauty of this chili lies in its adaptability. I often adjust the ingredients based on what I have on hand. Sometimes I add a can of corn, other times I throw in some leftover cooked vegetables. It’s incredibly forgiving, which is a huge plus when you're juggling work, kids, and everything else life throws your way. The slow cooker does all the work, infusing the flavors and creating a rich, tender chili that's perfect for a family dinner or even a casual get-together with friends. The aroma alone is enough to make anyone’s mouth water, and it’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.
Beyond its ease and deliciousness, this chili is also incredibly versatile. Serve it with your favorite toppings – shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, and even a dollop of plain Greek yogurt are all fantastic additions. Sometimes, I like to add a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note. The toppings really elevate the chili to another level, allowing each person to customize their bowl to their liking. For a heartier meal, serve it with cornbread or crusty bread for dipping. It’s truly a meal that can be enjoyed in so many ways.
Beyond the Recipe: The Heart of Home Cooking
For me, cooking isn't just about sustenance; it's about creating memories and nurturing connections. The aroma of this chili simmering in the slow cooker fills my home with warmth and comfort. It's a smell that evokes feelings of family, togetherness, and the simple pleasures of life. While I appreciate intricate recipes and fancy techniques, sometimes the most comforting and satisfying meals are the simplest ones. This chili is a testament to that fact.
It’s a recipe that I’ve passed down to my daughters, teaching them the joy of creating something delicious and nourishing for themselves and their families. It's more than just a recipe; it’s a legacy, a way of showing love and care through the simple act of cooking. It’s a reminder that even in the midst of our busy lives, we can always find time to nurture ourselves and those we love with a hearty, delicious meal. The time spent preparing it, the laughter shared while enjoying it – these are the memories that make this simple chili so much more than just dinner.
Adapting the Recipe to Your Lifestyle
One of the great things about this chili recipe is its adaptability. For a quicker weeknight meal, you can brown the beef in a skillet, then transfer everything to the slow cooker. If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can adapt the recipe for the stovetop or even an Instant Pot. Feel free to experiment with different beans, spices, and vegetables to create your own unique version. The key is to have fun with it and let your creativity shine.
More Than Just a Meal: A Symbol of Comfort and Connection
This chili recipe is more than just a collection of ingredients and instructions; it's a symbol of home, comfort, and connection. It represents the warmth of a family gathering, the satisfaction of a hearty meal, and the simple pleasure of creating something delicious from scratch. It's a recipe that has brought joy to my family for years, and I hope it will bring joy to yours as well. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and let the comforting aroma of this chili fill your home with warmth and happiness. Enjoy!
