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Bowl of award-winning Slow Cooker Beef Chili with beans and toppings.

Slow Cooker Beef Chili

A hearty and cozy beef chili made in the slow cooker that's full of flavor and perfect for chilly days. This award-winning recipe is easy to prepare and sets the stage for a delightful dinner without spending hours at the stove.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 pounds Ground beef (80/20) For rich flavor, drain excess grease after browning.
  • 1 medium Onion, chopped
  • 3-4 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Tomato paste Big flavor builder.
  • 28 ounces Crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce
  • 2 cans Beans (kidney and pinto), drained and rinsed Feel free to use your favorite beans.
  • 1 cup Beef broth Just a splash to loosen it up.
Spices
  • 2 tablespoons Chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon Salt Adjust to taste.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper
Optional Enhancements
  • 1 teaspoon Brown sugar Balances flavor.
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce Adds depth.
  • 1/2 teaspoon Cocoa powder Enhances richness.

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Break it up, let it get a little browned, then drain off most of the grease.
  2. Add onion to the skillet for a few minutes until it softens, then add garlic and tomato paste. Stir for about 1 minute.
  3. Scrape the mixture into your slow cooker.
Cooking
  1. Add crushed tomatoes, beans, spices, and broth to the slow cooker. Stir well.
  2. Cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  3. Taste at the end and adjust salt, spice, and thickness as necessary.

Notes

For the best homemade chili, let it rest for 15 to 20 minutes after cooking to thicken and blend the flavors better. You can double this recipe for large gatherings.