Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker): A Warm Hug in a Bowl

There’s nothing quite like the comforting, savory aroma of Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker) wafting through the house on a chilly evening. It’s a dish that whispers of family gatherings, potluck dinners, and cozy nights in, wrapped in a blanket with loved ones around. This hearty chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience — a cherished family recipe that warms both the body and soul. So, grab your favorite wooden spoon and let’s dive into a bowl of happiness!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here are some reasons why this Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker) will become an indispensable recipe in your home:

Delicious Flavors: A perfect balance of spices, tomatoes, and tender beef, every bite bursts with flavor.
Easy to Prepare: Just brown the beef, toss in ingredients, and let the slow cooker do its magic. Simple enough for a weeknight dinner!
Crowd-Pleasing: This recipe serves a crowd or makes fantastic leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Budget-Friendly: Ground beef and canned goods make this meal both accessible and economical.
Comforting: It’s the ultimate comfort food, bringing warmth and joy during dinner with family or friends.

Ingredients

For this scrumptious Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker), you’ll need:

1 pound ground beef (feel free to swap with ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (black beans work too!)
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
2 tablespoons chili powder (add more for an extra kick!)
1 teaspoon cumin (for a smoky depth)
1 teaspoon paprika (or smoked paprika for more flavor)
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste (adds richness)
1 cup beef broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro

Prep and Cook Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours on low or 3 hours on high in the slow cooker
Total Time: 6-7 hours (perfect for a day spent with friends or family!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until it’s nice and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. As it cooks, listen for that satisfying sizzle and watch for the juices to form. Drain any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics: In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic to the beef for another 3-4 minutes. Let them mingle until the onion is translucent, filling your kitchen with a warm, fragrant embrace.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, tomato paste, and beef broth. Give it a good stir until well combined.
Season: Sprinkle in salt and pepper to taste, adjusting to your preference.
Set the Slow Cooker: Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours. The magic begins as the flavors meld together, creating a mouthwatering chili.
Serve and Enjoy: When done, ladle your Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker) into bowls. Feel free to top with cheese, sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh herbs before diving in.

Variations and Twists

Healthy Swap: Substitute ground beef with lentils for a vegetarian chili that’s equally hearty.
Spicy Twist: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce for a fiery kick.
Festival Version: Incorporate corn for a touch of sweetness and color, making it perfect for festive gatherings.
Regional Flavor: Try adding a tablespoon of cocoa powder or a splash of dark beer for a rich, unique taste that’ll impress your guests.

Serving Suggestions

This Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker) is delightful on its own, but it also pairs beautifully with:

Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread creates a delightful contrast to the spice of the chili.
Rice: A generous scoop of rice on the side will soak up the flavors beautifully.
Tortilla Chips: For a crunchy texture, use chips to scoop up that luscious chili.

It’s perfect for game nights, cozy family dinners, or even winter holidays, making every occasion extra special.

Storage and Reheating

If you happen to have leftovers (which is rare with this delicious chili!), follow these tips:

Refrigeration: Cool the chili and transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Portion it out into freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge when ready to enjoy again.
Reheating: Warm it gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it appears thick.

Kitchen Tips for Success

Layer Flavors: Toast spices in the skillet for a minute before adding. It enhances their aroma!
Cook Low and Slow: For optimal flavor, let it simmer longer; the slow cooker works wonders here.
Taste and Adjust: Always taste before serving and tweak seasoning to your desire.
Garnish Generously: Don’t skip the toppings! They add undeniable depth and personal flair.

FAQs

Can I make it vegetarian? Absolutely! Substitute ground beef with lentils or your favorite beans.
How can I add more vegetables? Toss in bell peppers, zucchini, or even carrots for extra nutrition.
What’s the serving size? This recipe yields about 6-8 servings, ideal for sharing.
Can I use fresh tomatoes? Yes, you can! About 4-5 cups of diced fresh tomatoes would work beautifully.

Conclusion

As you ladle steaming bowls of Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker) for your family, remember that food has a magical way of bringing people together. This recipe isn’t just about enjoying a delicious dish; it’s about the conversations, laughter, and love shared around the table. So, go ahead, embrace that warm embrace of chili goodness — cook it, share it, and enjoy every blissful moment with your loved ones. Happy cooking!

Contents

1 Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker)

Ground Beef Chili (Slow Cooker)

A comforting and savory chili made with ground beef, beans, and spices, perfect for family gatherings and cozy nights in.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 6

Total Time 7

Course Dinner, Main Course

Cuisine American, Comfort Food

Servings 8 servings

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

1 pound ground beef Feel free to swap with ground turkey for a leaner option.
1 medium onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed Black beans work too!
1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes with green chiles
2 tablespoons chili powder Add more for an extra kick!
1 teaspoon cumin For a smoky depth.
1 teaspoon paprika Or smoked paprika for more flavor.
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste Adds richness.
1 cup beef broth or water
Salt and pepper to taste

Optional Toppings

shredded cheese
sour cream
chopped green onions
fresh cilantro

Instructions

Preparation

Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat until it’s nice and crumbly, about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
In the same skillet, add diced onion and garlic to the beef, and sauté for another 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent.
Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste, adjusting as necessary.

Cooking

Cover with the lid and set your slow cooker to low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
Once done, ladle your Ground Beef Chili into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs as desired.

Notes

For optimal flavor, let it simmer longer in the slow cooker. Adjust seasoning before serving. Garnish generously with toppings.

Keyword Chili, Comfort Food, Easy Recipe, Ground Beef, Slow Cooker

Written by Salaheddine — founder of Tasty Sunrise, sharing easy and comforting homemade recipes for every occasion.

📩 admin@tastysunrise.com • Pinterest