Slow Cooker Chili is a quintessential comfort food, perfect for warming up during cold months or serving at gatherings. The beauty of using a slow cooker for chili is that it allows the flavors to meld together beautifully over several hours, resulting in a rich, hearty dish. Here’s a step-by-step guide to making a delicious slow cooker chili.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option)
- 1 onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 bell pepper, diced (any color)
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- Water or beef broth, as needed for desired consistency
- Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips