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Chili (Slow Cooker)

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This Slow Cooker Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish made with ground meat, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. It’s a classic comfort food that simmers low and slow, developing rich flavor with minimal hands-on time—perfect for family meals, game days, or meal prep.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs ground beef or ground turkey
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 bell pepper, chopped (optional)
  • 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions

  1. In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles.
  2. Add chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper (if using). Sauté for 3–4 minutes until softened.
  3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.
  4. Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  5. Stir everything together until well combined.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
  7. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed before serving.
  8. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Drain and rinse beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
  • Make it spicier with cayenne, chipotle powder, or jalapeños.
  • For a thicker chili, mash some beans or leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes.
  • Chili is even better the next day—great for leftovers.
  • Freezes well in individual portions for easy reheating.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://thefamilycooking.com/chili-slow-cooker/