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Homemade Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe photo

Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is SO EASY! Rich, hearty, and packed with flavor, it’s perfect for cozy nights or game day.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Total Time 6 hours 15 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Slow Cooker
  • Large Skillet
  • Wooden Spoon or Spatula
  • Measuring spoons and cups
  • Can opener

Ingredients
  

  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 pounds 85 or 90% lean ground beef
  • 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 0.25 teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1.5 teaspoons salt or to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon ground black pepper or to taste
  • 0.25 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • 0.25 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 cans kidney beans 15 ounces each, rinsed and drained
  • 15 ounces canned cannellini beans rinsed and drained
  • 0.5 cup canned sweet corn rinsed and drained

Instructions
 

  • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
  • Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the light brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, cocoa powder, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
  • Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, and sweet corn.
  • Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours.
  • Taste your chili and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference. For thicker chili, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.
  • Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips.

Notes

  • Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic first to enhance the chili’s flavor.
  • The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate richness that balances the spices perfectly.
  • Adjust chili powder and red pepper flakes to customize the heat level.
  • Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
  • Leftover chili freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Keyword Chili, Comfort Food, Easy, Ground Beef, Slow Cooker