Slow Cooker Chili

About This Recipe

This easy Slow Cooker Chili recipe is rich, comforting, and perfectly spiced. High in protein and fiber, it’s a cozy, hands-off dinner your whole family will love.

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef ((90/10 or 93/7))
• ½ medium onion (diced)
• 1 medium red bell pepper (seeded and chopped)
• 2 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic powder
• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt (or to taste)
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 15 ounce can black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounce can kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounce can petite diced tomatoes (with their juice)
• 10 ounce can Rotel or mild diced tomatoes with green chilies (drained)
• 8 ounce can tomato sauce
• Optional toppings: chopped red onions or green onions (cilantro leaves, sour cream, cheddar, avocado)

Instructions

1. Brown the beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula.
2. Add onion, bell pepper and garlic to the skillet and sauté until tender, 4-5 minutes. Add the seasonings (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, paprika, salt and pepper). Cook 30 more seconds, stirring  then transfer to a 6 or 7 quart slow cooker.
3. Add remaining ingredients into the crockpot: rinsed and drained black and red beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, Rotel with juices and a can of tomato sauce. Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours.
4. Adjust seasoning to taste, as desired.
5. Ladle it into bowls and top with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh chopped cilantro, scallions or red onion, if desired.