Classic Slow Cooker Chili

This classic slow cooker chili is hearty, packed with protein, and full of flavor! Crock pot chili is a comfort food classic for a reason. 

Remember informercials?!?

I can't recall the product...but one tagline sticks out in my head.

Just set it and...FORGET IT!

No, you have no idea what I'm talking about... What's an infomercial?!? 

Ok...I looked it up. That was the tagline for a rotisserie oven

Anyways, that's what a slow cooker makes me think of- simple, yet flavorful ingredients that you can just set and forget.

Chili is super simple and classic. Let's just call it-- it's basic. But, this basic dish has so much flavor and there are so many ways to easily customize. Plus, chili is considered a comfort food classic for a reason. With a slow cooker, all of the flavors marinate together over a few hours and the results are always amazing!

How to Make the BEST Chili

True chili connoisseurs each have their own secret weapons. The secret to the best chili involves using a mystery ingredient. Some chefs will only reveal upon their death beds, but I've found a few of the most common.

Some of the most popular include...

  • Beer
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Coffee
  • Cinnamon
  • Wine
  • Masa harina
  • Garam masala

What's yours???

Classic slow cooker chili in a serving crock with diced peppers

Ingredients in Classic Slow Cooker Chili

  • Ground Meat- beef, chicken, or turkey
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Bell Peppers
  • Tomato Sauce
  • Diced Tomatoes
  • Beef Broth
  • Chili Powder
  • Onion Powder
  • Cumin

Slow Cooker Chili Variations

  • Meat: beef, chicken, turkey, pork
  • Veggies: onion, bell peppers, garlic, tomatoes, carrots, cauliflower, scallions
  • Beans: kidney beans, black beans
  • Sauce: tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth
  • Toppings: tortilla chips, cheese, sour cream, avocado, cilantro

 

Can I make chili on the stovetop?

If you don't have a slow cooker, chili can also be made on the stove. Simply, brown the meat. Next, sauté the peppers, onions, garlic, and other veggies. Then, add everything to a large pot and simmer for 2-3 hours for the best flavor!

 

Can you put raw beef in the slow cooker?

Yes, you can put raw ground meat in a slow cooker. Given the 3+ hour cook time, the meat will have plenty of time to cook. With raw meat, cook on high for at least 4 hours or low for 8 hours to ensure the meat is fully cooked. Browning the meat prior to slow cooking will caramelize the meat, which leads to a richer flavor.

Classic Crock Pot Chili Served in Chili Crocks with Shredded Cheese and Tortilla Chips

Craving more slow cooker meals???

Slow Cooker Pulled Pork

Slow Cooker Shredded BBQ Chicken

Slow Cooker Low Carb Beef Stew

Classic Slow Cooker Chili

This classic slow cooker chili is hearty, packed with protein, and full of flavor! Crock pot chili is a comfort food classic for a reason. 

Prep:
10
min
cook:
190
min
total:
200
min
Author:

Kelly

Ingredients
  • Olive oil
  • 2 lbs. ground meat- beef, chicken, or turkey
  • 4 bell peppers, diced
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • Salt and pepper
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 30 oz. tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz. diced tomatoes
  • 2 c. low-sodium beef broth
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • 2 tsp. cumin
  • 2 tsp. paprika
  • 1 tsp. onion powder
  • 12 oz. frozen riced cauliflower
Instructions
  • Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. If using chicken or turkey, heat 2-3 Tbsp. of olive oil. For beef, you can omit the oil. Then, add meat to the hot skillet and break into large pieces. Let the meat brown without moving it for 4-5 minutes. Then, use a spatula to break the meat into smaller pieces and continue cooking. Season with salt and pepper. Ground meat is cooked when it is no longer pink.
  • In the slow cooker, add the onion, bell peppers, garlic, browned meat, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, and onion powder. Stir and season with salt and pepper.
  • Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-7 hours. Turn off the heat and stir in the riced cauliflower.
  • Top with shredded cheese, crushed tortilla chips, scallions, sour cream, avocado...

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