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As the temperature drops and chilly winds sweep through the streets, there’s nothing quite like a hearty meal to bring warmth and comfort to your home. One of the quintessential cold-weather dishes is chili, a robust and flavorful stew that warms both body and soul. Among the myriad of chili recipes available, beef chili stands out for its rich flavors and satisfying texture. What’s more, using a slow cooker to prepare this dish transforms it into a simple, hands-off cooking experience, allowing busy home cooks to create a comforting meal with minimal effort.

Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Beans

Warm up your chilly nights with a delicious slow cooker beef chili that's perfect for families and gatherings alike. This comforting dish combines savory ground beef, colorful veggies, and hearty beans, simmered to perfection with a blend of spices. Effortless to prepare, simply brown your beef, sauté the veggies, and let the slow cooker do all the work. Customize to your taste with different spices and toppings for a meal that satisfies every palate. Enjoy the rich flavors and warmth with loved ones!
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Ingredients
  

2 lbs ground beef

1 medium onion, chopped

4 cloves garlic, minced

1 bell pepper (red or green), chopped

2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes (with juice)

1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp ground cumin

1 tsp smoked paprika

1 tsp dried oregano

½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for extra heat)

Salt and pepper to taste

1 cup beef broth

1 tbsp olive oil

Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, and fresh cilantro

Instructions
 

Brown the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, cooking until browned. Drain excess fat and transfer beef to the slow cooker.

    Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1-2 minutes until fragrant. Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.

      Combine Ingredients: To the slow cooker, add diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything well to combine.

        Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through if possible to blend flavors.

          Taste and Adjust: After the cooking time, taste the chili and adjust spices or seasoning if necessary. If you like a thicker chili, let it sit uncovered for an additional 30 minutes on high.

            Serve: Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, and fresh cilantro.

              Prep Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 7-8.5 hours | Servings: 6-8