Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (85-90% lean)
1 large yellow onion, chopped
1 large green bell pepper, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5 ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
1 cup beef broth
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
0.5 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste
2 tablespoons cornmeal or masa harina (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
Step 1: In a large skillet or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks. Once no pink remains, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Step 3: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), crushed tomatoes (undrained), rinsed and drained kidney beans, rinsed and drained pinto beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker.
Step 5: Stir all the ingredients well to combine. Ensure everything is evenly distributed.
Step 6: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Step 7: About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the cornmeal or masa harina, if using. Continue cooking until thickened.
Step 8: Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 9: Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For a thicker chili, you can remove a cup or two of chili, blend it, and then return it to the slow cooker. You can also add 1-2 tablespoons of cornmeal or masa harina during the last 30 minutes of cooking. This slow cooker chili recipe is fantastic for freezing; simply portion into airtight containers once cooled.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dishes & Savory Recipes
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups (approx 360g)
- Calories: 410 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 780 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 35 g
- Fiber: 10 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg