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This hearty chili is the ultimate comfort food on a cold evening. The slow cooking process allows all of those delicious spices to meld together and create a phenomenal flavor. If you’re lucky to have any, leftovers are even better the next day!
If you've been around for a minute or two, you’ve probably learned that I like meals that are quick and easy, but they have to be as homemade as possible! I love making this chili because not only is it quick and easy, but it's also a budget-friendly meal that can feed a lot of folks. As a home canner, I use beans and produce that I have home canned over time. I think this is what makes this recipe so fantastic. However, store-bought will do just fine and will still be absolutely delicious!
It seems like there’s a new must-have something or another that pops up in my social media feed every day. It can be easy to forget the tried-and-true gadgets and appliances that sit in our cabinets. Whether you’re cooking for a large family or just one or two, slow cookers come in a variety of sizes and price points making them perfect for any household. They also use less energy than conventional ovens and are my not-so-secret weapon to keeping my kitchen from feeling like the surface of the sun during the summer. Not to mention, the slow cooker gets the job done when it comes to tenderizing meat and distributing flavor.
The main ingredients you’ll need to make this Comfy Cozy Slow-Cooker Chili are:
Ground Beef
I like to use a lean-cut mixture of 90/10 ground beef. It offers enough fat to add flavor but not so much that it makes the overall dish greasy.
Beef Stock
A good quality beef stock, like homemade, will add depth and richness to the chili. It will also help to keep everything from drying out.
Tomatoes
Tomatoes and tomato sauce will help to add not only flavor but lots of color and texture as well. They'll provide a much-needed acidity to help balance out the other flavors.
Beans
I love the red beans and pinto beans in this recipe. However, you can use all of one kind of bean or mix it up with black beans or navy beans. If you’re not a fan of beans, feel free to leave them out completely. If you're using store bought canned beans, you’ll want to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker. If using home canned beans, you can just dump them right in!
Corn
Fresh corn adds a sweet freshness to this savory dish and shouldn’t be skipped!
Fresh Produce
Onions, celery, and garlic are tried and true favorites for adding texture and flavor to any dish.
Worcestershire Sauce
For an added depth of flavor, a salty and savory sauce like Worcestershire will provide a light
umami flavor that pairs perfectly with the acidity of the tomatoes.
Herbs and Spices
When it comes to adding flavor, the right herbs and spices are key. Garlic and onion both offer delicious flavor, and aromatic powerhouses like chili powder and cumin are sure to add a mouthwatering goodness to every bite!
How To Make Comfy Cozy Slow-Cooker Chili in Three Easy Steps:
First, you’ll want to cook the ground beef until browned and cooked thoroughly.
Next, add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
Then, add all of the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, and cook on a low heat setting for 5-6 hours or on high heat setting for 3-4 hours.
How To Freeze and Reheat Leftovers
If you like to meal prep like I do, this recipe freezes and reheats beautifully! Simply thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat on the stove or the microwave. This chili is so easy to revamp into a completely different meal like chili mac, chili dogs, or loaded chili tater tots!
Yield: 8-10 servings
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
32 ounces beef stock
16 ounces tomato sauce
16 ounces tomatoes with green chilies
16 ounces red kidney beans, *drained and rinsed
16 ounces pinto beans, *drained and rinsed
16 ounces corn, drained
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 large green pepper, diced
4 stalks celery, diced
3 large cloves garlic, diced
¼ cup Worcestershire sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
2 teaspoons onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon ground oregano
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 ½ teaspoons salt
Optional: cheese, corn chips, crackers, or cornbread
Directions
Cook the ground beef until browned and cooked thoroughly.
Add the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker.
Add all of the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
Cook on a low heat setting for 5-6 hours or on high heat setting for 3-4 hours.
Top with your favorites or drizzle with my Homemade Nacho Cheese Sauce!
If you enjoyed this Comfy Cozy Slow Cooker Chili we want to know! Leave us a comment below!
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