How to Make Chili in a Slow Cooker: A Flavorful and Efficient Recipe for Busy Cooks
How to Make Chili in a Slow Cooker?
To make chili in a slow cooker, start by browning ground beef and onions in a skillet.
Then, transfer the beef and onions to the slow cooker and add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and homemade chili seasoning.
Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Once ready, serve the chili with toppings like mild cheddar cheese, onions, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or sliced jalapenos.
This recipe can also be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips, as a topping for hotdogs, or stuffed into baked potatoes.
Making chili in a slow cooker allows the flavors to meld together and results in tender and juicy beef.
It’s a perfect dish for fall and can be a great opportunity to teach children cooking skills.
Each serving of chili contains 340 calories and is a good source of protein, fiber, vitamin A, vitamin C, calcium, and iron.
Key Points:
- Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet
- Transfer beef and onions to slow cooker with kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and chili seasoning
- Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours
- Serve with toppings such as cheese, onions, avocado, cilantro, sour cream, or jalapenos
- Can be enjoyed as a dip with tortilla chips, as a topping for hotdogs, or stuffed into baked potatoes
- Slow cooker method allows flavors to meld together and results in tender beef
Did You Know?
1. Did you know that chili, in its early days, was primarily made using venison instead of beef? Venison chili was a popular dish among cowboys and early settlers in the mid-1800s.
2. Contrary to popular belief, the origin of the word “chili” is not Spanish. It actually comes from the Nahuatl language, spoken by the Aztecs, where the term “chīlli” means “pepper.”
3. Crock-Pot, a popular brand of slow cooker, was invented by Irving Naxon in the 1940s. However, it wasn’t until the 1970s that it gained significant popularity and became a staple appliance in many households.
4. In Cincinnati, Ohio, a unique type of chili called “Cincinnati chili” is served over spaghetti, topped with shredded cheese, onions, and beans. This style of chili was introduced by Greek immigrants and has become a local culinary tradition.
5. The world’s largest bowl of chili was prepared in Albuquerque, New Mexico, in 2010. Weighing over 6,000 pounds and measuring 4 feet deep and 5 feet in diameter, it required over a ton of beef, tons of beans, tomatoes, and spices to create this monumental dish.
The Comfort Of Soup Season: Making Chili In A Slow Cooker
As the days grow shorter and the temperature begins to cool, there’s nothing quite like the comfort of soup season. The chilly air brings back memories of cozy evenings spent snuggled up with a warm bowl of soup. Among the wide array of soups out there, chili stands out as the perfect choice for fall.
Chili is a hearty and satisfying soup that can be customized to suit individual preferences. Whether you like it mild or spicy, with beans or without, there’s a chili recipe to satisfy every palate. And when it comes to preparing chili, using a slow cooker can make the process even easier.
Slow Cooker Chili: The Perfect Fall Soup
There’s no denying that chili is the quintessential fall soup. With its rich and bold flavors, it warms you from the inside out on those cool autumn days. And when you make chili in a slow cooker, you can enjoy the deliciousness without the hassle.
Making chili in a slow cooker allows you to come home to a comforting dinner after a long day at work. Simply set it in the morning, let it simmer all day, and by the time you walk through the door, the aroma of a flavorful chili will greet you. It’s like having a personal chef working in your kitchen.
Easy And Delicious: Slow Cooker Chili For A Comforting Dinner
When making chili in a slow cooker, simplicity is crucial. By using a few ingredients and doing some prep work, you can prepare a tasty and filling meal quickly.
To make slow cooker chili, gather ground beef, onion, kidney beans, black beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and homemade chili seasoning. For a healthier choice, go for lean ground beef to minimize fat content. Create the chili seasoning by combining spices such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and garlic powder.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Chili With Ground Beef And Beans
Here’s a simple recipe for slow cooker chili that will satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul:
Ingredients:
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a skillet, brown the ground beef and onions over medium heat until the beef is fully cooked. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked beef and onions to a slow cooker.
3. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, garlic powder, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
4. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
5. Serve the chili hot with your choice of toppings.
The Benefits Of Slow Cooking: Tender And Juicy Beef Chili
One major advantage of making chili in a slow cooker is the tender and juicy beef it produces. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a rich and flavorful broth. The long, low heat gently breaks down the collagen in the beef, making it incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth delicious.
Not only does slow cooking enhance the flavors, but it also makes the preparation easier. There’s no need to stand over the stove, stirring the pot every now and then. Once you’ve set the slow cooker, you can leave it to work its magic while you go about your day.
- Tender and juicy beef
- Rich and flavorful broth
- Easier preparation with no need for constant stirring
“Slow cooking is a game-changer for making delicious and convenient chili.”
Tips, Toppings, And Serving Suggestions For Slow Cooker Chili
When it comes to toppings for your slow cooker chili, the options are endless. Some popular choices include:
- Mild cheddar cheese
- Diced onions
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapenos for an extra kick.
These toppings add a burst of flavors and textures to the already delicious chili.
Slow cooker chili can also be enjoyed in various other ways:
- It makes a fantastic dip when paired with crispy tortilla chips, adding a little crunch to every bite.
- It can be used as a topping for hotdogs, giving them a chili kick that takes them to the next level.
- For a heartier meal, consider stuffing the chili into baked potatoes, creating a filling and satisfying dish.
Furthermore, making slow cooker chili can be a wonderful opportunity to involve children in the cooking process. From teaching them about food safety tips to measuring spices and weighing ingredients, it’s a chance to impart valuable skills that they can use for a lifetime.
Nutrition information for each serving of this slow cooker chili:
- Approximately 340 calories
- 41g carbs
- 33g protein
- 6g fat
- 2g saturated fat
- 56mg cholesterol
- 889mg sodium
- 1356mg potassium
- 13g fiber
- 7g sugar
- 862 IU vitamin A
- 19mg vitamin C
- 103mg calcium
- 8mg iron
With 14% carbohydrates, 54% fiber, and 66% protein, it’s a well-balanced meal that will keep you satisfied throughout the day.
making chili in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy the flavors of fall. The ease of preparation, the tender beef, and the versatility of serving options truly make it a recipe worth adding to your repertoire. So grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and get ready to savor the comforting taste of slow cooker chili.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How long can chili cook in slow cooker?
Chili can be cooked in a slow cooker for a total of 8 to 10 hours on low heat or 4 to 5 hours on high heat. This slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop and meld together, resulting in a delicious and hearty chili. Whether you prefer a longer, slow cook or a faster, high heat cook, your chili will be ready to enjoy after the recommended cooking time.
Is chili better on stove or slow cooker?
Whether chili is better on the stove or slow cooker depends on your personal preference. Cooking it on the stove allows for quicker preparation and immediate results. On the other hand, using a slow cooker can result in a more tender and flavorful chili, given that you are willing to wait a bit longer for it to cook. Ultimately, both methods can yield delicious and satisfying chili, so it’s up to you to decide which cooking method suits your taste and time constraints.
Why is chili better in the slow cooker?
Chili is undoubtedly elevated to a whole new level when cooked in a slow cooker. The magic lies in the prolonged simmering process that allows the flavors to meld together harmoniously. As the chili simmers slowly, each ingredient releases its essence, resulting in a rich and complex flavor profile that is hard to replicate with any other cooking method. Moreover, the slow cooker’s gentle heat ensures that the chili retains its moisture, keeping the meat tender and allowing the flavors to deepen as the hours pass. Whether preparing a large batch for a gathering or simply looking to savor leftovers over time, the slow cooker transforms chili into a comforting and crowd-pleasing dish that only gets better with time.
How do you make chili thicker in a slow cooker?
One alternative method to thicken chili in a slow cooker is by incorporating crushed tortilla chips into the mixture. Simply crumble a handful of tortilla chips into the chili during the last hour of cooking and stir them in. The chips will soak up some of the liquid and help to create a thicker consistency.
Another option could be to puree a small portion of the chili using a blender or immersion blender and then add it back into the slow cooker. By blending a portion of the chili, the resulting mixture will have a thicker texture, enhancing the overall thickness of the dish.