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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Chili with Beans

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A comforting and easy slow cooker beef chili with beans recipe perfect for winter, packed with rich flavors and hearty textures.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (85% lean preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup low sodium beef broth
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika (smoked paprika preferred)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add chopped onion and cook about 5 minutes until translucent and slightly golden.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add ground beef to skillet, break up with spoon, and cook about 7 minutes until no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.
  4. Transfer browned beef mixture to slow cooker. Add drained kidney and black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cocoa powder, salt, and pepper. Stir well to combine.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, stirring once or twice if desired.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. If too thick, add broth or water; if too thin, cook uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes to reduce.
  8. Serve hot topped with desired garnishes such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños.

Notes

For a quicker version, cook on high for 3-4 hours but flavors will be less developed. Stirring once during cooking helps prevent sticking. Use fresh garlic and onion for best flavor. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and canned taste. Adding cocoa powder deepens flavor and balances acidity. Leftovers taste better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, chili with beans, winter comfort food, easy chili recipe, slow cooker recipe, hearty chili

Find it online: https://tomyumy.com/cozy-slow-cooker-beef-chili-with-beans-recipe-easy-and-perfect-for-winter/