Description

A strategic, easy-to-make slow cooker beef chili that requires zero morning prep. This recipe features browned beef, rich spices, and a melted cheddar cheese topping, perfect for busy weeknights and picky eaters.

Ingredients

Scale

1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
1 large yellow onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
1 cup low-sodium beef broth
2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, rinsed and drained
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
Olive oil (for sautéing)

Instructions

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon. Transfer beef to the crockpot.
In the same skillet, add a splash of olive oil. Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant. Transfer to the crockpot.
Add chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and smoked paprika to the crockpot. Stir well. Add diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir until tomato paste is incorporated.
Add rinsed black beans and kidney beans. Stir gently.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
Once done, stir the chili well. Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese evenly over the top. Cover and let sit for 5 minutes until cheese is melted. Do not stir in yet.
Serve immediately with desired toppings.

Notes

Brown the beef first to build flavor. Shred your own cheese to ensure proper melting. Remove crockpot from heat before adding cheese to prevent graininess. For a lighter version, use ground turkey and reduce cheese. Chili can be frozen for up to 3 months (add fresh cheese upon reheating).

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours
Category: Main Course
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 420
Sugar: 8
Sodium: 650
Fat: 20
Saturated Fat: 8
Carbohydrates: 35
Fiber: 10
Protein: 25

Keywords: crockpot chili, beef chili, slow cooker dinner, easy weeknight meals, family friendly recipes, meal prep chili