Knock-your-socks-off Slow Cooker Chili 🌶️🍲

This hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili is packed with bold spices, rich meat, and hearty beans, making it the perfect comfort food for chilly evenings or game day gatherings. With minimal prep time and maximum flavor, this chili is sure to knock your socks off!

Ingredients

For the chili

• 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a lighter option)
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 cup beef (or vegetable) broth

For the toppings

• Shredded cheese (cheddar or pepper jack)
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro (optional)
• Crushed tortilla chips (for crunch)

Instructions

1. Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Once cooked through, drain excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.

2. Layer the ingredients: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), chopped onion, chopped bell pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, Worcestershire sauce, and broth to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.

3. Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to your preference. Mix everything together until well incorporated.

🕒 Set your slow cooker on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper the flavors will be!

4. Serve and garnish: Once the chili is ready, give it a good stir and serve hot in bowls. Top with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, cilantro, and crushed tortilla chips for some added crunch.

🍽️ This chili can be made ahead of time and kept in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for those busy week nights!

Variations

• Vegetarian/Vegan: Substitute the ground meat for 2 cups of chopped mushrooms and add an extra can of beans along with some corn for texture. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. 🌱
• Spicy: Add diced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce for an extra kick! Adjust cayenne to meet your heat preference. 🔥
• Sweet: Stir in a tablespoon of brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup to balance out the heat and acidity.
• Smoky: Toss in some diced smoked sausage or use smoked paprika instead of regular for an extra layer of flavor.

When you need a warm, filling meal that's bursting with flavor, this Knock-your-socks-off Slow Cooker Chili will be your go-to recipe! 🌟