Smoky Slow Cooker Roadhouse Chili 🌶️🍲

This hearty and flavorful Roadhouse Chili is perfect for game day, family gatherings, or a cozy evening at home. With a mix of spices, smoky flavors, and tender meat, this chili will warm you up from the inside out. Serve it up with some cornbread or tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort food experience! 🌽🥙

Ingredients

For the chili

• 1 pound ground beef (or substitute with turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper, diced (any color you like!)
• 2 (15 oz) cans of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)

For the toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Instructions

• In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef with the onion and garlic until the beef is fully cooked and the onion is translucent. Drain excess fat if necessary.

🥄 Browning the meat adds depth of flavor to your chili, so don't skip this step! You can also use a mix of meats like ground pork and beef for added richness.

• Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker. Add the bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, pepper, and beef broth.

• Stir everything together until well combined.

🧂 Feel free to adjust the spices according to your personal taste. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.

• Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together!

• Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings as needed.

Variations

• Vegetarian: Replace the ground beef with a mix of lentils and extra beans (like pinto or chickpeas), and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You'll still get a hearty and satisfying chili! 🌱
• Spicy: Add diced serrano or habanero peppers to the mix for an extra kick! 🔥
• Smoky: Toss in some diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a deeper smoky flavor that complements the chilies perfectly.
• Southern twist: Stir in some cooked and crumbled cornbread just before serving for a unique and delightful twist!

🥘 This chili keeps well in the fridge for up to a week, and it also freezes beautifully. Make a batch and enjoy it for weeks to come!