slow cooker bean chili recipe

Written ByJenny Smyth Posted on
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The Best slow cooker bean chili recipe

I’ve been making this slow cooker bean chili recipe for years, and it’s still a favorite in our household. It’s a hearty, comforting dish that’s perfect for a chilly evening or a family gathering.

The best part is that it’s incredibly easy to make – just throw all the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do its magic. My kids love helping me prepare the ingredients, and they’re always excited to dig in when it’s finally ready.

As for me, I appreciate how this recipe is packed with nutrients and can be customized to suit our dietary needs. The beans provide a good source of protein, while the vegetables add fiber and vitamins.

I also love that this recipe is so versatile – we’ve served it with crusty bread, over rice, or even as a dip for veggies. It’s always a hit, and I’m confident you’ll love it just as much as we do!

Whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party, this slow cooker bean chili recipe is sure to please. And the best part?

It’s ready in just a few hours, so you can come home from work or school to a warm, comforting meal waiting for you.

Slow Cooker Bean Chili

4.6 from 907 votes

A hearty and comforting slow cooker bean chili packed with kidney beans, black beans, and bell peppers. Perfect for a cozy dinner on a cold day.

Prep Time15 mins
Cook Time8 hours
Resting Time0 mins
Total Time8 hours 15 mins
Servings: 6Cuisine: InternationalCalories: 350 kcal

🥘Ingredients

For the Chili

1 lb ground beef
1 large onion, diced
1 large bell pepper, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
1 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp paprika
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1/2 tsp dried oregano
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)

👨‍🍳Directions

1Place ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat.
2Cook, breaking up the meat with a spoon, until browned and cooked through.
3Drain any excess fat.
4Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
5Add diced onion and bell pepper to the same skillet over medium heat.
6Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
7Add minced garlic and cook for an additional 1 minute, until fragrant.
8Transfer the vegetable mixture to the slow cooker with the beef.
9Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
10Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using).
11Stir well to combine all ingredients.
12Cover and cook on low for 8 hours, or until the chili has thickened and the flavors have melded together.
13Stir occasionally if possible.
14If the chili becomes too thick, thin it out with a little water.
15Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
16Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings, such as shredded cheese, chopped onions, or sour cream.

🔧Equipment

Slow cooker
Cutting board
Knife
Measuring cups and spoons
Wooden spoon

📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🔥Calories: 350 kcal🧈Total Fat: 12g💛Saturated Fat: 5g❤️Cholesterol: 30mg🧂Sodium: 600mg🌾Total Carbs: 45g🥦Dietary Fiber: 3g🍬Sugars: 5g🥩Protein: 15g

📝Notes

Tips: For a vegetarian version, omit the ground beef and add an extra can of beans. You can also add other vegetables like corn or zucchini for extra nutrition.

This slow cooker bean chili recipe is always a good idea for any occasion – whether you’re looking for a quick weeknight dinner or a crowd-pleasing dish for a party. The best part?

It’s incredibly easy to make and can be customized to suit your dietary needs. We love serving this chili with some crusty bread or over rice, but feel free to get creative with your serving ideas!

One of my favorite things about this recipe is that it reheats beautifully – simply thaw overnight in the fridge or reheat in the microwave until hot and bubbly. And if you’re looking for some inspiration on how to serve this dish, try pairing it with some roasted vegetables or a side salad for added nutrition.

❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Bean Chili

What type of beans should I use in this recipe?

You can use any type of beans you like, but I prefer to use kidney beans or black beans for their rich flavor and meaty texture. If you’re using canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker.

Can I customize the spice level to suit my family’s taste?

Absolutely! If your family prefers a milder flavor, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes. Conversely, if you like things spicy, feel free to add more heat to taste.

How long does this recipe take to prepare?

This recipe is incredibly easy to prepare – simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker and let it do its magic! This means you can have dinner on the table in under 10 minutes.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is perfect for meal prep – simply cook the chili in advance and refrigerate or freeze it until you’re ready to serve.

Is this recipe suitable for vegetarians and vegans?

Yes! This recipe is completely plant-based and can be enjoyed by both vegetarians and vegans. Simply omit any animal products like cheese or sour cream if needed.

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