Slow Cooker Chili with Steak and Shrimp for a Hearty and Flavor-Packed Meal

Why You’ll Love This slow cooker chili

• Ease of preparation: This slow cooker chili recipe is incredibly straightforward. With minimal hands-on time, you simply layer the ingredients in your slow cooker and let it work its magic. The long simmering process means you can set it and forget it perfect for busy days when you want a hearty, comforting meal without standing over the stove.
• Health benefits: Loaded with protein-rich lean ground beef and fiber-packed beans, this slow cooker chili provides a nutritious, balanced meal. The mix offers essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, supporting overall wellness. You can customize the recipe with heart-healthy spices and low-sodium ingredients to suit your dietary goals.
• Versatility: This slow cooker chili adapts easily to a wide range of diets. Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or lentils for a vegan version, or opt for extra beans to boost fiber and reduce fat content. Gluten-free eaters can enjoy it by using certified gluten-free spices and canned goods without sacrificing taste.
• Distinctive flavor: The slow cooking melds the diverse spices cumin, chili powder, oregano, paprika, and an optional hint of cocoa into a deep, rich, and complex flavor that lingers deliciously. Combining multiple types of beans and tomatoes with simmered meat and broth ensures a hearty, well-rounded chili that stands out.

Essential Ingredients for slow cooker chili

Main Ingredients:

• 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 85% lean recommended) – provides hearty, savory protein
• 1 onion, diced – adds sweetness and aroma
• 3 garlic cloves, minced – for flavorful depth and health benefits
• 2 teaspoons cumin powder – imparts warm, earthy flavor
• 2 tablespoons chili powder – delivers signature chili heat and spice
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder – rounds out the garlic flavor
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano – adds herbal note
• 2 1/2 teaspoons cumin – enhances overall spiciness (adjust as needed)
• 2 teaspoons paprika – contributes mild smoky flavor
• 1 teaspoon coriander – offers citrusy undertone
• 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional) – deepens flavor without chocolate taste
• 2 teaspoons sugar – balances acidity
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt (or to taste) – essential for flavor balance
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper – adds mild heat
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed – adds fiber and texture
• Two 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed (one light red, one dark red) – hearty and nutritious beans with varied color and texture
• 30 oz diced tomatoes with juice – acidity and sweetness
• 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilis with juice (or substitute with 2 cans diced tomatoes plus 1 can diced green chilies) – brings mild heat and tang
• 30 oz tomato sauce – base for sauce body
• 1/2 cup beef broth (optional) – adjusts texture and adds flavor depth
• Olive oil (about 1 tablespoon) – for sautéing onion and garlic

Special Dietary Options:

• Vegan: Use plant-based crumbles or lentils instead of ground beef; opt for vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
• Gluten-free: Ensure canned goods and spices are certified gluten-free to avoid gluten contamination.
• Low-calorie: Substitute lean turkey meat or increase beans to reduce fat; use reduced-sodium broth and moderate oil.

How to Prepare the Perfect slow cooker chili: Step-by-Step Guide

First Step: Prepare ingredients

Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic cloves, and rinsing and draining the canned beans to remove excess sodium and starch. Keep all ingredients measured and ready to simplify cooking.

Second Step: Brown the beef

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lean ground beef and cook completely, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 to 2 tablespoons for flavor if desired.

Third Step: Add spices to beef

Sprinkle in cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, coriander, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook the spices with the beef mixture for about 30 seconds to bloom the flavors fully.

Fourth Step: Combine in slow cooker

Transfer the seasoned beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add drained black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (both plain and with green chilies), tomato sauce, and beef broth if using. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

Fifth Step: Set cooking time and temperature

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows flavors to blend beautifully and produces tender, hearty chili. For firmer beans, add kidney beans during the last 15 minutes.

Sixth Step: Adjust seasoning and serve

Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary adding more salt, pepper, or heat through cayenne or hot sauce. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Tip: For a smoother texture, blend diced tomatoes before adding them to the slow cooker. Experiment with spice levels to make the chili as mild or spicy as you like.

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Dietary Substitutions to Customize Your slow cooker chili

Protein and Main Component Alternatives

Customize the slow cooker chili by swapping the ground beef with:

• Ground turkey or chicken for a leaner protein option that cooks quickly and remains flavorful.
• Plant-based crumbles or lentils to make a satisfying vegan or vegetarian chili with ample protein and fiber.
• Beans only black, kidney, pinto, or a blend for a vegetarian protein-packed chili variation.

Vegetable, Sauce, and Seasoning Modifications

Alter the chili’s profile by adjusting vegetables and spices according to preference:

• Swap kidney beans with black or pinto beans to vary texture and taste.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor or fresh chopped tomatoes when in season.
• Add diced bell peppers, corn, or zucchini to introduce more texture and nutrients.
• Modify spices with smoked paprika, chipotle powder, or fresh chili peppers for smokier, spicier versions.
• Enhance with a splash of lime juice or fresh herbs like cilantro just before serving for brightness.

Mastering slow cooker chili: Advanced Tips and Variations

• Pro cooking techniques: Sear the ground meat thoroughly before adding to the slow cooker to lock in juices and deepen flavor. Deglaze the skillet with a splash of beef broth to capture those flavorful browned bits.
• Flavor variations: Add a teaspoon of cocoa or espresso powder to enrich the depth without overpowering. Try incorporating different chili peppers such as ancho or chipotle to customize heat and smokiness.
• Presentation tips: Serve your slow cooker chili in rustic bowls topped with fresh cilantro, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheddar, and a dollop of sour cream for contrast in texture and color.
• Make-ahead options: Prepare the chili a day before to allow flavors to meld overnight, storing in airtight containers. Reheat gently on the stove or microwave before serving for a comforting meal ready on demand.

How to Store slow cooker chili: Best Practices

FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions About slow cooker chili

slow cooker chili

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★★★★★

5 from 1 reviews

• Author: Isabella Hayes
• Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 8 servings
• Diet: Gluten-Free

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Description

🌶️ Enjoy a hearty and flavor-packed meal that’s easy to prepare with your slow cooker.
🍲 Combines lean beef, beans, and rich spices for a nutritious and satisfying chili.

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Ingredients

– 2 lb lean ground beef

– 1 onion diced

– 3 garlic cloves minced

– 2 teaspoons cumin powder

– 2 tablespoons chili powder

– 1 teaspoon garlic powder

– 1 teaspoon dried oregano

– 2 1/2 teaspoons cumin

– 2 teaspoons paprika

– 1 teaspoon coriander

– 1/2 teaspoon cocoa powder

– 2 teaspoons sugar

– 1 1/2 teaspoons salt

– 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

– 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed

– 15 oz can light red kidney beans drained and rinsed

– 15 oz can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed

– 30 oz diced tomatoes with juice

– 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilis with juice

– 30 oz tomato sauce

– 1/2 cup beef broth

– Olive oil about 1 tablespoon

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Instructions

1-First Step: Prepare ingredients Start by dicing the onion, mincing the garlic cloves, and rinsing and draining the canned beans to remove excess sodium and starch. Keep all ingredients measured and ready to simplify cooking.

2-Second Step: Brown the beef Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and sauté for 3 to 5 minutes until translucent. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the lean ground beef and cook completely, breaking it apart with a spatula. Drain excess fat, leaving 1 to 2 tablespoons for flavor if desired.

3-Third Step: Add spices to beef Sprinkle in cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, paprika, coriander, cocoa powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook the spices with the beef mixture for about 30 seconds to bloom the flavors fully.

4-Fourth Step: Combine in slow cooker Transfer the seasoned beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add drained black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes (both plain and with green chilies), tomato sauce, and beef broth if using. Stir to combine all ingredients evenly.

5-Fifth Step: Set cooking time and temperature Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The slow cooking allows flavors to blend beautifully and produces tender, hearty chili. For firmer beans, add kidney beans during the last 15 minutes.

6-Sixth Step: Adjust seasoning and serve Before serving, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if necessary adding more salt, pepper, or heat through cayenne or hot sauce. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, or jalapeños for extra flavor and texture.

Notes

🍳 Use lean ground beef (90/10 or 85% lean) and drain excess fat after browning for a healthier dish.
🫘 Rinse canned beans before adding to reduce sodium and improve texture.
🌿 Bloom spices by sautéing with onions and garlic for enhanced flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking time: 3-8 hours (slow cooker)
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 340-415 kcal
• Sugar: 7-8 g
• Sodium: 595-889 mg
• Fat: 6-14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2-5 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 38-41 g
• Fiber: 11-13 g
• Protein: 32-33 g
• Cholesterol: 56-73 mg

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, hearty chili, easy chili