Slow Cooker Chili Easy: The Dump‑&‑Go Comfort Bowl
A quick, catchy intro with a viral hook
Ever had that moment when your stomach growls louder than your boss’s Zoom rant? Enter Slow Cooker Chili Easy—your knight in warming armor. Toss ingredients into your Crock‑Pot, walk away, come back to a hug-in-a-bowl. How’s that for culinary magic?
Why this recipe is awesome
This chili isn’t just food—it’s a total vibe. Flavor-packed? Heck yes: smoky, spicy, slightly sweet. Effortless? Just dump, slow-cook, done. Hands‑off cooking means more time for binge-watching or pet cuddles. And leftovers? Chef’s kiss—they’re even better the next day.
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey for lighter fluff)
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or veggie broth)
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cumin
- Salt & pepper to taste
Substitutions: swap beef for turkey or plant-based crumbles; use pinto beans or omit beans for low-carb; chipotle in adobo for smoky kick.
Tools & kitchen gadgets used
- 7‑Qt slow cooker
- Wooden spoon or silicone spatula
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Can opener
- Cutting board & sharp knife
Affiliate alert: slow cooker, spoon, measuring cups—perfect for Amazon links!
Step‑by‑step instructions
- Brown meat and onion in a skillet (5 mins).
- Transfer to slow cooker; add garlic.
- Dump in beans, tomatoes, paste, broth.
- Sprinkle dry spices and salt/pepper.
- Stir once (resist stirring again).
- Cook on low for 6–8 hrs or high for 3–4 hrs.
- Taste near end—adjust salt or heat.
- Serve with toppings: cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or jalapeños.
Calories & Nutritional Info
- Approx. 320 kcal per 1½‑cup bowl (makes 6 servings)
- Protein: ~22 g
- Fat: ~12 g (leaner if you use turkey)
- Carbs: ~28 g (fiber-rich)
- Fiber: ~8 g
- Iron, potassium, vitamin C—thanks, beans + tomatoes!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Skipping browning: flavor flatlines—sear meat first
- Overwatering: soup, not chili—stick to 1 cup broth
- Overcooking beans: they’ll mush—stick to time
- No taste test: salt and spice adjustments matter!
Variations & Customizations
- Keto‑friendly: skip beans, add extra meat + bell peppers
- Veggie chili: double beans, skip meat, add bell peppers/zucchini
- Extra‑spicy: add diced green chilies or jalapeños
- Mexican twist: stir in corn, cilantro, lime juice
FAQ Section
- Can I prep ahead?
Yup! Brown meat ahead and freeze with spices—just dump later. - Can I use canned chili beans?
Sure, but they’re sweeter. Reduce chili powder if that throws you. - Is slow cooker lid on or off?
Always on—keeps heat in. - Can I do this in Instant Pot?
Yes! Use sauté for browning, then slow cook setting. - How to make gluten-free?
Stick to pure spices—tomato paste is usually GF. - Can kids eat it?
Cut the chili powder half and add shredded cheese. - What leftover storage method?
Store in an airtight container up to 4 days in the fridge or 3 months frozen.
Final Thoughts
There you go—Slow Cooker Chili Easy = ultimate cozy, crowd-pleasing comfort food. Chatty? Abso-chili-lutely. Messy? Never. Post your chili pics, flex your slow‑cook skills, and say “bye” to canned soup forever.