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The Ultimate Award-Winning Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

A spoonful of steaming, rich chili with ground meat and kidney beans, lifted from a bowl, showcasing the best chili recipe.

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This is the best chili recipe you will make, delivering deep, rich flavor perfect for game day or a cozy weeknight dinner. This hearty ground beef chili uses a secret spice blend and slow-simmering to achieve award-winning taste.

Ingredients

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  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 1 green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 (15 ounce) cans kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1/4 cup chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for heat)
  • 1 cup beef broth

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain off any excess fat.
  2. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
  3. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the slow cooker.
  4. Stir in the rinsed beans, crushed tomatoes, and tomato sauce.
  5. Add the chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne pepper. Mix all ingredients well.
  6. Pour in the beef broth and stir again to combine everything thoroughly.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours.
  8. Taste the chili before serving and adjust salt or heat as needed.
  9. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a chili cook off recipe feel, add 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce during the last hour of cooking.
  • If you prefer a chili no bean version, omit the kidney and black beans and add one extra can of diced tomatoes.
  • This recipe works well as a one pot chili meal if you brown the meat and sauté the vegetables on the stovetop before adding all other ingredients and simmering for 1.5 hours.

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