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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe Easy Beans Tomato Base

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A warm and comforting slow cooker beef chili with beans and a rich tomato base, perfect for cozy nights and easy meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced fire-roasted tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth, low sodium
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1/4 teaspoon cinnamon
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the beef. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add drained kidney beans, diced fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
  4. Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cinnamon, salt, and pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. If chili is too thick, add more broth or water. If too thin, cook uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes to reduce.
  7. Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheddar, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.

Notes

Brown the beef before slow cooking to develop deep flavor. Blend a portion of beans with tomato base for a creamier texture while leaving some beans whole for bite. Add seasoning gradually and adjust near the end. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, beef chili, easy chili recipe, comfort food, beans chili, tomato base chili, cozy dinner