Ingredients
Meat & Vegetables
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Beans & Tomatoes
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans (two 15oz cans), drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
- Sauté the Ground Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until it releases its fat and is no longer pink.
- Add Onions and Seasonings: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the onions are tender. Then add minced garlic, cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir constantly and cook for an additional 30 seconds to toast the spices and develop flavor.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Carefully transfer the cooked beef mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice, and tomato sauce to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours until the chili is thickened and flavors are melded together.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or pepper as desired. Serve the chili warm, perfect for topping with your favorite garnishes if desired.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, consider adding cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños.
- You can swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Stir the chili occasionally during cooking if possible to prevent sticking on the slow cooker sides.
- Leftover chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3-4 hours (high) or 6-8 hours (low)
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
