Olivia Carter
Chili beans are a delicious and hearty dish that can be enjoyed on its own or as a topping for nachos, tacos, and even baked potatoes. This slow cooker recipe takes the guesswork out of cooking chili beans and ensures that they are flavorful, tender, and packed with all the right spices.
To make chili beans in a slow cooker, you will need ingredients like kidney beans, ground beef, onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. The key to a great chili bean recipe is allowing it to cook low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together and create a rich and satisfying dish.
Start by browning the ground beef in a skillet and then transfer it to the slow cooker. Next, sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet, adding them to the slow cooker once they are fragrant and golden. Now, it’s time to add in the spices, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir well to combine all the ingredients, and then cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or until the beans are tender.
As the chili beans cook, the flavors will develop and intensify, creating a mouthwatering aroma that will fill your home. When the beans are tender and the flavors have melded together, serve your chili beans hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions. You can also serve it with a side of cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
This easy slow cooker chili bean recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends when you want a comforting and satisfying meal without all the fuss and hassle. So, grab your slow cooker and a few simple ingredients, and get ready to enjoy a bowl of delicious homemade chili beans.
Choosing the Right Ingredients
When cooking chili beans in a slow cooker, it’s important to choose the right ingredients to ensure a flavorful and hearty dish. Here are some key ingredients to consider:
1. Beans
The star of the dish, beans provide the satisfying texture and heartiness to chili. You can use a variety of beans such as kidney beans, pinto beans, black beans, or a combination of them. Make sure to soak the beans overnight before cooking to soften them and reduce cooking time.
2. Meat
Meat adds depth and richness to chili beans. Traditional options include ground beef, but you can also use pork, chicken, or even turkey. Brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker to enhance the flavors.
3. Vegetables
Adding vegetables not only enhances the nutritional value of the dish but also adds complexity to the flavors. Common vegetables used in chili beans include onions, garlic, bell peppers, and tomatoes. Feel free to experiment with other vegetables like corn or zucchini for additional texture and taste.
4. Spices and Seasonings
The magic of chili beans lies in the combination of spices and seasonings. Classic chili powder, cumin, paprika, and oregano are essential ingredients to add depth and heat to your dish. Adjust the amount of spices according to your preference for a milder or spicier chili.
5. Liquid
Adequate liquid is necessary to cook the beans and keep the chili from drying out. You can use water, broth, or even beer to add flavor. The amount of liquid needed depends on the consistency you desire, but a good rule of thumb is to cover the beans and other ingredients with an inch or two of liquid.
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Beans | 2 cups |
| Meat | 1 pound |
| Vegetables | 1 onion, 1 bell pepper, 2 cloves garlic |
| Spices | 1 tablespoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, 1 teaspoon paprika |
| Liquid | 4 cups water/broth/beer |
Remember that these ingredient amounts are just a starting point, and you can adjust them based on your personal taste preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this chili recipe your own!
Preparing the Beans
Before cooking your chili beans in a slow cooker, it’s important to properly prepare the beans to ensure they cook evenly and become tender. This involves several steps:
Sorting
Start by sorting through the beans, picking out any debris or damaged beans. Rinse them under cold water to remove any dirt or dust.
Soaking
Soaking the beans before cooking can help reduce their cooking time and make them easier to digest. There are two methods you can use:
- Overnight Soak: Place the sorted beans in a large bowl and cover them with water. Allow them to soak overnight, or for at least 8 hours.
- Quick Soak: If you’re short on time, you can use the quick soak method. In a large pot, bring the sorted beans and enough water to cover them to a boil. Boil for 2 minutes, then remove from heat and let stand for 1 hour.
After soaking, drain and rinse the beans again before adding them to the slow cooker.
Using Dry Beans
If you’re using dry beans, it’s important to note that they may take longer to cook compared to canned beans. You can adjust the cooking time accordingly or consider pre-cooking the beans partially before adding them to the slow cooker.
Now that your beans are properly prepared, you’re ready to continue with the rest of the chili beans recipe!
Preparing the Vegetables
To start preparing your chili beans in a slow cooker, you will need to gather and chop your vegetables. The vegetables not only add flavor to the dish but also provide essential nutrients.
1. Onion: Begin by peeling and chopping a medium-sized onion. This vegetable will enhance the overall taste of the chili beans.
2. Bell Pepper: Next, wash and chop a green or red bell pepper. The vibrant color and crunchiness will add a delightful texture to the dish.
3. Garlic: Peel and mince 2-3 cloves of garlic. This aromatic ingredient will infuse the chili beans with a rich and savory taste.
4. Jalapeño Pepper (optional): If you prefer a bit of heat, you can include a finely chopped jalapeño pepper. Adjust the spiciness according to your taste.
5. Tomatoes: Remove the core and chop a couple of ripe tomatoes. Fresh tomatoes will lend a vibrant and tangy flavor to the chili beans.
Once you have all the vegetables prepared, set them aside and move on to the next step of the chili bean recipe.
Browning the Meat
To begin making delicious chili beans in a slow cooker, you’ll first need to brown the meat. This step is essential for enhancing the flavor and texture of the dish.
Start by selecting a high-quality meat such as ground beef, turkey, or chicken. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Once the oil is hot, add the meat to the skillet and break it up into smaller pieces using a spatula or wooden spoon.
Cook the meat for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it is browned on all sides. Browning the meat helps to seal in the juices and creates a delicious caramelized crust.
Seasoning the Meat
While the meat is browning, take this time to season it with your desired spices and seasonings. Traditional chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, and paprika are popular choices for adding flavor to the meat.
You can also experiment with other spices such as oregano, cayenne pepper, or even a touch of cinnamon to give your chili beans a unique twist. Remember to season the meat lightly at this stage, as you can always adjust the flavor later on.
Draining the Excess Fat
Once the meat is fully browned, you’ll notice that there may be excess fat rendered from it. Carefully drain the fat from the skillet and discard it. Removing the excess fat helps to make the chili beans healthier and reduces the greasiness of the final dish.
After draining the fat, transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker, where it will continue to cook and develop even more flavor throughout the day.
Cook’s Tip:
If you prefer a leaner option, you can use lean ground meat or drain the fat and rinse the meat under hot water before adding it to the slow cooker.
Combining the Ingredients
Once you have gathered all the necessary ingredients for your slow cooker chili beans recipe, it’s time to start combining them. Follow these simple steps to get started:
Step 1: Begin by draining and rinsing the canned beans. This will help reduce the sodium content and remove any excess liquid.
Step 2: Next, chop the onions and bell peppers into small pieces. These vegetables will give your chili beans a delicious flavor and added texture.
Step 3: Heat a small amount of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped onions and bell peppers to the skillet and sauté them until they are soft and slightly browned.
Step 4: In a separate bowl, combine the ground beef or turkey with the chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Once the meat is seasoned, add it to the slow cooker along with the sautéed onions and bell peppers.
Step 6: Pour in the canned beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together to ensure all the ingredients are well incorporated.
Step 7: Finally, add any additional spices or seasonings as desired, such as oregano or red pepper flakes, to enhance the flavor profile of your chili beans.
Now that you have combined all the ingredients in your slow cooker, it’s time to set the cooking time and let the flavors meld together. Sit back and relax as your slow cooker works its magic, creating a delicious pot of chili beans for you to enjoy.
Cooking and Serving
Once your chili beans have finished cooking, it’s time to serve and enjoy them. Here are a few tips for cooking and serving your slow cooker chili beans:
1. Serve hot: Chili beans are best enjoyed when served hot. Make sure to transfer the cooked chili beans to a serving bowl while they are still warm.
2. Garnish with toppings: Before serving, consider garnishing your chili beans with various toppings to enhance the flavour and presentation. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, diced tomatoes, and fresh cilantro.
3. Accompaniments: To complete your chili bean meal, consider serving it with some delicious accompaniments. Cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice are great options that complement the rich flavors of the chili beans.
4. Leftovers: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Chili beans tend to taste even better the next day as the flavors have had time to meld together.
5. Reheating: To reheat the leftovers, simply transfer them to a microwave-safe dish and heat on high for a few minutes, stirring occasionally, until heated through. Alternatively, you can reheat them on the stovetop over medium heat.
By following these tips, you can cook and serve a delicious batch of chili beans from your slow cooker. Enjoy!
Questions and answers
What are the ingredients needed to cook chili beans in a slow cooker?
The ingredients needed to cook chili beans in a slow cooker are: 1 pound of dried kidney beans, 1 pound of ground beef or turkey, 1 onion (chopped), 4 cloves of garlic (minced), 1 can of diced tomatoes, 1 can of tomato sauce, 1 can of tomato paste, 1 green bell pepper (chopped), 1 jalapeno pepper (seeded and minced), 1 tablespoon of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of oregano, 1 teaspoon of salt, and 4 cups of chicken or vegetable broth.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried kidney beans?
Yes, you can use canned kidney beans instead of dried kidney beans. If using canned beans, rinse them thoroughly before adding them to the slow cooker. You will also need to adjust the cooking time, as canned beans do not need as much time to cook as dried beans.
How long does it take to cook chili beans in a slow cooker?
It takes approximately 8 hours to cook chili beans in a slow cooker. This allows the flavors to meld together and the beans to become tender.
Can I substitute ground beef with ground turkey?
Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey in this recipe. Ground turkey is a leaner alternative to ground beef and will still provide a delicious flavor to the chili beans.
What can I serve with chili beans?
Chili beans can be served with a variety of accompaniments. Some popular options include shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped green onions, and cornbread. You can also serve it over rice or with tortilla chips for a heartier meal.
