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Cozy Crockpot Beef and Bean Chili: 5-Ingredient Easy Dinner

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A hearty, slow-cooker chili made with ground beef, kidney beans, and tomatoes. This recipe delivers rich, thick flavor with minimal prep time, making it perfect for busy weeknights and meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and break it up with a wooden spoon. Brown thoroughly, then drain excess grease if necessary.
  2. In the same skillet, add diced onion and minced garlic to the remaining beef juices. Cook for 3-4 minutes until the onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Transfer the beef and onion mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker.
  4. Add rinsed kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
  5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir vigorously to incorporate the tomato paste and combine all ingredients.
  6. Place the lid on the slow cooker. Cook on HIGH for 4 hours or LOW for 6-8 hours.
  7. Once cooking is complete, remove the bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. If the chili is too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for 30 minutes to reduce. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water.
  8. Serve hot with desired toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado.

Notes

Browning the beef first is crucial for developing deep flavor and avoiding a ‘boiled’ taste. For a thicker chili, mash a cup of beans against the side of the pot before serving. This recipe can be made in an Instant Pot by browning beef on Sauté, adding ingredients, and pressure cooking on HIGH for 20 minutes with a natural release for 10 minutes.

Nutrition

Keywords: chili, slow cooker, crockpot, beef chili, easy dinner, meal prep, comfort food, ground beef, kidney beans, gluten-free

Find it online: https://islatable.com/cozy-crockpot-beef-and-bean-chili-5-ingredient-easy-dinner/