Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili: A Hearty and Flavorful Recipe
Chili is a beloved comfort food, especially during the colder months. And what’s better than a big pot of chili simmering away, filling your home with its inviting aroma? This slow cooker 3-bean chili recipe takes the ease of slow cooking and combines it with the rich flavors of a classic chili, making it a weeknight dinner winner. Forget standing over a hot stove – simply toss the ingredients into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it! This recipe is not only delicious but also packed with protein and fiber, thanks to the trio of beans. Get ready to enjoy a truly satisfying and fuss-free meal.
## Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker 3-Bean Chili
* **Effortless Cooking:** The slow cooker does all the work! Just dump the ingredients in, and let it simmer until dinner time.
* **Flavorful and Hearty:** A blend of spices, beans, and vegetables creates a rich and satisfying chili that will warm you from the inside out.
* **Budget-Friendly:** This recipe is made with inexpensive ingredients, making it a great option for budget-conscious cooks.
* **Customizable:** Easily adjust the spice level and add your favorite toppings to personalize your chili.
* **Great for Meal Prep:** Make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy chili throughout the week.
* **Freezer-Friendly:** Leftovers freeze beautifully, making this a great option for busy weeknights.
## Ingredients You’ll Need
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious slow cooker 3-bean chili:
* **Ground Beef (or Turkey):** 1 pound. I prefer using lean ground beef for less grease, but ground turkey is a great alternative for a lighter option. You can also use plant-based ground meat for a vegetarian version.
* **Onion:** 1 medium, chopped. Yellow or white onion works best.
* **Bell Pepper:** 1, chopped. Any color will work, but I like using a combination of red and green for visual appeal and a mix of flavors.
* **Garlic:** 2-3 cloves, minced. Fresh garlic adds the best flavor, but you can substitute with 1 teaspoon of garlic powder if needed.
* **Canned Diced Tomatoes:** 28 ounces (two 14-ounce cans). Use fire-roasted diced tomatoes for an extra smoky flavor.
* **Canned Tomato Sauce:** 15 ounces.
* **Canned Kidney Beans:** 15 ounces, drained and rinsed. Dark or light kidney beans both work well.
* **Canned Black Beans:** 15 ounces, drained and rinsed.
* **Canned Pinto Beans:** 15 ounces, drained and rinsed. You can substitute with other types of beans if you prefer, such as great northern beans or cannellini beans.
* **Chili Powder:** 2-3 tablespoons, depending on your desired spice level. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more to taste.
* **Cumin:** 2 teaspoons. Cumin adds a warm, earthy flavor to the chili.
* **Smoked Paprika:** 1 teaspoon. Smoked paprika adds a smoky depth of flavor.
* **Oregano:** 1 teaspoon. Dried oregano complements the other spices in the chili.
* **Cayenne Pepper:** 1/4 – 1/2 teaspoon (optional). Add cayenne pepper for extra heat.
* **Salt:** 1 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Black Pepper:** 1/2 teaspoon, or to taste.
* **Beef Broth (or Vegetable Broth):** 1 cup. Adds moisture and flavor to the chili. Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
* **Optional Toppings:** Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, tortilla chips, hot sauce.
## Equipment You’ll Need
* **Slow Cooker (Crock-Pot):** A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is recommended.
* **Large Skillet:** For browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables (optional, but recommended for enhanced flavor).
* **Can Opener**
* **Measuring Spoons and Cups**
* **Cutting Board**
* **Knife**
## Step-by-Step Instructions
Now, let’s get cooking! Follow these easy steps to make your own delicious slow cooker 3-bean chili:
**Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef (Optional but Recommended)**
While you *can* skip this step and add the ground beef directly to the slow cooker, browning it first adds a lot of flavor. It also helps to render out some of the fat, resulting in a less greasy chili.
1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
2. Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned.
3. Drain off any excess grease.
**Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables (Optional but Recommended)**
Similar to browning the ground beef, sautéing the onion and bell pepper before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor and softens their texture.
1. Add the chopped onion and bell pepper to the skillet with the browned ground beef (or to a separate skillet if you didn’t brown the beef).
2. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are softened, about 5-7 minutes.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.
**Step 3: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker**
1. Transfer the browned ground beef and sautéed vegetables (if using) to the slow cooker.
2. Add the canned diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper to the slow cooker.
3. Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth).
**Step 4: Cook the Chili**
1. Stir all the ingredients together to combine.
2. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
**Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**
1. Once the chili is cooked, give it a taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, chili powder, or cayenne pepper to taste.
**Step 6: Serve and Enjoy!**
1. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, cilantro, and tortilla chips.
2. Serve hot and enjoy!
## Tips and Variations
* **Spice Level:** Adjust the amount of chili powder and cayenne pepper to control the spice level. For a milder chili, use less chili powder and omit the cayenne pepper. For a spicier chili, use more chili powder and add more cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of red pepper flakes.
* **Bean Variations:** Feel free to substitute or add other types of beans to the chili. Great northern beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas would all be delicious additions.
* **Vegetarian Chili:** To make this chili vegetarian, omit the ground beef and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra vegetables, such as corn, zucchini, or mushrooms.
* **Add Vegetables:** Add other vegetables like corn, chopped zucchini, or diced carrots for extra nutrients and flavor.
* **Smoked Sausage:** For a smoky flavor, add sliced smoked sausage to the slow cooker along with the other ingredients.
* **Chocolate:** For a richer, deeper flavor, add a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or a few squares of dark chocolate to the chili during the last hour of cooking.
* **Coffee:** Adding a tablespoon of instant coffee granules can also deepen the flavor of the chili.
* **Beer:** Substitute some of the beef broth with beer for a richer, more complex flavor. A dark beer like stout or porter works well.
* **Lime Juice:** A squeeze of fresh lime juice at the end brightens up the flavors of the chili.
* **Make it Ahead:** This chili is even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. You can make it a day or two ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
* **Freezing Instructions:** Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
* **Reheating Instructions:** Reheat the chili on the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave. Add a little broth or water if the chili is too thick.
## Serving Suggestions
This slow cooker 3-bean chili is delicious on its own, but it’s even better with some tasty sides and toppings. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **Toppings:** Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a Mexican blend), sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado slices, cilantro, a dollop of Greek yogurt, a drizzle of hot sauce.
* **Sides:** Cornbread, tortilla chips, crackers, a side salad, grilled cheese sandwiches.
* **Other:** Serve over rice, baked potatoes, or even as a topping for nachos.
## Nutritional Information (Estimated)
*Based on one serving (approx. 1.5 cups). Nutritional information will vary based on specific ingredients and serving size.*
* Calories: 350-450
* Protein: 25-35 grams
* Fat: 15-25 grams
* Carbohydrates: 40-50 grams
* Fiber: 15-20 grams
## Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
**Q: Can I use dry beans instead of canned beans?**
A: Yes, you can use dry beans. However, you’ll need to soak them overnight before cooking. Use about 1 cup of dry beans for each can of beans called for in the recipe. You may also need to adjust the cooking time to ensure the beans are cooked through.
**Q: Do I need to drain and rinse the canned beans?**
A: Yes, it’s important to drain and rinse the canned beans to remove excess sodium and starch.
**Q: Can I use a different type of meat?**
A: Yes, you can use ground turkey, ground chicken, or even cubed beef stew meat instead of ground beef. You can also make it vegetarian by omitting the meat altogether.
**Q: How long can I store leftover chili?**
A: Leftover chili can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or in the freezer for up to 3 months.
**Q: My chili is too thick. How can I thin it out?**
A: Add a little more broth or water to thin out the chili.
**Q: My chili is too thin. How can I thicken it?**
A: You can thicken the chili by mashing some of the beans with a fork and stirring them back into the chili. You can also add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a tablespoon of cold water to the chili during the last hour of cooking.
**Q: Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot?**
A: Yes, you can make this chili in an Instant Pot. Brown the ground beef and sauté the vegetables using the Sauté function. Then, add the remaining ingredients and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release for 10 minutes.
## Conclusion
This slow cooker 3-bean chili is a crowd-pleasing recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights, potlucks, or game day gatherings. With its hearty flavors, simple preparation, and customizable options, it’s sure to become a family favorite. So, gather your ingredients, fire up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a warm and satisfying bowl of chili!
Enjoy this recipe and be sure to share it with your friends and family!