When the weather starts to cool down, nothing warms you from the inside out quite like a hearty bowl of chili. This slow cooker version packs in smoky chipotle flavor with just enough spice to keep things interesting. Let it simmer all day, then get ready to dig into a comforting meal that’s as simple as it is flavorful.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 to 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions
1. Brown the meat: In a skillet over medium heat, warm the olive oil and sauté the onion until it turns translucent. Add garlic and cook for another minute, stirring to avoid burning. Next, add the ground beef (or turkey), breaking it up as it browns. Season lightly with salt and pepper, then drain off any excess fat.
2. Combine in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned meat and sautéed onions to your slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and chopped chipotle peppers. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are evenly distributed.
3. Slow cook: Set the slow cooker on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. The flavors will mingle and develop a rich depth during this time, making the chili wonderfully hearty.
4. Adjust and serve: Taste your chili before serving. Adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a bit more chipotle if you enjoy extra heat. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped cilantro if you’d like.
Whether you’re planning a cozy family dinner or looking for a simple meal to feed a crowd, this smoky chipotle slow cooker chili has you covered. The slow-cooking process ensures tender bites of meat, beans that soak up all the flavor, and a robust sauce that warms every spoonful. Feel free to swap in ground turkey for a leaner option, or add another type of bean if you crave extra protein. Whichever way you choose, it’s a comforting classic that’s as wholesome as it is delicious.
Nathaniel Lee is an avid cook, drawing on his decades of home cooking and fine dining experience. He is a contributing chef at Mashed, and his recipes and contributions have been featured in Tasting Table, Edible Arrangements, Insanely Good Recipes, and The Daily Meal.
