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Easy Slow Cooker Tailgate Chili Recipe for Cozy Game Day Gatherings

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A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili perfect for game day gatherings, featuring smoky spices, tender beans, and ground beef simmered to perfection.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 lb ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 15 oz tomato sauce
  • 14.5 oz canned diced tomatoes
  • 15 oz canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 15 oz canned black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook until no longer pink, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
  2. Add diced onions and minced garlic to the skillet and sauté until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.
  3. Transfer the browned beef, onions, and garlic into the slow cooker.
  4. Add tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, drained kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chipotle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a pinch of sugar. Add more heat if desired with cayenne or extra chipotle powder.
  7. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheddar, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, or chopped green onions.

Notes

Brown the meat and sauté onions and garlic before slow cooking to enhance flavor. Adjust salt gradually as slow cooking intensifies seasoning. Stir a couple of times during cooking to prevent sticking but keep lid closed as much as possible. If chili is too thick near the end, add a splash of water or broth. For smoother texture, mash some beans with the back of a spoon. Can substitute ground turkey for leaner option or make vegetarian by omitting meat and adding extra beans and vegetables.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, tailgate chili, game day recipe, easy chili, slow cooker recipe, ground beef chili, cozy chili