Some nights just stretch out longer than you expected. You come in, tired, and the idea of standing over the stove feels like too much. That’s exactly when a slow cooker chili like Natasha’s Kitchen’s recipe feels like a quiet little victory. The aroma of simmering spices—cumin, smoked paprika, and chili powder—starts to fill the air, wrapping around you like a soft blanket. I remember this one evening when I was juggling work calls and dinner prep; the chili was bubbling away, and the scent kept pulling me back to the kitchen, reminding me that good food was on its way, even if I hadn’t quite finished tidying up the living room. It’s funny how something as simple as a pot of chili can steady the chaos and bring a sense of calm, even if it’s just for a moment.
Why You’ll Love It:
- It’s hands-off for most of the day, which means more time for whatever else you need to do—or just to relax.
- The flavors deepen slowly, giving you a rich, hearty chili that feels like it’s been crafted with care, even if you didn’t hover over it.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No complicated steps, just good ingredients coming together.
- Feeds a crowd or provides plenty of leftovers, though sometimes those leftovers disappear faster than you expect.
If you’re new to slow cooking, this recipe is a gentle introduction. The timing is forgiving, and it’s hard to mess up. Plus, even if you sneak a taste before it’s done, it still feels like a warm hug.
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Slow Cooker Chili Natasha’s Kitchen
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen, perfect for an easy and comforting meal. Packed with ground beef, beans, and spices, this chili simmers slowly to develop rich flavors.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
Mix all ingredients well to combine.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
After cooking, stir the chili and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes: I usually use a basic slow cooker and it works perfectly—no fancy equipment needed. This chili pairs well with cornbread or even just a simple green salad if you want something fresh on the side. Sometimes I toss in a bit of chopped bell pepper or swap out the ground beef for turkey, but honestly, I haven’t tested all the variations to know how they’ll turn out every time. If you like it spicier, a pinch more cayenne can do the trick, though I tend to keep it mild for a crowd. Leftovers reheat nicely on the stove or in the microwave, which is great for those lazy weekday lunches.
FAQ:
Can I make this chili vegetarian? You could try swapping the beef for extra beans or a plant-based meat substitute, but the flavor will be a bit different from the original.
Is it okay to freeze leftovers? Absolutely. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing and thaw overnight before reheating.
Can I use canned beans straight into the slow cooker? Yes, just rinse and drain them to keep the chili from becoming too salty or thick.
Slow cooker chili isn’t just a recipe; it’s a little ritual that helps you reclaim peace on busy days. Try it, save it, and come back to it when you need that familiar comfort again.