Ingredients
Meat and Aromatics
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 2 tsp chili powder
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Beans and Tomatoes
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans (two 15 oz cans), drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté the ground beef until it releases fat, about 4-5 minutes. Break it up with a spatula as it cooks to ensure even browning.
- Sauté Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef and cook until tender, around 4-5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic along with cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to release the flavors.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes with green chilis and their juice, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker. Stir everything well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
- Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and develop depth.
- Final Seasoning and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more salt or pepper. Serve the chili warm as a satisfying main dish.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
- Use lean ground beef to reduce fat content and create a healthier dish.
- Beans can be substituted or combined with other types such as pinto or navy beans based on preference.
- Chili powder levels can be adjusted to control the heat of the dish.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have fully melded.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American