Slow Cooker Chili Beans: A Delicious and Easy Recipe for a Cozy Meal

Are you looking for a hearty and comforting meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening? Look no further than slow cooker chili beans. This recipe is a staple of American cuisine, and for good reason – it’s easy to make, delicious, and can be customized to suit your tastes. In this article, we’ll show you how to make chili beans in a slow cooker, including the ingredients you’ll need, the steps to follow, and some tips for getting the best results.

What are Chili Beans?

Before we dive into the recipe, let’s take a moment to talk about what chili beans are. Chili beans are a type of bean that’s been cooked in a spicy tomato-based sauce. They’re a popular ingredient in many dishes, including chili con carne, bean burritos, and tacos. Chili beans are typically made with kidney beans, but you can also use other types of beans, such as pinto beans or black beans.

The Benefits of Using a Slow Cooker

One of the best things about making chili beans in a slow cooker is the convenience. Simply add all the ingredients to the slow cooker in the morning, and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. Slow cookers are also great for tenderizing tougher cuts of meat, which makes them perfect for chili beans.

Other Benefits of Slow Cookers

In addition to convenience, slow cookers have several other benefits. They’re energy-efficient, which makes them a great option for busy households. They’re also easy to clean, and can be used to make a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasts and desserts.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make chili beans in a slow cooker:

• 1 pound dried kidney beans, soaked overnight and drained
• 1 onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup vegetable broth
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Optional: ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips

Optional Ingredients

While the ingredients listed above are the basics, you can customize your chili beans to suit your tastes. Some options include:

• Ground beef: Brown the ground beef in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker for added flavor.
• Diced tomatoes with green chilies: Add an extra kick of heat to your chili beans with diced tomatoes with green chilies.
• Sour cream: Top your chili beans with a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess.
• Shredded cheese: Sprinkle shredded cheese on top of your chili beans for an extra burst of flavor.
• Diced onions: Add some extra texture to your chili beans with diced onions.
• Crushed tortilla chips: Top your chili beans with crushed tortilla chips for a fun crunch.

Instructions

Here are the steps to follow to make chili beans in a slow cooker:

Step 1: Brown the Onion and Garlic

Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until it’s translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Add the cooked onion and garlic, soaked kidney beans, chopped red bell pepper, chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Add the Canned Tomatoes and Vegetable Broth

Add the canned diced tomatoes, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

Step 4: Season with Salt and Pepper

Season the chili beans with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 5: Cook on Low

Cook the chili beans on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-6 hours.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Serve the chili beans hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, scallions, or a dollop of sour cream.

Tips for Getting the Best Results

Here are some tips for getting the best results from your slow cooker chili beans:

Use the Right Type of Beans

Kidney beans are the traditional choice for chili beans, but you can also use other types of beans, such as pinto beans or black beans.

Soak the Beans Overnight

Soaking the beans overnight will help them cook more evenly and reduce the cooking time.

Use a Variety of Spices

Using a variety of spices, such as chili powder, ground cumin, and dried oregano, will add depth and complexity to your chili beans.

Don’t Overcook the Beans

Cooking the beans for too long can make them mushy and unappetizing. Cook them until they’re tender, but still retain some texture.

Experiment with Different Toppings

Experimenting with different toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, and diced onions, will add variety and interest to your chili beans.

Conclusion

Slow cooker chili beans are a delicious and easy meal that’s perfect for a chilly evening. With the right ingredients and a few simple steps, you can create a hearty and comforting meal that’s sure to please. Whether you’re a busy professional or a busy parent, slow cooker chili beans are a great option for a quick and easy meal. So why not give them a try? Your taste buds will thank you.

Slow Cooker Chili Beans Recipe Summary

Slow Cooker Chili Beans Nutrition Information (per serving)

Note: Nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.

What is the best type of beans to use for slow cooker chili beans?

The best type of beans to use for slow cooker chili beans is a matter of personal preference. You can use kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, or a combination of different types of beans. Kidney beans are a popular choice because they hold their shape well and have a mild flavor that pairs well with the other ingredients in the chili.

If you want to add some extra flavor to your chili, you can use a combination of beans, such as kidney beans and black beans. Black beans have a slightly sweet flavor and a softer texture than kidney beans, which can add some nice depth to the dish. You can also use pinto beans, which have a mild flavor and a creamy texture.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, you can use canned beans instead of dried beans if you prefer. Canned beans are already cooked and can save you some time in the preparation process. However, keep in mind that canned beans may contain added salt and preservatives, which can affect the flavor and nutritional content of your chili.

If you do decide to use canned beans, make sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the slow cooker. This will help remove some of the excess salt and preservatives. You can also use a combination of canned and dried beans if you want to add some extra texture and flavor to your chili.

How long does it take to cook slow cooker chili beans?

The cooking time for slow cooker chili beans can vary depending on the type of beans you use and the temperature of your slow cooker. Generally, it takes around 6-8 hours to cook dried beans in a slow cooker on low heat. If you use canned beans, the cooking time will be significantly shorter, around 2-3 hours.

It’s also important to note that the cooking time may vary depending on the specific slow cooker you use. Some slow cookers may cook faster or slower than others, so make sure to check the beans periodically to avoid overcooking. You can also cook the chili on high heat for a shorter amount of time, around 3-4 hours.

Can I add other ingredients to the slow cooker chili beans?

Yes, you can add other ingredients to the slow cooker chili beans to suit your taste preferences. Some popular additions include diced onions, bell peppers, and tomatoes. You can also add some heat to your chili by adding diced jalapenos or serrano peppers.

Other ingredients you can add to the chili include ground beef or ground turkey, diced potatoes, and chopped fresh cilantro. You can also add some extra spices, such as cumin and chili powder, to give the chili some extra flavor. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels accordingly based on the ingredients you add.

Can I make slow cooker chili beans in advance?

Yes, you can make slow cooker chili beans in advance and refrigerate or freeze them for later use. In fact, the flavors of the chili will meld together and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.

To make the chili in advance, simply cook it according to the recipe instructions, then let it cool completely. You can then refrigerate it for up to 3 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to serve, simply reheat the chili in the slow cooker or on the stovetop.

How do I serve slow cooker chili beans?

Slow cooker chili beans can be served in a variety of ways, depending on your personal preferences. You can serve it as a main dish, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, scallions, and a dollop of sour cream. You can also serve it as a side dish, accompanied by some crusty bread or cornbread.

Other ways to serve slow cooker chili beans include using it as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos, or as a filling for tacos or burritos. You can also serve it with some rice or quinoa for a filling and nutritious meal.

Is slow cooker chili beans a healthy meal option?

Yes, slow cooker chili beans can be a healthy meal option, depending on the ingredients you use. Beans are a good source of protein, fiber, and nutrients, making them a nutritious addition to any meal. You can also add other healthy ingredients, such as diced vegetables and lean ground meat, to make the chili even healthier.

To make the chili even healthier, you can use low-sodium broth and tomatoes, and reduce the amount of added salt and sugar. You can also use lean ground meat or vegetarian protein sources, such as tofu or tempeh, to reduce the saturated fat content of the dish.