Are you ready to take your chili game to the next level? Look no further than your Ninja Foodi, the ultimate kitchen appliance for slow cooking, pressure cooking, and air frying. In this article, we’ll show you how to slow cook chili in your Ninja Foodi, resulting in a rich, flavorful, and tender dish that’s sure to become a family favorite.
Why Use a Ninja Foodi for Slow Cooking Chili?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s talk about why the Ninja Foodi is the perfect appliance for slow cooking chili. Here are just a few reasons:
- Easy to use: The Ninja Foodi is incredibly easy to use, even for beginners. Simply add your ingredients, set the timer, and let the appliance do the work for you.
- Versatile: The Ninja Foodi is not just a slow cooker – it’s also a pressure cooker, air fryer, and more. This means you can use it to cook a wide variety of dishes, from soups and stews to roasted vegetables and crispy fries.
- Fast: While slow cooking is all about taking your time, the Ninja Foodi can also cook food quickly when you need it to. This makes it the perfect appliance for busy home cooks who want to get a meal on the table fast.
- Space-saving: The Ninja Foodi is a compact appliance that won’t take up too much space in your kitchen. This makes it perfect for small kitchens, apartments, and RVs.
Basic Ingredients and Equipment Needed
Before we start cooking, let’s talk about the basic ingredients and equipment you’ll need. Here’s a list of what you’ll need to get started:
- 1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey, chicken, or beans for a vegetarian option)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and crushed tortilla chips
In terms of equipment, you’ll need:
- Ninja Foodi
- Large bowl
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board
Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooking Chili in Your Ninja Foodi
Now that we have our ingredients and equipment, let’s talk about how to slow cook chili in your Ninja Foodi. Here’s a step-by-step guide to get you started:
Browning the Ground Beef
The first step in making delicious chili is to brown the ground beef. This will add flavor and texture to your dish. To brown the ground beef, follow these steps:
- Press the “Saute” button on your Ninja Foodi and heat the pot until it reads “HOT”.
- Add 1-2 tbsp of oil to the pot and swirl it around to coat the bottom.
- Add the ground beef to the pot and break it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
- Cook the ground beef until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
Soften the Onions and Garlic
Once the ground beef is browned, it’s time to soften the onions and garlic. This will add flavor and texture to your dish. To soften the onions and garlic, follow these steps:
- Add the diced onion to the pot and cook until it’s translucent, stirring occasionally.
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
Now that the onions and garlic are softened, it’s time to add the remaining ingredients. To do this, follow these steps:
- Add the diced red bell pepper to the pot and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the pot and stir to combine.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and beef broth to the pot. Stir to combine.
- Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste.
Slow Cook the Chili
Now that all the ingredients are in the pot, it’s time to slow cook the chili. To do this, follow these steps:
- Press the “Slow Cook” button on your Ninja Foodi and set the timer to 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Let the chili cook until it’s hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally.
Serve and Enjoy
Once the chili is cooked, it’s time to serve and enjoy. Here are a few ways to serve your chili:
- Serve the chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and diced onions.
- Serve the chili over rice or with some crusty bread.
- Serve the chili with some crushed tortilla chips or crackers.
Tips and Variations for Slow Cooking Chili in Your Ninja Foodi
Here are a few tips and variations to keep in mind when slow cooking chili in your Ninja Foodi:
- Use a variety of beans: While kidney beans and black beans are classic chili ingredients, you can also use pinto beans, navy beans, or even canned beans.
- Add some heat: If you like spicy food, you can add some diced jalapenos or serrano peppers to the pot.
- Use ground turkey or chicken: If you want to make a leaner chili, you can use ground turkey or chicken instead of ground beef.
- Add some smoky flavor: You can add some smoky flavor to your chili by adding some chipotle peppers in adobo sauce or some smoked paprika.
Common Mistakes to Avoid When Slow Cooking Chili in Your Ninja Foodi
Here are a few common mistakes to avoid when slow cooking chili in your Ninja Foodi:
- Not browning the ground beef: Browning the ground beef is an important step in making delicious chili. It adds flavor and texture to the dish.
- Not cooking the chili long enough: Slow cooking chili is all about taking your time. Make sure to cook the chili for at least 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high.
- Not seasoning the chili: Seasoning the chili is important to bring out the flavors. Make sure to add salt, pepper, and any other seasonings you like.
Conclusion
Slow cooking chili in your Ninja Foodi is a great way to make a delicious and hearty meal. By following the steps outlined in this article, you can create a rich and flavorful chili that’s sure to become a family favorite. Remember to brown the ground beef, soften the onions and garlic, and add the remaining ingredients to the pot. Then, simply slow cook the chili until it’s hot and bubbly, stirring occasionally. Serve the chili hot, topped with your favorite toppings, and enjoy!
What are the benefits of using a Ninja Foodi to cook chili?
Using a Ninja Foodi to cook chili offers several benefits. For one, it allows for hands-off cooking, which means you can simply add your ingredients and let the Ninja Foodi do the work for you. This is especially convenient for busy days when you don’t have a lot of time to monitor your cooking. Additionally, the Ninja Foodi’s slow cooker function ensures that your chili is cooked low and slow, which helps to break down the connective tissues in the meat and results in a tender, fall-apart texture.
Another benefit of using a Ninja Foodi to cook chili is that it allows for even heating and cooking. The Ninja Foodi’s heating element is designed to distribute heat evenly throughout the pot, which helps to prevent hot spots and ensures that your chili is cooked consistently. This is especially important when cooking chili, as it can be easy for the chili to burn or stick to the bottom of the pot if it’s not heated evenly.
What type of chili is best suited for cooking in a Ninja Foodi?
The type of chili that is best suited for cooking in a Ninja Foodi is a hearty, thick chili that’s made with ground meat, beans, and tomatoes. This type of chili is perfect for the Ninja Foodi’s slow cooker function, as it allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender. You can also add other ingredients to customize the chili to your taste, such as diced onions, bell peppers, and jalapenos.
If you prefer a thinner, more brothy chili, you can also cook it in a Ninja Foodi. However, you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels to get the desired consistency. It’s also worth noting that the Ninja Foodi is not well-suited for cooking chili that’s made with a lot of liquid, as it can be difficult to get the chili to thicken properly.
How do I brown the ground meat in my Ninja Foodi before cooking the chili?
To brown the ground meat in your Ninja Foodi before cooking the chili, you’ll need to use the Ninja Foodi’s sauté function. Simply add a small amount of oil to the pot and heat it up until it’s hot. Then, add the ground meat and cook it until it’s browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks. This should take about 5-7 minutes, depending on the type of meat you’re using and the heat level.
Once the meat is browned, you can add the remaining ingredients to the pot and switch to the slow cooker function. The Ninja Foodi will take care of the rest, cooking the chili low and slow until it’s tender and flavorful. It’s worth noting that you can also brown the meat in a skillet on the stovetop if you prefer, and then transfer it to the Ninja Foodi to finish cooking the chili.
Can I cook frozen ground meat in my Ninja Foodi?
Yes, you can cook frozen ground meat in your Ninja Foodi. However, you’ll need to adjust the cooking time and temperature accordingly. It’s generally recommended to cook frozen ground meat on high pressure for a shorter amount of time, as this will help to ensure that the meat is cooked through and safe to eat.
When cooking frozen ground meat in your Ninja Foodi, it’s also important to make sure that the meat is broken up into small pieces and that there are no large chunks. This will help to ensure that the meat cooks evenly and that there are no undercooked or raw spots. Additionally, you may need to add a little more liquid to the pot to help the meat cook properly.
How long does it take to cook chili in a Ninja Foodi?
The cooking time for chili in a Ninja Foodi will depend on the type of chili you’re making and the heat level you’re using. Generally, it’s recommended to cook chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This will help to ensure that the meat is tender and the flavors are melded together.
However, you can also cook chili in a Ninja Foodi on high pressure for a shorter amount of time. This is a great option if you’re short on time or if you prefer a quicker cooking method. When cooking chili on high pressure, it’s generally recommended to cook it for 30-60 minutes, depending on the type of chili and the heat level.
Can I add beans to my chili when cooking it in a Ninja Foodi?
Yes, you can add beans to your chili when cooking it in a Ninja Foodi. In fact, beans are a common ingredient in many types of chili, and they can add protein, fiber, and texture to the dish. When adding beans to your chili, it’s generally recommended to use canned beans or cooked beans, as these will be easier to digest and will help to prevent gas and bloating.
When cooking beans in a Ninja Foodi, it’s also important to make sure that they’re fully submerged in liquid. This will help to ensure that the beans cook evenly and that they’re tender and flavorful. Additionally, you may need to adjust the cooking time and liquid levels to get the desired consistency.
How do I store leftover chili cooked in a Ninja Foodi?
To store leftover chili cooked in a Ninja Foodi, it’s generally recommended to let it cool completely and then transfer it to an airtight container. You can store the chili in the refrigerator for up to 3-5 days or freeze it for up to 3 months. When reheating the chili, you can simply microwave it or heat it up on the stovetop until it’s hot and steaming.
It’s also worth noting that you can store leftover chili in individual portions, such as in small containers or freezer bags. This is a great option if you want to have a quick and easy meal on hand, and it can also help to prevent food waste. When storing leftover chili, it’s also important to make sure that it’s labeled and dated, so you can easily keep track of how long it’s been stored.