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    Hearty Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

    clock-icon270 minutes
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    Pixicook editorial team

    A rich and flavorful beef and bean chili made in a slow cooker, perfect for a hearty meal.

    Ingredients for Hearty Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

    units in
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    units in
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    serves
    8 peoplechevron
    serves
    8 peoplechevron

    Olive Oil

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Large Yellow Or Red Onion, finely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kosher Salt

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Beef (80 Percent Lean, 20 Percent Fat)

    0 lb

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Clove, finely chopped

    each

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tomato Paste

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sweet Paprika

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Chipotle Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cumin

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Garlic Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Onion Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Mustard Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Hot Smoked Paprika

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cayenne Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground cinnamon

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Ground Cloves

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Pilsner Beer (such As Modelo Especial)

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Diced Or Crushed Tomatoes In Juice

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Cider Vinegar

    cups

    Substitute chevron-down

    Maple Syrup Or Dark Brown Sugar

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Soy Sauce

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Beef Stock Bouillon Paste (such As Better Than Bouillon)

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Unsweetened Cocoa Powder

    teaspoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Kidney Beans, drained and rinsed

    0 oz

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    Pinto Beans, drained and rinsed

    0 oz

    Substitute chevron-down

    Worcestershire Sauce

    tablespoons

    Substitute chevron-down

    Hot Sauce

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sharp Cheddar, grated

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Scallions, sliced

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Sour Cream

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    Tortilla Chips, crushed

    to taste

    Substitute chevron-down

    How to Make Hearty Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

    1. Cook the onions

    Start by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat. Add the finely chopped onion and a pinch of kosher salt, and cook until the onion is softened and translucent. This should take about 8 minutes.

    2. Brown the beef

    Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef and chopped garlic to the pot. Season with a bit more kosher salt. Cook the beef until it loses its pink color, which should take around 8 to 10 minutes.

    3. Add tomato paste and spices

    Once the beef is browned, stir in the can of tomato paste and let it cook for about a minute until it darkens and caramelizes. Add 1 tablespoon of sweet paprika, 2 teaspoons each of chipotle powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, mustard powder, and hot smoked paprika, followed by 0.5 teaspoon of cayenne powder, 0.5 teaspoon of ground cinnamon, and 0.25 teaspoon of ground cloves. Cook for about another minute until the spices are fragrant.

    4. Deglaze with beer

    Pour in the pilsner beer, making sure to scrape the bottom of the pot to release any browned bits.

    5. Combine in slow cooker

    Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in the can of diced or crushed tomatoes, 0.25 cup of cider vinegar, 2 tablespoons of maple syrup or dark brown sugar, 2 tablespoons of soy sauce, 2 teaspoons of beef stock bouillon paste, and 1.5 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and pinto beans, along with a bit of water if needed to combine everything well.

    6. Cook in slow cooker

    Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.

    7. Finish and serve

    Just before serving, stir in 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce and adjust the texture with a bit of water if needed. Season with more salt to taste. Serve your hearty beef and bean chili with hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream, and crushed tortilla chips on the side.

    Variations

    Turkey and White Bean Chili

    Use ground turkey and white beans like cannellini or navy beans. Include green chilis and white corn, and use chicken broth as the liquid. Top with Monterey Jack cheese and fresh cilantro.

    Three-Bean Chili

    Use a mix of kidney, pinto, and black beans with beef or another protein. Introduce different spices like coriander and a touch of cinnamon for complexity.

    Vegetarian Quinoa Chili

    Omit the meat and add quinoa for protein along with your choice of beans. Incorporate a variety of vegetables and use vegetable broth as the base.

    Chili con Carne

    Focus on the meat by using chunks of stewing beef instead of ground meat, and reduce the amount of beans or omit them entirely. This version would be richer and more stew-like.

    Offer a variety of toppings to customize each bowl

    crumbled queso fresco, chopped scallions, diced avocado, toasted pumpkin seeds, or homemade croutons.

    Pitfalls and tips

    Bloom Your Spices

    Before adding to the slow cooker, bloom spices in the skillet to release essential oils and amplify flavors.

    Meat Selection

    Use a mix of ground meats or beef chuck cut into cubes for varied texture and flavor.

    Slow Cooking

    Opt for longer, lower temperature cooking for better flavor melding.

    Layering Flavors

    Introduce acidity like apple cider vinegar or lime juice to balance richness.

    Beer Choice

    Select a full-bodied beer like a stout or porter to enhance the richness of the chili.


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