Print

Cozy Rainy Day Chili Slow Cooker Recipe Easy Perfect Comfort Food

cozy rainy day chili slow cooker recipe - featured image
Print Recipe

A warm, hearty slow cooker chili perfect for cozy rainy days, featuring a blend of spices, beans, and lean ground meat or vegetarian alternatives. Easy to prepare and full of comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450g) lean ground beef or turkey (can swap for plant-based crumbles for vegetarian)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 large bell pepper (red or green), diced
  • 1 can (14.5 oz / 410g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed (substitute black or pinto beans if desired)
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • 1 cup (240 ml) beef or vegetable broth
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned and no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat into small pieces. Drain excess fat if necessary.
  2. Add diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the browned meat. Cook for 3-4 minutes until onion is translucent and fragrant.
  3. Transfer meat, onions, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker. Add diced bell pepper, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
  4. Stir in drained kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder.
  5. Pour in beef or vegetable broth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Stir until well combined.
  6. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Avoid lifting the lid frequently.
  7. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed by adding more chili powder or salt.
  8. Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro as desired.

Notes

Browning the meat and sautéing aromatics before slow cooking adds depth of flavor. Avoid lifting the slow cooker lid frequently to maintain cooking temperature. If chili is too thick after cooking, stir in more broth or water to adjust consistency. For vegetarian version, replace meat with extra beans or lentils and use vegetable broth. Adding a pinch of cocoa powder or coffee adds richness.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, rainy day chili, comfort food, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, vegetarian chili option, cozy meal

Find it online: https://zoeplate.com/cozy-rainy-day-chili-slow-cooker-recipe-easy-perfect-comfort-food/