– 2 pounds ground beef (or turkey, if you prefer)
– 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes
– 2 tablespoons tomato paste
– 1 large onion, diced
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tablespoons chili powder
– 1 tablespoon cumin
– 1 teaspoon oregano
– 1 teaspoon paprika
– 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
– ½ teaspoon black pepper
– 1 jalapeño, diced (optional for heat)
– 2 cups beef broth
– Fresh cilantro, for garnish (optional)
– Shredded cheese and sour cream, for serving (optional)
Creating Texas Style Slow Cooker Chili is easy with the following steps:
1. Brown the Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
2. Prepare the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion and minced garlic until fragrant and translucent, about 5 minutes.
3. Combine Ingredients: In the slow cooker, combine the browned meat, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, sautéed onions, garlic, jalapeño, and spices (chili powder, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, and pepper).
4. Add the Broth: Pour in the beef broth and stir well until everything is evenly mixed.
5. Set the Cooker: Cover the slow cooker with the lid. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4-5 hours, depending on your schedule.
6. Taste Test: Near the end of the cooking time, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed.
7. Serve: Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and add your desired toppings, such as shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream.