Spicy Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

Gather the ingredients for this spicy slow cooker beef chili

If you believe that creating a fantastic pot of chili requires a long list of ingredients, a lot of time, and expert skills, think again. "This chili is incredibly tasty, and the ingredient list is surprisingly brief," says Rosenhouse. "Onion, green bell pepper, and garlic form a fragrant base, complemented by ground beef, canned beans, tomatoes, beef broth, and a few seasonings to complete the dish." The seasonings we incorporate for this beef chili include chile powder for heat, smoked paprika for a touch of sweetness, kosher salt, ground black pepper, and ground cumin for an earthy flavor. If you're missing any of these, don’t worry (unless it’s salt—then you should head to the store right away).

While beef broth enhances the beefy flavor of the chili, you can substitute it with vegetable stock or chicken broth if necessary. Jalapeños and chipotles in adobo sauce contribute a deep heat, but you can adjust the spice level based on your guests' preferences.

Whatever you do, don’t hold back on the toppings. A great chili becomes extraordinary when everyone can customize their bowl with a variety of delicious add-ons like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and/or tortilla chips. It’s an affordable dish that’s sure to become a staple in your weekly meal plan.

Step 1: Heat the oil

Warm oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.

Step 2: Cook onion and green pepper

Incorporate the onion and green pepper; sauté for 5 to 6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they become tender.

Step 3: Add garlic

Incorporate garlic and sauté for another 30 seconds.

Step 4: Transfer to slow cooker

Pour into a 5-quart slow cooker.

Step 5: Brown the beef

Place ground beef in the pan and cook until it is no longer pink, about 4 to 5 minutes. Drain any excess fat.

Step 6: Transfer beef to slow cooker

Place the beef into the slow cooker.

Step 7: Add remaining ingredients

Incorporate the remaining ingredients into the slow cooker and mix well.

Step 8: Cover and cook

Cover and cook on the high setting for 3 to 4 hours, or on the low setting for 5 to 6 hours.

Step 9: Serve hot

Enjoy it warm, accompanied by sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, fresh cilantro, and/or tortilla chips, according to your preference.

Can slow cooker beef chili be made on the stovetop?

Using a slow cooker is an excellent way to prepare dinner with just a few minutes of morning prep. However, if you decide to make this chili later in the day, you're in luck—it can also be prepared on the stovetop. The process is nearly the same: replace the large pan with a Dutch oven, and sauté the onion, green bell pepper, garlic, and beef together over medium-high heat until the beef is browned, stirring frequently. Then, add the remaining ingredients and mix well. Cover the pot and let it simmer on low for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it thickens. You can adjust the consistency by leaving the lid off to reduce excess moisture or by adding more broth if necessary.

Serve hot, accompanied by a variety of garnishes.

Looking to prepare this chili in advance and keep it warm? The finished chili can be stored in a slow cooker on the warm setting for up to 2 hours before it needs to be refrigerated.

Can I double this slow cooker beef chili recipe?

Depending on the capacity of your slow cooker, you can easily scale up this spicy beef chili recipe to accommodate a larger group (and it will definitely satisfy a crowd!). While the original recipe serves four, the portions are generous enough to leave everyone feeling satisfied. When you decide to make a larger batch, simply maintain the same cooking method. Just double (or triple) the ingredients, and remember to fill the slow cooker no more than three-quarters full for optimal results. You may need to adjust the cooking time based on the size of your batch.

When increasing the ingredients, consider reducing the amount of spices, jalapeños, and chipotles if you're serving the entire family. However, you can always tweak the seasoning at the end of the cooking process to enhance the spiciness if desired. If you’re a fan of fiery chili, feel free to stick with the original spice levels!

How do I store and reheat leftover beef chili?

Remember that this spicy beef chili improves when prepared in advance. Rosenhouse notes, "The greatest advantage of making chili ahead of time is that it only gets better as it sits, particularly if refrigerated overnight. The flavors blend and intensify, and you'll be amazed at the difference a little resting time can make."

If you choose to follow her advice, prepare the chili and refrigerate it overnight, then reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until it's heated through before serving. This approach also helps you get a jumpstart on your week with minimal extra effort.

For leftovers, store the beef chili in an airtight container for up to three days, or freeze it for up to three months. If frozen, be sure to thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before serving. Then, reheat it in the slow cooker or on the stovetop until it's hot throughout, and serve with the recommended toppings.

How can I make this beef chili even spicier?

Although this chili has a bit of heat from the chipotles en adobo and chopped jalapeños, it remains on the milder side of the spice spectrum. If you're looking for a quick and simple way to increase the heat without adding much prep time, consider leaving the seeds in when chopping the jalapeños, as the membranes hold a higher concentration of capsaicin than the rest of the pepper. Another effective method to spice up your chili with what you already have is to add the entire can of chipotles.

Additionally, you can enhance the chili with a few secret ingredients. A dash of cayenne pepper or a splash of Tabasco sauce can introduce some heat without significantly changing the flavor. For a touch of sweetness along with the spice, try adding a squirt of sriracha or a fruity habanero sauce. Finally, consider garnishing your chili with some extra-spicy sliced peppers — while jalapeños are a good choice, serranos will amp up the heat even more, and diced ghost peppers will provide a truly intense kick that could leave you breathless.

How can I thicken this beef chili?

If your chili is too watery and resembles soup more than a stew, one effective method to reduce excess liquid is to continue simmering it— the longer it cooks, the thicker it will become. However, if you're pressed for time, there are several alternative solutions. Cornstarch, commonly used to thicken gravies and sauces, can also work wonders for your chili. Just remember to dissolve it in an equal amount of water before adding it (a tablespoon of each should suffice). You can also use fine-ground cornmeal or crushed tortilla chips in the same way, but there's no need to add water in this case. With any of these thickeners, an additional 10 minutes of cooking should help your chili reach the desired consistency. You might also consider adding these thickeners before freezing leftovers to prevent the chili from becoming watery upon thawing.

The beans in your chili can also serve as a thickening agent. You have two options for this. The first is to scoop out about half of the beans, mash them, and then mix them back into the chili. Alternatively, you can open a new can of beans, drain them, and puree the entire contents. Stir the puree into the pot and let the chili cook for a few more minutes until it reaches your preferred thickness.

What should I serve with this spicy beef chili?

This zesty beef chili stands out as a nearly complete one-pot dish, brimming with meat, vegetables, and hearty beans. However, it becomes even more delightful when paired with some crispy tortilla chips. And since you’ll have the chips ready, why not whip up some homemade pico de gallo to enjoy alongside? A dollop of this salsa would also make a fantastic topping for the chili. For a more filling meal, consider serving the chili with a tray of ultimate chicken nachos or a cozy elote corn dip.

Of course, tortilla chips aren’t your only option to complement the spicy beef chili. You could also ladle it over a serving of steamed white or brown rice, depending on your preference. The best part about pairing your chili with rice? It opens up the possibility of leftovers, which you can transform into a delicious tres leches-inspired rice pudding for dessert. If you’re in the mood for a refreshing drink to go with your spicy chili, think about enjoying a classic clamato michelada or a perfectly crafted margarita.

What are some other chili recipes I should try?

If you're in search of another beefy chili option, consider trying a hearty chorizo and beef chili con carne. This dish not only features two types of meat but also elevates the flavor with a trio of beans: black, kidney, and pinto. While it may not be as spicy, you can easily adjust the heat level by applying any of the suggestions mentioned earlier for enhancing your chili.

If you prefer something lighter, a spicy slow cooker turkey chili is a great choice. It packs a punch with canned green chiles and chipotles, along with black and kidney beans. Uncommonly for a chili, it also incorporates nutritious sweet potatoes, which not only boost the nutrient content but also help balance the heat with their natural sweetness.

Alternatively, you can opt for a meatless option with a 3-bean vegetarian chili. This version includes black, kidney, and refried beans—pre-mashed pinto beans that contribute to a thicker consistency. Bursting with vegetables, it features corn, onions, poblano peppers, and fire-roasted tomatoes, all enhanced by lime juice, powdered ancho and chipotle peppers, and smoked paprika. As long as you skip the cheese or sour cream on top, this dish is not only vegetarian but completely vegan.