As the leaves turn and the air gets crisp, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to embrace the fall season. A slow cooker simplifies the process, allowing you to fill it up with ingredients, set it, and let the magic happen. From classic beef to zesty vegetarian options, there’s something for everyone. Let’s dive into these 12 delicious slow cooker chili recipes that will surely warm your heart and home!
Classic Beef Chili
Hearty and satisfying, this chili is perfect for a cozy night in.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Brown ground beef with onions in a skillet.
- Transfer beef mixture to the slow cooker and add remaining ingredients.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
Make it Unique:
Add some chopped bell peppers for extra flavor or stir in some corn for sweetness.
Turkey and Black Bean Chili
This lighter take is packed with protein and flavor.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Process:
- Brown ground turkey with onion and bell pepper in a skillet.
- Add turkey mixture and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir, cover, and cook on low for 7 hours.
Make it Unique:
Top with crushed tortilla chips or sprinkle in some cilantro for a fresh kick.
Vegetarian Quinoa Chili
Packed with nutrients, this veggie delight will please even meat lovers.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup quinoa, rinsed
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 1 cup corn
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
Process:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Stir well and cover.
- Cook on low for 6 hours, until quinoa is fluffy.
Make it Unique:
Swap quinoa for brown rice or add a splash of hot sauce for heat.
White Chicken Chili
This chili offers a delightful twist with its creamy texture and savory chicken.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 2 cans white beans (15 oz each), drained
- 1 can diced green chilies (4 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 2 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir to combine, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Shred chicken before serving.
Make it Unique:
Add a dollop of cream cheese for richness, or mix in some spinach for added nutrition.
Spicy Chili with Pepper Jack
Turn up the heat with this chili featuring zesty pepper jack cheese.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can pinto beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 jalapeños, minced
- 2 cups pepper jack cheese, shredded
- 2 tbsp chili powder
Process:
- Brown meat with onion in a skillet.
- Transfer to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients, except cheese.
- Cover and cook on low for 5 hours, then stir in cheese.
Make it Unique:
Add more jalapeños for spice or use a mix of cheeses for depth.
Sweet Potato and Lentil Chili
A nourishing and filling option that’s entirely plant-based.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup red lentils, rinsed
- 2 sweet potatoes, diced
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cups vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 7 hours.
- Mash sweet potatoes slightly before serving for creaminess.
Make it Unique:
Mix in some kale or spinach for added greens, or top with a dollop of yogurt.
Smoky Chipotle Chili
Enjoy a smoky twist with a kick in this delicious chili.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
Process:
- Brown the meat with the onion in a skillet.
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker and stir.
- Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
Make it Unique:
Top with avocado slices and lime or use smoked paprika instead of chipotles for a milder taste.
Corn and Chicken Chili
This light and sweet chili pairs perfectly with cornbread.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb chicken breast, diced
- 1 can corn (15 oz), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups chicken broth
- 1 tbsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir well and cover.
- Cook on low for 6 hours, then shred chicken before serving.
Make it Unique:
Mix in some black beans for more texture, or serve with avocado for creaminess.
Mediterranean Chili
This unique blend offers a taste of the Mediterranean in every bite.
Ingredients:
- 1 can chickpeas (15 oz), drained
- 1 zucchini, chopped
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Process:
- Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Stir to mix, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
- Before serving, crumble feta cheese on top.
Make it Unique:
Add olives for a briny bite or serve with warm pita bread.
Chili Mac
Combine chili with pasta for a delightful family meal.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef or turkey
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cups elbow pasta
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
Process:
- Brown meat with onion in a skillet.
- Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker, stir well, and cover.
- Cook on low for 5 hours, adding cooked pasta in the last 30 minutes.
Make it Unique:
Use a different pasta shape or incorporate some broccoli for a veggie boost.
Pumpkin Chili
Embrace autumn flavors with this fantastic chili.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground turkey
- 1 can pumpkin puree (15 oz)
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 2 cups chicken or vegetable broth
Process:
- Brown the ground turkey with onion in a skillet.
- Add turkey mixture and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker.
- Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6 hours.
Make it Unique:
Add a sprinkle of cinnamon for warmth or some jalapeños for spice.
As the temperatures drop, these slow cooker chilis provide not only warmth but also a delightful variety of flavors. Whether you’re craving meat, vegetarian options, or something unique, there’s a recipe here for everyone. Try one, or go ahead and experiment with all 12! A cozy meal awaits you this fall!