Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili

Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for those chilly days when you crave something warm and satisfying. This classic chili combines tender ground beef, a medley of beans, and a rich, flavorful tomato base seasoned with a blend of spices that simmer together to create a depth of flavor that’s truly irresistible. Cooking the chili low and slow in a slow cooker ensures that all the flavors meld together beautifully, resulting in a robust and delicious meal. Serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 (15-ounce) cans diced tomatoes
• 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional)
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (optional)
• Fresh cilantro, chopped for garnish (optional)
• Shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions for serving (optional)

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Ingredients:
   • Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
   • Add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onion is softened and fragrant.
2. Brown the Beef:
   • Add the ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
3. Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker:
   • Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
   • Add the kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, dried oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, black pepper, and brown sugar (if using).
   • Stir to combine all the ingredients well.
4. Add the Peppers:
   • Stir in the diced red bell pepper, green bell pepper, and chopped jalapeño pepper (if using).
5. Slow Cook the Chili:
   • Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors are well combined and the chili is thick and hearty.
6. Serve:
   • Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
   • Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions if desired.

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful Bean & Beef Slow-Cooked Chili, perfect for a cozy meal!