This Dried Bean and Beef Slow Cooker Chili is THE go-to chili recipe in my house. It’s simple and quick to throw together on a busy day!
My chili chills out all day in the slow cooker, slowly bubbling it’s way to dinnertime perfection.
It’s easily made vegan by leaving out the ground beef, or even go halfsies by prepping the ground beef separately last-minute. Just brown the beef, simmer some of the chili together with the meat for 5 minutes, and you’re ready to eat!
This is a pretty classic chili, which means it was a win with Vegas. She prefers “traditional” flavors. So I left out the fancy stuff like coffee or cocoa. I did mange to sneak in a bit of cinnamon. There’s something about a bit of cinnamon in tomato-based dishes that elevates the flavors.
Two kinds of beans along with onions, bell peppers, and fire-roasted tomatoes simmer with warming chili spices in the crock pot all day – while you’re free to do your thang. Those are the best meals right?
One note on the beans: I purchased mine raw in the bulk bins. My Whole Foods sells Farmer Direct Co-Op beans (among many other things) in the bins. I like being able to see what I’m buying, and the prices are the best (yes, even for Whole Foods).
What’s more is that while you’re lowering your food budget, you also reducing you impact on the environment. Less packaging = less material waste. With the EPA in jeopardy I think we could use a little more citizen awareness, eh?
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It’s been raining here again… definitely a chili night.
Tabasco sauce… or sriracha? Such a though decision.
Beef Chili? Or bean-only? Or other?
Hello cumin Greek yoghurt, that sounds amazing and so simple. Would be good drizzled on chicken too.
I am a siriracha girl but I still wouldn’t put it on chili, actually I think I only put it on eggs! But lashings of it 😉
You only use sriracha on eggs?! But but… you’re missing so many opportunities. Try it on popcorn. Trust me.
SRIRACHA.
Secret.
Ive never ever ever ever had that in my mouth 🙂
Ever.
Im afraiiiiiid it will be too hot.
sign me,
SuperWimpyCarla
You sound like Vegas. I always have to downgrade the heat for her. No judgement here! (But how do you get away with that in Texas?!)
I love the cumin yogurt idea! Totally cranks it up a notch. And I’ll take anything that dials up the spice!
Thank you! I love adding spices for savory yogurt toppings or dressings.
I love mixing things with Greek yogurt to spice it up! Must try this recipe. Bring on the rain too. They say it’s headed our way.
Thanks Meghan!
How was the rain in AZ? I think that was the most Iv’e ever seen here!
Beans in chili — those are fighting words in Texas. That being said, I ALWAYS put beans in chili . . . but one time a texas client told me they were going to have to rename my “chili” to “stew” . . .hahaha BTW, yours looks very yummy and I like that it’s waiting in the crock pot
People get fired up about chili! I love the beans, but, having family there, I know EVERYTHING is better in Texas. 😉
Dang – this post is further proof that I can do something and have no clue about the reasoning behind it! I often add cinnamon in tomato based spicy dishes but just learned that ” cinnamon in tomato-based dishes …elevates the flavors” GAH! Thanks lady! I am a fan of bean chili – I pick up dried beans at Sprouts off – but didn’t even think about any more reasoning behind that either other than that being easier on my wallet! Happy Monday to y’all!
I know that feeling… you probably read it somewhere long ago and forgot everything except that you should add it. I do that ALL the time.
Slow cooker chili is the best and my boys love to add meat to theirs.
I figured you’d like the veggie option. 😉
I think cholula is my favorite hot sauce. Alex and I went through a sriracha phase, but cholula is my true love. Too bad the Orange One wants to ban it or whatever. And avocado. And anything meaningful
I waiver between those two and Tapatio. It depends on the meal, really. I won’t kick any of it out of bed!
The orange one can suck my proverbial nuts.
Chili is one of my favorite foods, and the weather right now is perfect for it.
I was SO glad I had it in the house during that crazy rain!
This looks so good! I love having my chili over rice. That yogurt topping is perfect sounding. I love a whole heap of sour cream on my chili but I’m going to have to try the greek yogurt cumin mix!
Over rice? I’ve never heard of that… I’m sure Vegas would love it. She’s a rice junkie.
Vegas is getting spoiled. You makin all these amazing dishes. Love the chili, you know this. slow cooker rocks. Beans rock. TOOT TOOT!
I’m just trying to keep up with you!
And don’t you worry… I soaked those beans! The aftermath was manageable. Pffffffft!
We love to use our bulk beans for chili or stews! I find that my stomach actually handles those kinds of beans better than restaurant beans. I think it’s because we soak them?
And the slow cooker is a HUGE blessing. It’s the best kitchen servant.
The soaking does help! I’m sure the restaurants get them canned… which likely doesn’t mean they were properly soaked at any point. I bet a lot of it is the added stuff too… cream, butter, etc. It’s a lot more than we’re used to having on our tummies!
I love a good bowl of chili, especially the kind you throw in the Crock Pot and seven hours later it’s done.
I really need some meat in my mouth. MAAA THE MEAT – FACKKK!
But seriously.
Sadly, I don’t have any meat in my house.
Guess I am going to need to drive to get some meat.
Now. And I mean. NOW.
Hash meat?
I am always seeking a new slow cooker chili – and i love that i can use my bags of dried beans for this one! Just gotta remember to soak them! I would probably try this with turkey or chicken, just for a taste preference … hmm. .. maybe next week!
Just throw them in a bowl overnight. I always forget if I think I’m going to wait and do it “later.” I need a second brain.
I love me some beans Laura, maybe a little too much. I can eat a can of garbanzo beans/chickpeas in one sitting. Again I’m not sure if it’s a good thing or a bad thing lol. I love crock pot meals; it makes a house feel and smell like a home 🙂
Dude. That’s a lot of beans. Remind me not to sit to close to you… LOL! 😉
The honest truth is I am never going to cook any of this stuff because, well I don’t cook. I microwave chicken sausages and rice. I am still planning on hitting the lottery and having a guest house where you and Lindsay Cotter live as my chefs.
You sounds like Vegas. LOL!
My plan for when I win the lottery is to hire Lindsay too! We should buy an island and start a colony.