When the air gets cool, I start thinking about warming food. And for me, that often means a big bowl of chili or a comforting soup. The best part? Making these dishes in a slow cooker, so dinner is ready when you are.
Today, I’m sharing three of my absolute favorite hearty slow cooker recipes. These are perfect for cozy nights, feeding a crowd, or just making ahead. Get ready for some simple, delicious meals!
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Slow Cooker Chili: Your Go-To Recipe
This slow cooker chili recipe is a family favorite for a reason. It’s packed with flavor and so easy to make, perfect for busy weeknights.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Chili
- Beans vs. No Beans: I like to add kidney beans to my chili, but you can leave them out if you prefer a bean-free version.
- Spice Adjustment: If you like a little more heat, add an extra pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño.
What You Need for Slow Cooker Chili
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 4-8 Hours🍽️ Yields: 6 servings
How to Make This Chili
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Onions
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef and chopped onion over medium heat until the beef is browned and the onion is soft. Drain off any excess fat.
Step 2: Combine and Cook
Transfer the beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
📝 Final Note
This chili tastes even better the next day, so it’s a great option for meal prepping. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge.
Easy Slow Cooker Taco Soup
If you love tacos, you’ll love this slow cooker taco soup. It has all the wonderful flavors of your favorite taco night in a warm, comforting bowl.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Taco Soup
- Topping Ideas: Don’t forget the toppings! Shredded cheese, sour cream, crushed tortilla chips, and diced avocado are all great choices.
- Vegetarian Option: You can easily make this vegetarian by swapping ground beef for plant-based crumbles or adding an extra can of beans.
What You Need for Taco Soup
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 (15 oz) can corn, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
- 1 packet taco seasoning
- 1 packet ranch seasoning mix
- 4 cups chicken broth
⏱️ Time: 3-6 Hours🍽️ Yields: 8 servings
How to Make This Taco Soup
Step 1: Cook the Beef
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat. Drain off any fat. You can cook the onion with the beef here too if you like, or add it raw to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Combine All Ingredients
Add the cooked beef, corn, black beans, diced tomatoes with green chilies, taco seasoning, ranch seasoning, and chicken broth to your slow cooker. Stir well. Cook on low for 5-6 hours or on high for 2-3 hours.
📝 Final Note
This soup freezes well. Portion it into single-serving containers for quick lunches on colder days.
Classic Texas Chili for Your Slow Cooker
When you want a classic, hearty bowl of chili without beans, this Texas chili recipe is it. The slow cooker makes it incredibly tender and flavorful with minimal effort.
Key Ingredients & Tips for Texas Chili
- Chili Powder Quality: Use a good quality chili powder. It makes a big difference in the final taste of this chili.
- Meat Choice: While ground beef works, for a truly authentic taste, use chunks of beef chuck roast and let them slow cook until they fall apart.
What You Need for Texas Chili
- 2 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper to taste
⏱️ Time: 6-10 Hours🍽️ Yields: 6-8 servings
How to Make This Texas Chili
Step 1: Sear the Beef
In a large skillet, heat a little oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. This step adds a lot of depth to the chili. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 2: Combine and Cook Slowly
Add the seared beef, chopped onion, minced garlic, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to your slow cooker. Stir well. Cook on low for 8-10 hours or on high for 4-5 hours, until the beef is very tender and easily shreds.
📝 Final Note
For a thicker chili, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate. Serve with cornbread or crackers.
