There’s something about the way chili fills a house that makes you want to slow down, pull up a chair, and just be present. Slow Cooker Chili Natasha’s Kitchen is exactly that kind of meal — unpretentious, comforting, and full of those deep, familiar flavors that settle in your soul. I remember the last time I made this, the steamy scent of garlic and spices wafted through the rooms, making the entire afternoon feel softer, somehow. I was halfway through tidying up when the slow cooker beeped, and I almost forgot to check it. In that moment, the anticipation was almost as warming as the chili itself.
This chili invites you to lean into the cozy side of cooking. It’s the kind of dish that doesn’t rush, letting the ingredients meld into a hearty, rich blend that’s both satisfying and easy to love. And honestly, there’s a bit of charm in its simplicity — no complicated steps or exotic ingredients, just good, honest food you can trust.
- Slow cooking frees you from the stove, making dinner prep feel effortless.
- The mix of beans, beef, and spices creates a layered flavor that’s both bold and comforting.
- It’s hearty enough to feel like a proper meal, but simple enough to customize if you want to add a little twist.
- The recipe leans on familiar pantry staples, so it’s easy to pull together without a special trip to the store.
- It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point. No fuss, just warmth in a bowl.
If you’re worried about timing, this chili is forgiving. You can leave it on low a bit longer if you get caught up with something else (I’ve done it more times than I care to admit). Just remember to give it a good stir before serving to bring all those flavors back to life.
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Slow Cooker Chili Natasha’s Kitchen
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili recipe from Natasha’s Kitchen, perfect for a cozy meal. This chili combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices slow-cooked to perfection for a rich and comforting dish.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 cup beef broth
1 tablespoon chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until softened.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add ground beef to the skillet and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
Stir everything together until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours.
After cooking, stir the chili and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen notes: Using a slow cooker means you don’t need anything fancy — just a reliable pot that keeps things cozy for hours. When serving, I like to top mine with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream, but it’s great straight up too. Sometimes I swap out ground beef for turkey or add a splash of beer for a little extra depth, though I haven’t tested those variations extensively. Pairing this chili with a crusty bread or over a bed of rice can change things up without much effort.
FAQ
Can I make this chili vegetarian? You could, by skipping the beef and adding extra beans or veggies, but it won’t be the same hearty texture.
How spicy is it? It has a gentle kick thanks to the cayenne, but you can adjust the heat to your liking.
Can I prepare this in advance? Absolutely, it tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld more.
Slow Cooker Chili Natasha’s Kitchen is one of those meals that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. Once you’ve made it, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever the weather turns or when you want an easy, satisfying dinner. Give it a try, save it for later, and let that slow simmer work its magic.