There’s something about a chilly evening that calls for a meal that feels like a warm hug. Slow cooker chili with noodles does just that. It’s the kind of dish that simmers away quietly in the background while you settle in with a book or chat with loved ones. You might catch the faint scent of garlic and spices drifting from the kitchen, teasing your appetite long before the first bite.
One night, I remember tossing everything into the slow cooker without much fuss, distracted by a phone call that ran longer than I expected. Somehow, the chili still turned out thick, rich, and just the right kind of hearty. When I finally sat down, the tender noodles had soaked up the deep, smoky flavors of the chili, making each spoonful a satisfying mix of textures and warmth. The slight imperfection of a noodle or two a bit overcooked didn’t matter—it was all part of that cozy, homemade charm.
Why You’ll Love It:
- Hands-off cooking lets you focus on other things while dinner develops deep, layered flavors.
- The addition of noodles makes this chili feel extra comforting and substantial, but it’s not your usual chili, which keeps things interesting.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point—no complicated steps, just hearty, slow-cooked goodness.
- Feeds a crowd easily, yet leftovers reheat well, making it practical for busy weeks.
If you’re someone who likes to have a plan but not be tied down by complicated prep, this recipe fits right in. It’s forgiving, so even if you get distracted or the timing’s a bit off, you’ll still end up with a satisfying meal.
Print
Slow Cooker Chili with Noodles
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and comforting slow cooker chili combined with tender noodles, perfect for a satisfying meal any day of the week.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium yellow 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 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
6 ounces egg noodles
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add ground beef and diced onion to the skillet. Cook until beef is browned and onion is softened, about 5-7 minutes, breaking up the meat with a spoon.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Cover and cook on low for 5 hours.
After 5 hours, add the egg noodles to the slow cooker and stir well.
Cover and continue cooking on low for 1 hour, or until the noodles are tender.
Stir the chili and noodles gently before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Kitchen Notes:
You don’t need fancy equipment to pull this off—just a reliable slow cooker and a skillet to brown the beef and onions before adding everything to the pot. When serving, a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top adds a nice touch, but it’s great on its own too. I’ve tried swapping the egg noodles for small pasta shapes like shells or even broken spaghetti, and while it’s not exactly the same, it still works when you’re in a pinch. For a vegetarian twist, you could skip the beef and add extra beans and veggies, though the texture changes quite a bit.
FAQ:
Q: Can I prepare this without browning the beef first? A: You can, but browning adds flavor and texture that really elevates the dish. Q: How do I know when the noodles are done? A: Just check if they’re tender but not mushy, usually around an hour in the slow cooker. Q: Can I freeze leftovers? A: Yes, but the noodles may become softer after thawing, so consider cooking noodles separately if you plan to freeze.
Try this slow cooker chili with noodles when you want something hearty without fuss. Save it, print it, and come back to it when you need that slow-cooked comfort on the table.