Is there anything better than a big bowl of something warm and comforting when the weather turns chilly? I think not! And trust me, this Hearty Beef & Bean Chili is *exactly* what you need. It’s like a warm hug in a bowl, seriously.
The best part? It’s ridiculously easy because we’re making it in the slow cooker. Dump everything in, set it, and forget it. Come home to the most amazing smell and dinner practically ready. I’m all about that life!
Growing up, chili night was a *thing* at our house. My mom would make a huge pot, and we’d load it up with cheese, sour cream, the works! This recipe reminds me so much of those cozy family dinners. It’s simple, hearty, and always a crowd-pleaser. You just gotta try this Hearty Beef & Bean Chili, y’all!
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
Okay, so why *this* chili recipe? Let me tell you, it’s not just any chili. It’s the kind of meal you’ll crave all winter long! Here’s the lowdown:
- Easy Slow Cooker Recipe: Seriously, it’s dump-and-go. Minimal effort, maximum flavor.
- Hearty and Filling: This will stick to your ribs, no doubt. Perfect after a long day.
- Packed with Flavor: We’re talking layers of deliciousness from the beef, beans, and spices.
- Customizable with Toppings: Load it up with your faves! Cheese, sour cream, cilantro…go wild!
- Great for Meal Prepping: Make a big batch and enjoy it all week. It tastes even better the next day, trust me!
Ingredients for Your Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
Alright, let’s gather our goodies! Here’s what you’ll need to make the magic happen. Don’t worry if you’re missing something, we can always tweak it! But seriously, try to get the good stuff, it makes a difference!
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained.
- 1 (10-ounce) can chopped tomatoes and green chile peppers, undrained (like Rotel…you know the one!).
- 2 cups vegetable juice or tomato juice. I usually grab tomato juice, but whatever you like!
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder. Start with one, taste, and add more if you’re feeling spicy!
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin.
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed.
- 3 cloves garlic, minced. Fresh is best, trust me!
- 1 ½ pounds beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes.
- 2 cups chopped onion.
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery.
- 1 cup chopped green sweet (bell) pepper.
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, kidney beans, and/or garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained.
- ½ cup Toppers such as shredded cheddar cheese, dairy sour cream, snipped fresh cilantro, and/or pitted ripe olives. Get creative!
How to Make Hearty Beef & Bean Chili in a Slow Cooker
Okay, time to get cooking! Don’t be scared, this is the easiest thing you’ll make all week. Seriously, the slow cooker does all the work. Just follow these steps and you’ll be chowing down on some amazing Hearty Beef & Bean Chili in no time!
Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
First things first, grab your slow cooker. We’re gonna dump everything in there! I love using a liner (like my Grandma used to!) for easy cleanup, but it’s totally optional. If you’re not using a liner, give the inside of your slow cooker a quick spray with cooking spray. Just to be safe, you know?
Step 1: In your slow cooker, combine *both* cans of undrained diced tomatoes (yep, juice and all!), the can of chopped tomatoes and green chiles, the vegetable or tomato juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and minced garlic. Give it a good stir to get everything mixed up nicely.
Step 2: Add the beef stew meat, chopped onion, celery, and green bell pepper to the slow cooker. Stir it all together so the meat is coated in that yummy tomato-spice mixture. This is where the magic starts, folks!
Step 3: Cover that slow cooker and let it do its thing! Cook on low heat for 8 to 10 hours, or on high heat for 4 to 5 hours. I usually go for low heat because I think it makes the beef extra tender. But hey, if you’re in a hurry, high heat works too! Just peek at it every so often to make sure it isn’t drying out. Every slow cooker is different, after all!
Step 4: If you cooked on low, crank that baby up to high heat! Stir in your rinsed and drained beans (black, kidney, chickpeas, whatever you’re feeling!). Cover it again and cook for just 15 more minutes. This warms the beans through without making them mushy. Nobody wants mushy beans!
Step 5: Time to eat! Spoon that Hearty Beef & Bean Chili into bowls and load it up with your favorite toppings. Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro…the sky’s the limit! Enjoy every single bite!
Slow Cooker Tips for Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
A couple quick things for slow cooker success! Don’t peek too much while it’s cooking, okay? Opening the lid lets out heat and adds to the cooking time. Also, remember that cooking times can vary depending on your slow cooker. Get to know yours! You’ll be a chili master in no time!
Ingredient Notes and Substitutions for Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
Let’s chat ingredients! Wanna switch things up? No problem! For the beans, go wild! Kidney, pinto, even great northern beans work. Just make sure they’re cooked! Don’t have stew meat? Ground beef is totally fine. Brown it first, though, nobody wants grey beef in their chili! As for veggies, add whatever you love! Corn, zucchini…go for it! This Hearty Beef & Bean Chili is all about making it *yours*!
Serving Suggestions for Your Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
Okay, so you’ve got this amazing Hearty Beef & Bean Chili…now what? Well, you could just eat it straight from the bowl (I’ve been there!), but here are a few ideas to make it a *real* meal. My family loves it with a big hunk of cornbread. Crackers are always a good call too! Or, for something a little different, try it over a baked potato. Yum!
Storing and Reheating Your Hearty Beef & Bean Chili
Got leftovers? Lucky you! This Hearty Beef & Bean Chili is even better the next day! Just pop it in an airtight container and keep it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Wanna freeze it? Go for it! It’ll keep for a couple of months. Just thaw it out completely before reheating. For reheating, microwave it or warm it up on the stovetop until it’s nice and hot. Easy peasy!
Hearty Beef & Bean Chili FAQs
Got questions? I got answers! Here are a few things people always ask me about this Hearty Beef & Bean Chili. Don’t be shy, if you have more, just ask in the comments!
Can I make Hearty Beef & Bean Chili on the stovetop?
You betcha! If you don’t have a slow cooker, or you’re just in a hurry, the stovetop works great. Just brown the beef in a large pot, then add all the other ingredients (except the beans). Bring it to a simmer, cover, and cook for about 1 1/2 to 2 hours, or until the beef is tender. Stir in the beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking. Easy peasy!
Can I freeze Hearty Beef & Bean Chili?
Absolutely! This chili freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags. It’ll keep in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When you’re ready to eat it, just thaw it in the fridge overnight, or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until it’s heated through. So convenient!
Is Hearty Beef & Bean Chili spicy?
That depends on you! As written, it’s pretty mild. If you like a kick, add more chili powder, some cayenne pepper, or even a chopped jalapeño to the slow cooker. You can also use a hotter can of diced tomatoes and green chiles. Taste as you go and adjust until it’s just the right level of spicy for you! Remember, you can always add more spice, but it’s hard to take it away!
Recipe Estimated Nutritional Information
Okay, so here’s the deal: I’m not a nutritionist, and those nutrition numbers? They’re just estimates! It really depends on the brands you use and how big your servings are. So, take it with a grain of salt (get it?). Just wanted to give you a general idea!
Enjoyed This Hearty Beef & Bean Chili Recipe?
Hey, if you loved this Hearty Beef & Bean Chili as much as my family does, do me a favor! Leave a comment below and let me know what you think. And hey, a five-star rating would totally make my day! Don’t forget to share this recipe with your friends on social media…sharing is caring, right?
Print
Unbelievable Hearty Beef & Bean Chili in Just 5 Steps
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Total Time: 4 hours 35 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Diabetic
Description
Enjoy a hearty and flavorful beef and bean chili, perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe is easy to make in a slow cooker.
Ingredients
- 1 (28 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 10-ounce can chopped tomatoes and green chile peppers, undrained
- 2 cups vegetable juice or tomato juice
- 1 to 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano, crushed
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds beef or pork stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 cups chopped onion
- 1 ½ cups chopped celery
- 1 cup chopped green sweet (bell) pepper
- 2 (15 ounce) cans black beans, kidney beans, and/or garbanzo beans (chickpeas), rinsed and drained
- ½ cup Toppers such as shredded cheddar cheese, dairy sour cream, snipped fresh cilantro, and/or pitted ripe olives
Instructions
- In a 6-quart slow cooker, combine both cans of undrained tomatoes, the vegetable juice, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and garlic. Stir in the meat, onion, celery, and sweet pepper.
- Cover and cook on low-heat setting for 8 to 10 hours or on high-heat setting for 4 to 5 hours.
- If using low-heat setting, turn to high-heat setting. Stir in the beans. Cover and cook for 15 minutes more.
- Spoon into bowls. If desired, serve with toppers.
Notes
- For Easy Cleanup: Line your slow cooker with a disposable slow cooker liner. Add ingredients as directed in recipe. Once your dish is finished cooking, spoon the food out of your slow cooker and simply dispose of the liner. Do not lift or transport the disposable liner with food inside.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 700mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
