Introduction
Are you looking for a warm, tasty, and healthy meal that’s easy to make? Then you’re going to love this Slow-Cooked Bean Chili Delight! This dish is perfect for busy days when you want something comforting but don’t want to spend hours in the kitchen. Just toss everything into a slow cooker, let it cook all day, and enjoy a bowl of delicious chili in the evening.
This chili is full of beans, spices, and vegetables that make it super flavorful. It’s also meat-free, making it a great choice for vegetarians or anyone trying to eat more plant-based meals. Plus, it’s budget-friendly and makes enough to feed a family or save for later. Ready to make your own? Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Slow-Cooked Bean Chili
Here’s a simple list of what you’ll need to make your Slow-Cooked Bean Chili Delight:
Beans:
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables:
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper (any color), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 cup corn (frozen or canned)
Spices and Flavor:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- 2 cups vegetable broth or water
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Step by Step Process – Slow-Cooked Bean Chili
Let’s walk through the steps one by one. Don’t worry—it’s super easy!
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
Start by chopping your onion and bell pepper. Mince the garlic. Drain and rinse all the canned beans. If you’re using canned corn, drain it too.
Step 2: Add to Slow Cooker
Place the chopped onions, bell pepper, garlic, corn, diced tomatoes (with juice), black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans into the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add Spices and Broth
Now sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Pour in the vegetable broth or water. Give everything a good stir to mix the flavors.
Step 4: Set the Slow Cooker
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to:
- Low heat for 6–8 hours, or
- High heat for 3–4 hours
The longer it cooks, the more the flavors come together.
Step 5: Check and Stir
After it’s been cooking for a while, give it a little stir. If it looks too thick, you can add a bit more broth or water. If it’s too thin, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes so it can thicken.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once it’s hot, thick, and smells amazing, it’s ready! Serve it in bowls and add your favorite toppings like cheese or sour cream. Enjoy it with tortilla chips or a slice of cornbread.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 250 |
| Protein | 12g |
| Carbohydrates | 35g |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugars | 5g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Saturated Fat | 0.5g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
| Vitamin A | 15% DV |
| Vitamin C | 20% DV |
| Iron | 15% DV |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you must cook them first. Dried beans take a long time to cook and can’t go straight into the slow cooker without being soaked and boiled. Canned beans save time and are easier for this recipe.
Q2: Is this chili spicy?
It’s mild by default. If you like it spicy, just add more cayenne pepper or chop up a fresh jalapeño and throw it in.
Q3: Can I freeze the leftovers?
Absolutely! This chili freezes really well. Let it cool down, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It lasts up to 3 months in the freezer.
Q4: Can I add meat to this chili?
Sure! If you want to, you can add ground beef or turkey. Just cook the meat in a pan before adding it to the slow cooker. But this version is perfect without meat too!
Q5: What can I serve with it?
You can enjoy it with cornbread, rice, tortilla chips, or even on top of a baked potato. It also makes a great filling for tacos or burritos!
Final Thoughts
The Slow-Cooked Bean Chili Delight is more than just a recipe—it’s comfort in a bowl. It’s healthy, filling, and packed with flavor, and the best part is how little effort it takes. Whether you’re making it for a family dinner, meal prep, or a cozy night in, this chili has you covered.
Because it’s made with beans and veggies, it’s high in fiber and protein, yet low in fat. That makes it great for anyone trying to eat better without giving up taste. So, next time you need an easy, hearty meal, give this slow-cooked chili a try. It might just become your new favorite!
