Hearty Slow Cooker Chili with a Secret Veggie Boost

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?

Introduction

When the weather turns chilly and comfort food cravings kick in, there’s nothing quite like a warm bowl of chili to lift your spirits. This Hearty Slow Cooker Chili not only satisfies those cravings but also packs a hidden nutritional punch with a secret veggie boost that even the pickiest eaters won’t detect.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the inviting aroma of spice and warmth wafting through your kitchen—thanks to your slow cooker doing all the heavy lifting. With a mix of protein-rich beans, succulent meat (if you choose), and a medley of spices, this chili is already a winner in the flavor department. But we believe in taking things a step further by secretly adding pureed veggies that blend seamlessly into the dish, enhancing both the taste and the nutrition.

Whether you’re having a game-day gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this recipe is versatile enough for any occasion. So grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into a dish that nourishes the body and warms the soul!

Ingredients

• 1 pound ground beef (or turkey for a lighter choice)
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 bell pepper (any hue), chopped
• 2 medium carrots, shredded
• 1 medium zucchini, shredded
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 2 cups vegetable broth
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions

Instructions

1. 1. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium flame, and sauté the chopped onion and minced garlic until they become soft and translucent, roughly 5 minutes.
2. 1. Introduce the ground beef (or turkey) to the skillet, cooking until it’s browned. Use a spatula to break it apart as it cooks. Remove any excess grease.
3. 1. In the slow cooker, mix together the sautéed combination with the chopped bell pepper, shredded carrots, and shredded zucchini.
4. 1. Incorporate the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, and vegetable broth.
5. 1. Season the chili with chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and oregano. Stir thoroughly to blend all the components.
6. 1. Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, letting all the flavors merge harmoniously.
7. 1. When it’s time to serve, give the chili a stir and taste for seasoning. Adjust as needed.
8. 1. Serve generous portions of the hearty chili in bowls, adding your preferred toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions.
9. Prep Time: 15 min | Total Time: 8 hours 15 min | Servings: 6-8

Key Ingredients

• Ground Meat: 1 lb (beef, turkey, or a plant-based alternative for a vegetarian version)
• Beans: 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• Tomatoes: 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
• Onion: 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• Garlic: 3-4 cloves, minced
• Bell Pepper: 1 medium bell pepper, chopped (any color)
• Carrots: 1 cup, finely diced (the secret veggie boost!)
• Celery: 1 cup, finely diced
• Chili Powder: 2-3 tablespoons (adjust to taste)
• Cumin: 1 tablespoon, ground
• Oregano: 1 teaspoon, dried
• Salt & Pepper: To taste
• Broth: 2 cups (beef or vegetable broth)
• Optional toppings: Shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, avocado, or jalapeños

Feel free to get creative with the spices and toppings to make this chili your own!

Baking Process

While our main focus for this recipe is the slow cooker, we can enhance our Hearty Slow Cooker Chili experience with a delightful side of cornbread or some crispy tortilla chips. Here’s how to bake cornbread that will perfectly complement your chili:

Ingredients for Cornbread

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1/4 cup sugar (adjust based on your sweetness preference)
• 1 tablespoon baking powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 cup milk (dairy or a non-dairy alternative)
• 1 large egg
• 1/4 cup melted butter or vegetable oil

Baking Steps

1. Preheat the Oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) to ensure it’s hot enough for baking.

2. Prepare the Baking Dish: Grease an 8-inch square baking pan or a cast-iron skillet with cooking spray or butter. This will prevent the cornbread from sticking and give it a nice golden crust.

3. Mix Dry Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt until combined. This ensures that the baking powder is evenly distributed throughout the mix.

4. Combine Wet Ingredients: In another bowl, whisk together the milk, egg, and melted butter or oil. Make sure the butter is not too hot, or it may cook the egg.

5. Combine Mixtures: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and stir until just combined. Be careful not to overmix; a few lumps are fine.

6. Bake: Pour the cornbread batter into your prepared pan. Bake in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes, or until the top is golden brown and a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.

7. Cool and Serve: Once baked, remove the cornbread from the oven and let it cool for a few minutes in the pan. Then, transfer it to a wire rack to cool slightly before cutting into squares or wedges.

8. Pair with Chili: Serve your warm cornbread alongside your Hearty Slow Cooker Chili. The slightly sweet flavor and fluffy texture of the cornbread will be a perfect match for the spicy, robust chili.

Enjoy the ultimate cozy meal with this combination—your guests will not only appreciate the chili’s secret veggie boost but also the delightful, freshly baked cornbread!

Serving Suggestions

This Hearty Slow Cooker Chili is versatile and pairs beautifully with various accompaniments. Here are some serving suggestions to take your chili experience to the next level:

1. Toppings Galore: Enhance your chili with a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a spicy pepper jack), sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamy texture, diced green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños for a kick.

2. Crusty Bread: Serve your chili with a side of warm, crusty bread or rolls for dipping. A freshly baked cornbread or garlic bread adds a delightful touch.

3. Tortilla Chips: For a fun twist, provide tortilla chips for scooping. You can also create a chili nachos platter by layering the chili over chips, and topping it with cheese, guacamole, and salsa.

4. Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over a bed of rice or quinoa. This adds a satisfying texture and helps absorb the delicious flavors of the chili.

5. Salad Pairing: Balance the richness of the chili with a fresh side salad. A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or a hearty kale salad can provide a nice contrast.

6. Avocado Slices: Fresh avocado slices or guacamole add creaminess that complements the spiciness of the chili.

7. Beer or Wine: Pairing your chili with a robust beer, like a stout or a pale ale, can enhance the flavors. Alternatively, a full-bodied red wine, such as a Malbec or Zinfandel, works well too.

Feel free to mix and match these suggestions to create a comforting and satisfying meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your hearty bowl of chili!

Conclusion

This Hearty Slow Cooker Chili with a Secret Veggie Boost is the perfect dish for chilly nights and gatherings with friends and family. Not only does it deliver on flavor, but the added veggies cleverly disguised in the mix boost the nutritional profile without compromising on taste. The slow cooking process melds all the ingredients beautifully, resulting in a rich and robust chili that’s packed with protein, fiber, and plenty of vitamins.

Whether you’re serving it over rice, with crusty bread, or just on its own, this chili is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation. Plus, it’s quick to prepare and allows you to sit back and relax as it simmers to perfection. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite beans, spices, or toppings to make it your own. Enjoy this deliciously comforting dish, and watch as it warms both your kitchen and your heart!

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE?