Slow-Cooker Chili Tips
Do you have to brown the beef before slow-cooking?
No, you don't have to cook the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker, although many
slow-cooker chili recipes recommend it. While this step isn’t necessary, caramelizing the meat creates richer, bolder flavors, while also giving off some extra juices or fat. Either way, we suggest breaking it up before adding it to the slow cooker.
How can you add spice to slow-cooker chili?
If you like your chili with a bit more heat, try adding cayenne, hot sauce, jalapenos or simply, more chili powder than the recipe calls for. You can also try substituting the diced tomatoes with Rotel.
What toppings can you put on slow-cooker chili?
Adding toppings takes slow-cooker chili to the next level. Some we suggest are shredded cheese, sour cream, cubed avocado, corn chips or chopped fresh cilantro.
What do you serve with slow-cooker chili?
This slow-cooker chili is versatile enough to be served many ways. If you plan to eat it as a main dish, we recommend serving it with
cornbread, a
side salad or the much debated spaghetti. This chili is also great served on top of nachos, spooned over a baked potato, or used as a filling for
burritos, tacos or even your breakfast omelet. If you liked this recipe, check out more of our top-rated
slow-cooker chili recipes.
—Alicia Rooker, RDN, Taste of Home Senior Recipe Editor/Tester
Nutrition Facts
1 cup: 260 calories, 8g fat (3g saturated fat), 57mg cholesterol, 712mg sodium, 23g carbohydrate (6g sugars, 7g fiber), 25g protein. Diabetic Exchanges: 3 lean meat, 1-1/2 starch, 1 vegetable.