Easy Slow-Cooker Chili Recipes

October 14, 2014
Hector Sanchez
We’re pretty big fans of chili here at Southern Living. It’s versatile, it’s easy, it’s delicious, hearty, flavorful–we could keep going but we won’t. We’re also big fans of our slow-cookers–who doesn’t like saving time without sacrificing flavor? So when a recipe for chili is all of the above and lets us bust out our time-saving slow-cookers, we’re pretty happy. Slow-cooker chili allows flavors to meld while you use your time doing something else, like maybe baking one of our favorite fall cakes. Easy chili recipes are weeknight meal heroes, weekend game staples, and one of our favorite things about fall. Whether it’s an easy, smoky turkey chili studded with sweet potatoes and lima beans, or the perfect bowl of beef and beans, these slow cooker chili recipes are sure to be your new go-tos. Don’t forget the toppings: a little sliced radish, avocado, or some crushed corn chips can accent your easy chili, complement its flavors, and add easy wow to your presentation.
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Beef-and-Bean Chili

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Beef-and-Bean Chili

This classic red chili has chunks of stew meat and ground beef along with tomatoes, red beans, and spices. Fire-roasted tomatoes add a note of smokiness to the mix. If you can't find fire-roasted, use plain tomatoes and add a pinch of smoked paprika.

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Pork Chili Verde

Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Pork Chili Verde

Fresh tomatillos look like small green tomatoes wrapped in thin papery skin. Remove skin, and rinse before chopping. If you can't find fresh, look for canned on the Latin aisle at the grocery.

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Smoky Turkey-and-Sweet Potato Chili

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Smoky Turkey-and-Sweet Potato Chili

Chipotle chiles add a kick, but sweet potatoes balance the heat. Adjust the spice in this homey chili by increasing or decreasing the amount of chipotle to suit your taste. Buy the large dried lima beans if you can find them. They really look amazing and also give the chili a decidedly Southern accent.

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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

Photo: Oxmoor House

Recipe: Slow Cooker Turkey Chili

This slow-cooker chili recipe is as easy as it is delicious. Browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker brings out the rich flavor of the dish.

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Slow Cooker Turkey Chili with Quinoa

Photo: Hector Sanchez

Recipe: Slow-Cooker Turkey Chili with Quinoa

Healthy and hearty, this quinoa chili will become a family favorite. The recipe calls for a bottle of beer; use your favorite seasonal brew to amp up the flavor. The alcohol will evaporate as the chili simmers in the slow cooker.

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Easy Chili

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Recipe: Easy Chili

Look no further for the ultimate classic, easy chili recipe. Made in a slow cooker for simple a weekday meal. Top with shredded Cheddar cheese and corn chips.

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Spicy-Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Photo: Becky Luigart-Stayner

Recipe: Spicy Slow-Cooker Beef Chili

Once the chilly weather sets in, we guarantee you'll be looking forward to this spicy dish after a long day at work.

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Big Batch Chili

Photo: Lee Harrelson

Recipe: Big Batch Chili

This top-rated slow-cooker chili is a tasty crowd-pleaser, perfect for tailgating, Super Bowl parties, and other cool weather gatherings.

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