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Slow Cooker Chili: 5-Ingredient Easy Dump & Go Recipe

  • Author: abigail_patterson
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes (LOW)
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Description

A simple, hearty slow cooker chili that requires only five main ingredients and minimal prep time. This dump-and-go recipe delivers deep, rich flavors without the need for browning meat or complex techniques, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 lean-to-fat ratio)
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes (no-salt-added)
  • 1 can (15 oz) chili sauce
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • Salt and black pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion into small, uniform pieces.
  2. Rinse the kidney and black beans thoroughly under cold water in a colander and shake off excess water.
  3. Add the ground beef to the slow cooker. If browning, do so first and let cool slightly; otherwise, break into small chunks.
  4. Add the diced onion, rinsed beans, crushed tomatoes, and chili sauce to the slow cooker.
  5. Sprinkle chili powder, garlic powder, and cumin over the top.
  6. Add a half-teaspoon of salt and a quarter-teaspoon of black pepper.
  7. Stir all ingredients together with a wooden spoon to distribute spices evenly.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or pepper if needed. If too thin, cook uncovered on HIGH for the last 30 minutes to reduce.

Notes

For best texture, rinse beans thoroughly to remove starchy liquid. If using low-sodium canned goods, control salt levels yourself. The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but check chili sauce labels for wheat thickeners. Can be frozen for up to 3 months; add dairy toppings fresh upon reheating.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl
  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 650
  • Fat: 22
  • Saturated Fat: 8
  • Carbohydrates: 25
  • Fiber: 8
  • Protein: 22

Keywords: slow cooker chili, dump and go recipe, easy chili, ground beef chili, weeknight dinner, freezer friendly chili, 5 ingredient recipe

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Find it online: https://purefoodeats.com/slow-cooker-chili-5-ingredient-easy-dump-and-go-recipe/