Description
A rich and flavorful slow cooker all meat chili, packed with ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage, simmered with tomatoes and a blend of chili spices. This hearty no-bean chili is perfect for a comforting meal, cooked low and slow to develop deep, savory flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomatoes & Liquids
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Additional
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Brown the meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat to keep the chili lean.
- Transfer meat to slow cooker: Move the browned meat mixture from the skillet into the slow cooker to begin the slow cooking process.
- Add vegetables and tomatoes: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker along with the diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir well to evenly combine all ingredients.
- Season the chili: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir again to ensure the spices are fully incorporated for a balanced flavor.
- Cook low and slow: Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken properly.
- Adjust seasoning and thickness: Once cooking is complete, taste the chili and adjust salt or spices as needed. For a thicker chili, use a spoon to gently mash some of the tomatoes or meat against the side of the slow cooker.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top if desired and serve the chili hot. It pairs well with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions for added flavor and texture.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the amount of cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños during cooking.
- To reduce sodium, use low-sodium beef broth and adjust salt to taste.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version, but cooking times may vary slightly.
- This chili thickens nicely overnight and can be reheated the next day, making it great for meal prep.
- Optional toppings like avocado slices or tortilla chips add extra texture and flavor.
