Description
This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili is a rich, flavorful dish featuring a blend of ground beef, pork, and Italian sausage simmered with tomatoes and spices. Perfect for those who prefer a bean-free chili, this recipe delivers a robust and comforting meal that develops deep flavors over hours in the slow cooker.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
Tomato and Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and 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)
Others
- 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.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add Aromatics and Liquids: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, followed by the diced tomatoes (with juice), tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir to combine all ingredients well.
- Season the Chili: Add the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if using. Stir again to ensure all spices are well incorporated.
- Cook: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Adjust Flavor and Texture: Once cooking is complete, taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker chili, mash some of the tomatoes or meat against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon.
- Serve: Garnish with freshly chopped cilantro if desired and serve hot. Accompany with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions to enhance the dish.
Notes
- You can omit the cayenne pepper if you prefer a milder chili.
- For a slightly different flavor, experiment with adding smoked chipotle powder instead of smoked paprika.
- This chili can be made a day ahead; the flavors deepen when refrigerated overnight.
- Leftovers keep well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze nicely for up to 3 months.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a more filling meal.
