Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans)

If you’re someone who loves a rich, savory chili but doesn’t want to deal with beans, you’re in for a treat! This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili is everything a chili should be: thick, meaty, and packed with deep flavors that slowly simmer and meld together. It’s the kind of dish that fills your kitchen with the most mouthwatering aroma all day long, making you eager for that first bite. Plus, using a slow cooker means you can set it and forget it while you go about your day, only to come back to a hot, comforting meal.

Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for game day, or just craving something hearty, this chili will hit the spot. So, grab your slow cooker and let’s dive into this simple, satisfying recipe!

Why You’ll Love Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili

This chili is about more than just meat—it’s about rich layers of flavor, tender texture, and all the cozy vibes you could ever want. Here’s why it’s a winner:

All Meat, No Beans: If you’re not a fan of beans, this chili is your perfect match. It’s hearty and satisfying, with the meat taking center stage, cooked to perfection in that slow-cooked goodness.

Slow Cooker Convenience: The best part? You toss everything into your slow cooker, set it, and forget it. It’s super low-maintenance, perfect for a busy day, and the slow cooking enhances all the flavors beautifully.

Packed with Flavor: With a combination of ground beef, pork, and sausage, this chili is full of rich, savory flavors that will have you coming back for seconds (or thirds).

Perfect for Feeding a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a get-together or prepping for a big family meal, this recipe makes a large batch that’s perfect for sharing.

Versatile: Customize this chili with your favorite toppings or spices to make it your own. It’s easy to adjust based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

Ingredients in Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili

Here’s everything you need to make this hearty chili:

Ground Beef:

The base of the chili. It provides a rich, meaty flavor that’s essential for a great chili. Choose a lean ground beef to keep it hearty but not overly greasy.

Ground Pork:

The addition of ground pork gives the chili an extra layer of flavor and richness. It adds a slightly sweeter, juicier texture to the mix.

Breakfast Sausage:

This adds a bit of spice and flavor, giving the chili that savory, comforting kick. The sausage ties everything together and enhances the overall taste.

Onion:

Chopped onion adds sweetness and depth to the chili. It softens beautifully during the slow cook, adding layers of flavor without being overpowering.

Garlic:

A must-have for any chili, garlic gives this dish that irresistible savory base flavor.

Crushed Tomatoes:

These provide the perfect balance of tang and sweetness to your chili’s sauce. They create the rich, velvety texture that chili is known for.

Tomato Paste:

Thickens the sauce and intensifies the tomato flavor, giving your chili that deep, comforting richness.

Beef Broth:

Beef broth adds depth to the chili’s base, creating a savory, umami-filled liquid that helps the meat cook up tender and juicy.

Chili Powder:

The star of the spice blend. Chili powder gives the chili its signature bold flavor and a little heat, making every spoonful comforting and full of personality.

Cumin:

Adds a smoky, earthy flavor that perfectly complements the chili powder and brings the chili to life.

Paprika:

For a subtle smoky depth and a hint of sweetness that balances out the spices.

Salt & Pepper:

Essential seasonings that enhance all the flavors. Add to taste, depending on your preference.

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro make for great toppings to add extra flavor and creaminess to each bowl.

Instructions

Ready to make your chili? Let’s dive in!

Brown the Meat:

In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, ground pork, and breakfast sausage over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks, allowing it to brown and caramelize. This helps deepen the flavor. Once the meat is fully cooked, drain any excess fat, then transfer the meat to your slow cooker.

Sauté the Aromatics:

In the same skillet, add a little oil and sauté the chopped onion until it’s softened, about 4-5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. This step ensures the aromatics release their full flavor. Once cooked, add them to the slow cooker with the meat.

Add the Rest of the Ingredients:

To the slow cooker, add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Give it all a good stir, making sure everything is well combined.

Slow Cook:

Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will develop, so if you have the time, go for the low and slow method for maximum flavor.

Taste and Adjust:

Once your chili is done cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning. Add a little more salt, pepper, or chili powder if you want more depth or heat.

Serve and Enjoy:

Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Pair with some cornbread or tortilla chips for the ultimate comfort meal!

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 8
Calories per serving: [Insert calorie count here]

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low (or 3-4 hours on high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)

How to Serve Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili

• With Toppings: Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro for extra flavor and creaminess.
• With Cornbread: Cornbread is a classic chili companion—its slight sweetness pairs perfectly with the savory heat of the chili.
• Over Rice: For a heartier meal, serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the rich sauce.
• With Tortilla Chips: Serve the chili with crunchy tortilla chips for a bit of texture contrast and extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• Customize the Heat: If you like things spicy, feel free to add in some diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or red pepper flakes to give your chili some extra kick.
• Make It Ahead: This chili stores beautifully. You can make it a day or two ahead and let the flavors meld even further in the fridge.
• Freezer-Friendly: Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months! Just portion the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers and reheat when you’re craving a comforting meal.
• Don’t Skip the Searing: Browning the meat and sautéing the onions really adds to the depth of flavor. It might take a bit more time, but it’s totally worth it!

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of pork?
A1: Yes! Ground turkey or chicken will work just fine in place of the pork. Just note that it will change the flavor slightly, but it’ll still be delicious.

Q2: Can I add beans to this chili?
A2: If you’re craving beans, feel free to add them in! Just stir in a can of beans (kidney, black, or pinto) after the chili is done cooking. But remember, this recipe is designed to be all-meat, no beans.

Q3: Can I make this chili in a stovetop pot instead of a slow cooker?
A3: Absolutely! If you’re in a hurry, you can make this on the stove. Just bring it to a simmer in a large pot, cover, and cook for about 1-1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until the flavors meld together.

Q4: How do I store leftovers?
A4: Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Q5: Can I double the recipe?
A5: Yes! This recipe can easily be doubled. Just make sure you have a large enough slow cooker to accommodate the extra ingredients, and keep the cook time the same.

Conclusion

This Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili is the perfect recipe for when you want something hearty, flavorful, and filling without all the fuss. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, leaving you with tender, meaty chili that’s bursting with flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a cozy family dinner or a big gathering, it’s bound to be a hit. So grab your slow cooker, throw in those ingredients, and let it do its magic!

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