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Easy Crockpot Chili with Hidden Black Beans

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A hearty, kid-friendly chili where black beans are blended smooth and hidden in a rich tomato base. This easy slow cooker recipe delivers deep flavor, extra nutrition, and creamy texture without anyone knowing the beans are there.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1.5 lbs (680g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (28 oz / 794g) crushed tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth, low sodium
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt (plus more to taste)
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, green onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook, breaking it apart, until browned and no longer pink (6-8 minutes). Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Cook 2-3 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Blend black beans: While beef cooks, drain and rinse black beans. Add to a blender with ½ cup beef broth. Blend on high until completely smooth (30-60 seconds).
  4. Combine in slow cooker: Transfer beef and onion mixture to a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add blended black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, remaining beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir well.
  5. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. For best flavor, cook on LOW for at least 7 hours.
  6. Adjust seasoning: About 5 minutes before serving, taste and adjust salt and spices as needed. Add more chili powder for extra kick.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the beef and toast the spices (add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to the skillet after garlic for 30-45 seconds). Blend beans completely smooth for the ‘hidden’ effect. Layer tomato ingredients on bottom of crockpot and beef on top. Don’t lift the lid during cooking. If chili is too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes. Leftovers taste even better the next day. Freezes well for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, hidden black beans, easy chili recipe, kid-friendly chili, gluten-free chili, budget-friendly dinner, meal prep chili

Find it online: https://emmastirs.com/easy-crockpot-chili-with-hidden-black-beans-recipe/