Description
A rich, bold, and unforgettable chili that balances sweet and spicy flavors. This slow cooker masterpiece brings together tender beef and pork, warm spices, and a hint of sweetness for the ultimate comfort food experience. Perfect for family dinners, gatherings, or meal prep!
Ingredients
Meats
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 0.5 lbs ground pork
Vegetables
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2–3 jalapeño peppers, seeded and diced
Liquids
- 1 (14 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 cup dark beer or ale
- 1 cup beef stock
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Seasonings & Flavor Enhancers
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp liquid smoke
- 1 tsp Tabasco sauce
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
Optional Add-Ins
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 diced poblano pepper
- Extra hot sauce, to taste
Instructions
1. Sauté the Aromatics
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add onions, bell pepper, garlic, and jalapeños. Sauté until softened (5–7 minutes).
2. Brown the Meat
In the same pan, brown the ground beef and pork over medium-high heat until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
3. Deglaze the Pan
Pour in the dark beer, scraping up browned bits from the pan. Let simmer for 2–3 minutes.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker
Add sautéed vegetables, meat, diced tomatoes, beef stock, and all seasonings to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
5. Slow Cook for Maximum Flavor
- Low setting: 6–8 hours
- High setting: 3–4 hours
6. Adjust and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
Notes
- For a thicker chili, mash some beans or let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- For a sweeter version, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar.
- Storing Leftovers: Refrigerate for up to 4–5 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
- Make-Ahead Tip: Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1.5 cups
- Calories: ~420
- Sugar: 8g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Slow cooker chili, sweet and spicy chili, game day chili, comfort food, beef and pork chili, hearty chili, winter recipes