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best kid-approved slow cooker chili - featured image

Best Kid-Approved Slow Cooker Chili for a Halloween Potluck

  • Author: Sarah Wasserman
  • Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings 1x

Description

This foolproof slow cooker chili requires no browning or pre-cooking—just dump everything in and let the slow cooker work its magic. It’s budget-friendly, kid-approved, and perfect for feeding a crowd at a Halloween potluck or any busy weeknight.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 2 cups)
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced (optional)
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cup beef broth (low-sodium preferred)
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Prep your ingredients: dice the onion and bell pepper, mince the garlic, drain and rinse the beans, open the canned tomatoes and tomato sauce, and mix the spices together in a small bowl.
  2. Layer everything in the slow cooker: start with the ground beef, breaking it into large chunks. Add the onion, bell pepper, and garlic on top. Then add the drained beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato sauce.
  3. Sprinkle the spice mixture evenly over the top, then add the brown sugar, salt, and pepper. Pour the beef broth around the edges—do not stir yet.
  4. Stir gently but thoroughly, scraping the bottom of the pot to incorporate any settled spices. The mixture will look liquid—this is normal.
  5. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, use a spoon or potato masher to break up any large chunks of ground beef (optional, but recommended for a uniform texture).
  7. Taste and adjust seasoning: add more salt, cayenne, or brown sugar as needed. Let cook for another 10-15 minutes.
  8. Serve hot with desired toppings. For a Halloween potluck, consider fun garnishes like black olive ‘spiders’ or sour cream ghosts.

Notes

For a thicker chili, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes. For a thinner chili, stir in extra beef broth. Leftovers taste even better the next day. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months.

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
  • Category: Main Course
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (about 1.5 cu
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 8
  • Sodium: 780
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 7
  • Carbohydrates: 28
  • Fiber: 8
  • Protein: 28

Keywords: slow cooker chili, Halloween potluck, kid-friendly chili, easy chili, dump and go chili, ground beef chili, comfort food

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Find it online: https://flavorfullrecipes.com/best-kid-approved-slow-cooker-chili-for-a-halloween-potluck/