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5 Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipes for Halloween Potluck

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This cozy slow cooker chili is the ultimate potluck hero, coming together in just 15 minutes of active prep time. It’s a warm, hearty, and deeply flavorful dish that’s perfect for Halloween gatherings and will have everyone asking for the recipe.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 ½ cups)
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 preferred)
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 can (28 ounces) crushed tomatoes (San Marzano preferred)
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 ounces) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth)
  • 1 ounce dark chocolate (70% cacao or higher), finely chopped
  • Shredded cheddar cheese (for serving)
  • Sour cream or Greek yogurt (for serving)
  • Fresh cilantro, chopped (for serving)
  • Diced avocado (for serving)
  • Oyster crackers or tortilla chips (for serving)

Instructions

  1. Sauté the aromatics: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add diced onion and bell pepper. Cook for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until onion is translucent and pepper has softened. Add minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.
  2. Brown the beef: Push vegetables to the side of the skillet and add ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it cook undisturbed for 3-4 minutes to get a good sear. Then break into smaller pieces and cook until no longer pink, about 6-8 minutes total. Drain excess fat, leaving about 1 tablespoon in the pan.
  3. Bloom the spices: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne (if using), and a good pinch of salt and pepper over the meat and vegetables. Stir and cook for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Transfer to slow cooker: Dump the meat and vegetable mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, both cans of beans, and beef broth. Stir until well combined.
  5. Add the secret ingredient: Stir in the finely chopped dark chocolate. It will melt into the chili as it cooks.
  6. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasoning (add more salt or a pinch of sugar if needed).
  7. Serve and enjoy: Ladle chili into bowls and let everyone top with their favorites—cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and crunchy crackers.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the meat and blooming the spices—it makes a huge difference in flavor. Rinse the beans to avoid watery chili and reduce sodium. For a thicker chili, mash half a can of beans before adding. Chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead. For a vegetarian version, swap ground beef for extra beans and use vegetable broth.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, Halloween potluck, easy chili recipe, ground beef chili, comfort food, fall recipe, crowd-pleaser

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