Slow-Cooker Weeknight Chili

By Thom7747

Do not use beef any leaner than 85 percent or its texture will turn dry and sandy as it cooks. For a milder chili, use the smaller amount of chipotle chiles; if you like yours spicy, use the full 4 teaspoons. When the chili is done, break up any remaining large pieces of beef with the back of a spoon before serving.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 3 medium onions, minced
• 6 medium garlic cloves, minced or pressed through a garlic press (about 2 tablespoons)
• 1/4 cup chili powder
• 1/4 cup tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• Salt
• 1 (28-ounce) can diced tomatoes
• 2 (15.5-ounce) cans dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28-ounce) can tomato puree
• 3 tablespoons soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon minced fresh oregano leaves, or 1 teaspoon dried
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2-4 teaspoons minced chipotle chiles in adobo sauce (see note)
• 2 pounds 85 percent lean ground beef
• Ground black pepper
• 2 limes, cut into wedges

Details

Servings 8
Adapted from cooksillustrated.com

Preparation

Step 1

1. Heat the oil in a 12-inch nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Add the onions, garlic, chili powder, tomato paste, cumin, pepper flakes, and 1/4 teaspoon salt and cook, stirring often, until the onions are softened and lightly browned, 10 to 12 minutes. Stir in the diced tomatoes with their juice, scraping up any browned bits.

2. Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker and stir in the beans, tomato puree, soy sauce, oregano, sugar, and chipotle until evenly combined. Season the meat with salt and pepper and stir it into the slow cooker, breaking up any larger pieces. Cover and cook, either on low or high, until meat is tender and the chili is flavorful, 8 to 9 hours on low or 5 to 6 hours on high.

3. Let the chili settle for 5 minutes, then gently tilt the slow cooker and remove as much fat as possible from the surface using a large spoon. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve with the lime wedges.