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Cozy Slow Cooker Apple Cider Chili Recipe

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This hearty chili combines ground beef, beans, and a secret ingredient—apple cider—for a subtly sweet and smoky flavor that tastes like fall in a bowl. It’s easy to make in the slow cooker and perfect for cozy gatherings.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 works best)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 cups apple cider (unfiltered preferred)
  • 1 can (15 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 cinnamon stick
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional toppings: shredded sharp cheddar cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, fresh cilantro, diced red onion, pickled jalapeños, crumbled tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a wooden spoon, until browned all over, about 6 to 8 minutes. Drain excess fat, then transfer beef to the slow cooker.
  2. Sauté the aromatics: In the same skillet, add the diced onion. Cook for 3 to 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant. Scrape into the slow cooker with the beef.
  3. Add the liquids: Pour in the apple cider, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
  4. Add the beans and seasonings: Stir in the drained kidney beans and black beans. Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper. Drop in the cinnamon stick and bay leaf, pushing them down into the liquid. Stir once more.
  5. Slow cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours, or on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours. LOW for 8 hours is preferred for best flavor.
  6. Finish and adjust: About 30 minutes before serving, remove the cinnamon stick and bay leaf. Taste and adjust seasoning (more salt, cayenne, or a splash of apple cider if needed). Let cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to thicken slightly.
  7. Serve: Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings.

Notes

Don’t skip browning the beef—it adds deep flavor. For a thicker chili, mash some beans against the side of the slow cooker before serving. If you’re worried about sweetness, start with 1 cup of cider and add the second cup after 4 hours. The cinnamon stick is key—don’t skip it, but remember to remove it before serving. This chili tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, apple cider chili, fall chili, beef chili, easy chili recipe, cozy chili, football party chili

Find it online: https://spoonluma.com/cozy-slow-cooker-apple-cider-chili-recipe/