Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chili is a bit controversial at my house. I like it with beans. My husband and some of my children prefer no beans. Some of my kids don’t care. But this thick and hearty chili is the one version we all agree on. Even though I love a chili to be loaded with meat and beans, this one is so full of meat and spicy, smoky goodness that I love it as much as the rest of the family.
- This chili is both spoonable and scoopable! Because while eating chili with a spoon is perfectly fine, there’s nothing better than eating it with a big handful of Frito’s Scoops!
- The thick, scoopable consistency of this chili means it’s also perfect for things like chili dogs, chili cheese fries, and even topping baked potatoes.
- Make a double batch and it’s perfect for hosting a crowd or a game day party. Just keep the chili warm all day in the slow cooker and offer a buffet of toppings for everyone to choose from.
- If everyone at your house loves beans, you can absolutely add a few cans and make this chili an even more filling.
After you preview the recipe card, be sure to look below for ingredient substitutions, recipe and storage tips, and suggestions for pairings and fun variations!
Hearty Slow Cooker All Meat Chili (No Beans)
There’s nothing quite like a hearty bowl of chili, and this version is packed with flavorful ground beef, Italian sausage, and a blend of spices. It's perfect for a cozy dinner or a game day spread. Whether you're feeding a crowd or just meal prepping for the week, this chili is bound to become a new favorite!
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Servings: 4
Calories: 710kcal
Ingredients
- 1 lb. ground beef
- 1 lb. ground Italian sausage
- 2-3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 medium onion diced
- 2 10 oz. cans diced tomatoes and green chilis (Rotel)
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1-2 teaspoons chipotles in adobo minced
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Toppings
- Tortilla chips or Fritos
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced green onions
- Sour cream
Instructions
- In a large skillet, (or directly in the slow cooker, if you have a sauté option) brown 1 lb. ground beef, 1 lb. ground Italian sausage, 2-3 cloves garlic and 1 medium onion until the onion is soft and the meat is no longer pink.
- If desired, drain grease, and transfer meat mixture to the slow cooker, if needed.
- Stir in 2 10 oz. cans diced tomatoes and green chilis (Rotel), 1 cup beef broth, 1 teaspoon oregano, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, , 1-2 teaspoons chipotles in adobo, and 1/4 cup cornmeal. Season with salt and pepper, to taste
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. Add more water or beef broth if chili becomes too thick. Serve with optional toppings and enjoy!
Nutrition
Calories: 710kcal | Carbohydrates: 14g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 55g | Saturated Fat: 19g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 5g | Monounsaturated Fat: 24g | Trans Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 162mg | Sodium: 1121mg | Potassium: 838mg | Fiber: 4g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 2123IU | Vitamin C: 3mg | Calcium: 75mg | Iron: 5mg
Keep scrolling for tips, ingredient substitutions, answers to frequently asked questions and more!
Ingredient Notes & Substitutions
- Ground Beef and Sausage Swaps: Use ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner option, or go with a plant-based ground meat alternative for a vegetarian version. For extra heat, use spicy sausage, or use all ground beef if you prefer. For a milder flavor, try regular ground pork or turkey sausage.
- Don’t Have Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilis (Rotel)? Use canned diced tomatoes plus a small can of green chilis if you don’t have Rotel. You can also skip the green chilis altogether. Fire-roasted tomatoes are also a great option for extra flavor.
- Chipotle Changes: If you don’t have chipotles in adobo, try a dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or cayenne. For milder chili, leave it out entirely.
Recipe Tips
- I know the slow cooker is all about convenience, but taking a few extra minutes to brown the ground beef and Italian sausage in a skillet will really elevate your chili. It adds deeper flavor by caramelizing the meat—plus, it keeps the meat from having a boiled texture.
- Adjust the chipotles in adobo depending on your heat tolerance. Start with 1 teaspoon and work your way up. If you like things extra spicy, throw in some extra chili powder or a pinch of cayenne!
- If you’re worried about the chili getting too thick, add the cornmeal gradually. You can always add a little more broth to loosen it up if needed.
- Seriously, don’t skip the toppings. They take your chili from good to absolutely amazing! Whether it’s crunchy tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or a dollop of sour cream, the toppings add that extra layer of texture and flavor.
Storage and Reheating
- Refrigerator: Let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: This chili freezes beautifully! Just ladle the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating Options
- Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot and warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili is too thick.
- Microwave: Place a single portion in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 60-second intervals, stirring in between, until warmed through.
- From Frozen: Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then reheat using one of the above methods. Or, reheat gently from frozen on the stovetop with a little extra broth and some patience. You can also place frozen chili back into the slow cooker and reheat on high or low until hot (anywhere from 3-8 hours, depending on the setting).
Variations & Fun Twists
- Make it Cheesy! Stir in 1–2 cups of shredded cheese at the end of cooking for a chili that’s extra creamy and indulgent. Great for chili cheese nachos or loaded baked potatoes!
- Make It Extra Spicy! If you love spice, try doubling the chipotles in adobo, using hot Italian sausage and/or diced jalapenos, and stirring in some cayenne, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.
- Make it Hearty! Toss in a can or two of beans like black beans, kidney beans, or pinto beans. Drain and rinse them first. Not only do they stretch the recipe, but they also add fiber and texture.
Pairings
In addition to a variety of toppings, cornbread or homemade rolls are always great accompaniments to chili–whether you use them for dipping or slather them with butter and enjoy them on the side.
These are some of our favorite sides to enjoy with a warm bowl of chili.
