Slow Cooker Beef Shallot Chili

Featured in: Warm Earthy Dinners

This dish combines ground beef with sliced shallots, bell peppers, beans, and a blend of aromatic spices. All ingredients gently cook together in a slow cooker, allowing flavors to deepen over several hours. The result is a rich, satisfying meal perfect for family gatherings or easy weeknight dinners. Optional toppings like shredded cheese and cilantro can add extra layers of flavor, while customization with turkey or added vegetables keeps it versatile.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 13:17:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Beef & Shallot Chili, topped with creamy sour cream, ready to eat. Save
Steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Beef & Shallot Chili, topped with creamy sour cream, ready to eat. | cocoaferns.com

A hearty budget-friendly chili featuring tender beef sweet shallots and a blend of warming spices—all cooked effortlessly in a slow cooker for a flavorful crowd-pleasing meal.

This chili has become a go-to in my household because it requires minimal prep but delivers maximum flavor every time.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef: 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (80/20 recommended)
  • Shallots: 8 large peeled and finely sliced
  • Red bell peppers: 2 diced
  • Diced tomatoes: 2 (14.5 oz/410 g) cans
  • Kidney beans: 2 (15 oz/425 g) cans drained and rinsed
  • Black beans: 1 (15 oz/425 g) can drained and rinsed
  • Garlic: 4 cloves minced
  • Jalapeño: 1 seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
  • Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
  • Chili powder: 2 tbsp
  • Ground cumin: 2 tsp
  • Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
  • Dried oregano: 1 tsp
  • Cayenne pepper: 1/2 tsp (optional)
  • Kosher salt: 1 1/2 tsp
  • Freshly ground black pepper: 1/2 tsp
  • Optional Toppings: Sour cream Shredded cheddar cheese Chopped fresh cilantro Sliced green onions

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat brown the ground beef until no longer pink breaking it up as it cooks Drain excess fat if desired.
Step 2:
Add the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3:
Add the sliced shallots diced bell peppers diced tomatoes (with juices) kidney beans black beans garlic and jalapeño to the slow cooker.
Step 4:
Stir in the beef broth and tomato paste.
Step 5:
Add the chili powder cumin smoked paprika oregano cayenne pepper salt and black pepper Mix thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
Step 6:
Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours stirring once or twice if possible.
Step 7:
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
Step 8:
Serve hot with your choice of optional toppings.
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This recipe has brought many family dinners filled with warmth and comfort that everyone enjoys coming back to.

Required Tools

Slow cooker (6-quart or larger) Large skillet Chefs knife Cutting board Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains None of the top 8 allergens Cheese and sour cream toppings will add milk (dairy) Always double-check canned goods for gluten or other allergens

Nutritional Information

Per serving Calories 390 Total Fat 17 g Carbohydrates 28 g Protein 31 g

Close-up of hearty Slow Cooker Beef & Shallot Chili offering a comforting aroma with tender beef. Save
Close-up of hearty Slow Cooker Beef & Shallot Chili offering a comforting aroma with tender beef. | cocoaferns.com

This slow cooker chili is perfect for busy weeknights and leftover friendly for a quick meal anytime.

Slow Cooker Beef Shallot Chili

Tender beef and shallots cooked slowly with warming spices for a hearty, flavorful main dish.

Prep Time
15 minutes
Time to Cook
480 minutes
Overall Time
495 minutes
Author: Maya Larkson

Recipe Category Warm Earthy Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine Type American

Makes 8 Servings Amount

Diet Details No Gluten

What You Need

Meats

01 2 lbs ground beef (80/20 fat ratio)

Vegetables

01 8 large shallots, peeled and thinly sliced
02 2 red bell peppers, diced
03 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices
04 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
05 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
06 4 garlic cloves, minced
07 1 jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)

Liquids

01 1 cup beef broth (240 ml)
02 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices & Seasonings

01 2 tablespoons chili powder
02 2 teaspoons ground cumin
03 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
04 1 teaspoon dried oregano
05 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
06 1 1/2 teaspoons kosher salt
07 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

01 Sour cream
02 Shredded cheddar cheese
03 Chopped fresh cilantro
04 Sliced green onions

Directions

Step 01

Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned and no longer pink, breaking it up while cooking. Drain excess fat if desired.

Step 02

Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker. Add shallots, diced peppers, tomatoes with their juices, kidney beans, black beans, garlic, and jalapeño.

Step 03

Add liquids and seasonings: Pour in beef broth and tomato paste, then sprinkle chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well to incorporate all ingredients.

Step 04

Cook slowly: Cover and cook on LOW setting for 8 hours, or HIGH setting for 4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.

Step 05

Adjust seasoning and serve: Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed before serving hot with optional toppings of your choice.

Kitchen Tools Needed

  • Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
  • Large skillet
  • Chef's knife
  • Cutting board
  • Wooden spoon or spatula

Allergy Info

Always check every ingredient for allergens. If you're not sure, talk to a health expert.
  • Contains no major allergens; cheese and sour cream toppings add dairy. Check canned ingredients for hidden gluten or allergens.

Nutrition Details (per portion)

Nutrition info shown is for guidance only. It cannot replace medical advice.
  • Calorie Count: 390
  • Fats: 17 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Proteins: 31 g