Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is easy, hearty and full of rich flavor. It’s perfect for busy days when you want a warm, comforting meal.
This chili combines tender beef, beans and a blend of spices that slowly simmer to perfection.
The Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is simple to prepare and makes your house smell amazing. Today, you will learn How to make Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili step by step.
The Secret Behind This Delicious
The secret is low and slow cooking. It allows flavors to fully develop.
Browning the meat first adds depth and richness.
Using a mix of beans gives texture and heartiness.
Simmering with aromatics like onions, garlic, and peppers enhances flavor.
Add seasonings gradually for balanced spice.
Tomato paste adds thickness and a rich, savory taste.

Recipe Card
- Recipe Name: Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 mins
- Course: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
- Calories: 480 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Slow cooker / crockpot
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Wooden spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients You Need for Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili
Here are the Ingredients for Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat vegetable oil in skillet. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Cook Onion and Garlic
Add chopped onion and garlic to skillet. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
3. Add Bell Peppers
Stir in green and red bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
4. Transfer to Slow Cooker
Add cooked beef, onions, garlic and peppers into slow cooker.
5. Add Beans and Tomatoes
Stir in drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined.
6. Add Broth and Spices
Pour in beef broth. Mix in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt and black pepper evenly.
7. Cook on Low
Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
8. Check Seasoning
Taste chili before serving. Adjust salt, pepper or spices as needed.
9. Garnish
Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
10. Serve
Ladle chili into bowls. Pair with cornbread, rice or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter version.
- Add jalapeños for spicier chili.
- Mix different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or sliced avocado.
- Let chili rest for 15 minutes after cooking for deeper flavors.
- Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for smoky depth.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 480 kcal |
| Protein | 32 g |
| Carbohydrates | 36 g |
| Fat | 22 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sodium | 650 mg |
Values are approximate and may vary.
Serving Suggestions
- Serve Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili with warm cornbread or garlic bread.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream or avocado slices.
- Pair with a simple green salad for a complete meal.
- Great for game day, family dinners or meal prep.
- Leftovers taste even better the next day.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Store leftovers in airtight container in refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheat gently on stove over low heat, stirring occasionally.
- Add a splash of broth if chili becomes too thick.
- Freeze in airtight container for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Chili flavors intensify after sitting for a few hours or overnight.

Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 2 cans kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can diced tomatoes
- 1/4 cup tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley or cilantro for garnish
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- Heat vegetable oil in skillet. Add ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
Cook Onion and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and garlic to skillet. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Add Bell Peppers
- Stir in green and red bell peppers. Cook for 2–3 minutes until slightly softened.
Transfer to Slow Cooker
- Add cooked beef, onions, garlic and peppers into slow cooker.
Add Beans and Tomatoes
- Stir in drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes and tomato paste until well combined.
Add Broth and Spices
- Pour in beef broth. Mix in chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt and black pepper evenly.
Cook on Low
- Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 5–6 hours. Stir occasionally if possible.
Check Seasoning
- Taste chili before serving. Adjust salt, pepper or spices as needed.
Garnish
- Sprinkle fresh parsley or cilantro on top. Serve hot with your favorite sides.
Serve
- Ladle chili into bowls. Pair with cornbread, rice or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Notes
- Use ground turkey or chicken for lighter version.
- Add jalapeños for spicier chili.
- Mix different beans like black beans or pinto beans for variety.
- Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced avocado.
- Let chili rest for 15 minutes after cooking for deeper flavors.
- Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for smoky depth.
FAQs about Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili
1. Can I prepare this chili the night before?
Yes, assemble all ingredients in slow cooker insert and refrigerate. Cook the next day on low for best flavor.
2. Can I use frozen ground beef?
Yes, thaw partially before browning. Fully cook meat before adding to slow cooker.
3. How spicy is this chili?
Mild to medium. Adjust cayenne pepper or chili powder for more heat.
4. Can I make it vegetarian?
Yes, omit beef and use extra beans and vegetables. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
5. Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, zucchini, corn or mushrooms work well. Add them in the last 2 hours of cooking.
Conclusion
Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is easy, hearty and full of flavor. It is perfect for busy days and cozy meals. Now you know How to make Paula Deen Slow Cooker Chili at home.
Follow these simple steps and tips for the best results. Try it today and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl of chili with family and friends. Happy cooking!

Love cooking simple, tasty dishes. Sharing easy recipes, quick meals and kitchen inspiration every day.











Leave a Review