Description
A hearty and flavorful all-meat chili with no beans, slow-cooked to perfection with ground beef, pork, Italian sausage, and a rich blend of spices and tomatoes. Perfect for a comforting meal that’s packed with protein and bold flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb ground pork
- 1/2 lb Italian sausage, casings removed
Vegetables & Aromatics
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (for garnish, optional)
Tomato & Broth
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1/4 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (for browning meat)
Instructions
- Brown the Meat: In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef, ground pork, and Italian sausage. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and fully cooked, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the cooked meat mixture to the slow cooker to begin the slow cooking process.
- Add Vegetables and Liquids: Add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the slow cooker, followed by the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir gently to combine all ingredients.
- Mix in Spices: Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir again thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. The chili should thicken and the flavors will meld beautifully.
- Adjust Seasoning and Thickness: Taste the chili and adjust seasoning if needed. For a thicker texture, mash some tomatoes or meat against the side of the cooker with a spoon.
- Garnish and Serve: Serve the chili hot, garnished with fresh chopped cilantro if desired. Complement with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped onions for extra flavor.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, increase the cayenne pepper to taste.
- Brown the meats well to develop deeper flavor before slow cooking.
- You can add a splash of beer or coffee for an additional smoky depth.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for longer keep.
