18 Southern Chili Recipe Slow Cooker From Scratch Elevate Your Taste Buds!
Published on: Apr 10, 2024
Southern chili is a beloved dish that's perfect for those chilly days when you want something warm, hearty, and comforting. While there are many variations of chili recipes out there, nothing beats a homemade, slow cooker chili from scratch. Not only does it fill your home with mouthwatering aromas, but it also allows you to control the ingredients and customize it to your personal taste. In this article, we'll share with you a professional and well-organized introduction to making a delicious southern chili in a slow cooker, so you can enjoy a bowl of hearty goodness without spending hours in the kitchen.
Main Ingredients: Cooking Spray, Macaroni, Evaporated Milk, Whole Milk
Mac and cheese is a classic comfort food in the South, and what better way to make it than in a slow cooker? This recipe calls for a creamy blend of cheddar, Colby jack, and Velveeta cheeses, combined with tender macaroni noodles and a touch of spice for an extra kick. Simply set it and forget it, and come home to a warm and delicious meal.
2of 20
Slow Cooker Crock Pot Shrimp and Cheese Grits
Main Ingredients: Grits, Salt, Pepper, Heavy Cream, Shredded Cheese
For a taste of the Lowcountry, try this slow cooker version of a Southern favorite – shrimp and grits. The grits are slow cooked with creamy cheddar cheese and savory seasonings, while the shrimp is cooked separately and added in at the end. The end result is a flavorful and hearty dish that will transport you to the coast.
3of 20
Southern Slow Cooker Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans, Chicken Broth, Bacon Pieces, Yellow
Green beans are a staple in Southern cooking, and this slow cooker recipe makes them even easier to prepare. The beans are slow cooked with bacon, onions, and a touch of sweetness from brown sugar. The result is a savory and delicious side dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
4of 20
Southern Slow Cooker Black-Eyed Peas
Main Ingredients: Dried Black Eyed Peas, Water, Chicken Bouillon Cubes
Black-eyed peas are a New Year's tradition in the South, and now you can enjoy them all year round with this slow cooker recipe. The peas are slow cooked with savory ham hocks, onions, and flavorful seasonings. Serve them as a side dish or add some rice for a hearty and filing meal.
5of 20
Southern Pinto Beans and Hamhocks Made in the Crock Pot
Main Ingredients: Pinto Beans, Ham Hock, Yellow Onion, Minced Garlic
Pinto beans are a Southern comfort food, and this slow cooker recipe makes them even easier to prepare. The beans are slow cooked with savory ham hocks, onions, and flavorful seasonings for a rich and satisfying dish. Serve them with cornbread for the ultimate Southern meal.
6of 20
Southern Crock Pot Pinto Beans With Ham Hocks
Main Ingredients: Dried Pinto Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Bay Leaves, Crushed
Here's another delicious slow cooker recipe for pinto beans, this time with a hint of barbecue flavor. The beans are slow cooked with sweet barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and savory ham hocks for a unique and delicious twist on a Southern classic.
Oxtails are a popular Southern dish, and this slow cooker recipe makes them even easier to prepare. The oxtails are slow cooked with a rich and savory gravy made from beef broth, onions, and flavorful seasonings. Serve them over rice for a hearty and satisfying meal.
8of 20
Slow Cooker Southern Style Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Extra Virgin Olive Oil, Yellow Onion, Garlic, Basil
For a simple and delicious side dish, try these Southern style green beans made in a slow cooker. The beans are slow cooked with bacon, onions, and sweet brown sugar for a flavorful and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
9of 20
Slow Cooker Southern Pulled Pork
Main Ingredients: Pork Roast, Salt, Black Pepper, Apple Cider Vinegar
Pulled pork is a staple in Southern cooking, and this slow cooker recipe makes it easier than ever to prepare. The pork is slow cooked with smoky barbecue sauce, sweet brown sugar, and savory seasonings for a tender and flavorful dish that will have your taste buds singing.
Collard greens are a classic Southern side dish, and this slow cooker recipe makes them even easier to prepare. The greens are slow cooked with bacon, onions, and savory seasonings for a rich and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
11of 20
Crockpot Southern Green Beans with Bacon
Main Ingredients: Frozen Green Beans, Water, Bacon, Light Brown Sugar
Here's another delicious slow cooker recipe for green beans, this time with the addition of bacon. The beans are slow cooked with onions, garlic, and savory bacon for a flavorful and delicious side dish that will have everyone asking for seconds.
12of 20
Southern Style Slow Cooker Ribs
Main Ingredients: Baby Back Ribs, Yellow Onion, Brown Sugar, Garlic
Ribs are a staple in Southern barbecue, and this slow cooker recipe makes them even easier to prepare. The ribs are slow cooked with a savory blend of spices and sweet barbecue sauce for a tender and flavorful dish that will have everyone coming back for more.
13of 20
Sweet Southern Slow-Cooker Ham
Main Ingredients: Bone In Fully Cooked Ham, Apple Cider, Dark Brown
For a simple and delicious main dish, try this slow cooker ham recipe with a touch of sweetness. The ham is slow cooked with sweet pineapple juice, brown sugar, and savory seasonings for a juicy and flavorful meal.
14of 20
Slow Cooker Cheesy Southern Grits
Main Ingredients: Chicken Broth, Water, Grits, Unsalted Butter, Salt
Grits are a Southern staple, and this slow cooker recipe makes them even easier to prepare. The grits are slow cooked with a creamy blend of cheddar and Colby jack cheeses, and savory seasonings for a rich and delicious side dish.
15of 20
Southern Crock-Pot Easy Cheesy Grits
Main Ingredients: Stone Ground Grits, Water, Kosher Salt, Ground Black
If you're looking for a quick and easy side dish, try these cheesy grits made in a slow cooker. The grits are slow cooked with a creamy blend of cheddar and Colby jack cheeses, and savory seasonings for a delicious and satisfying dish.
16of 20
Southern Lima Beans (Butter Beans)
Main Ingredients: Lima Beans, Smoked Ham Hock, Water, Salt, Black Pepper
Butter beans, also known as lima beans, are a classic Southern side dish. This slow cooker recipe makes them even easier to prepare. The beans are slow cooked with savory ham hocks, onions, and flavorful seasonings for a rich and satisfying dish.
17of 20
Southern Butter Beans
Main Ingredients: Butter Beans, Butter, Chicken Bouillon, Salt, Water
Here's another delicious slow cooker recipe for butter beans, this time with a savory twist. The beans are slow cooked with bacon, onions, and flavorful seasonings for a rich and satisfying dish that pairs perfectly with any Southern meal.
18of 20
Slow Cooker Southern Green Beans
Main Ingredients: Fresh Green Beans, Smoked Ham Hocks, Chicken Broth
For a simple and delicious side dish, try these slow cooker green beans made with a hint of sweetness. The beans are slow cooked with brown sugar, bacon, and savory seasonings for a flavorful and satisfying dish.
19of 20
Crockpot Chicken & Dumplings
Main Ingredients: Boneless Skinless Chicken Breasts, Butter, Cream Of
Chicken and dumplings is a classic Southern comfort food, and this slow cooker recipe makes it easier than ever to prepare. The chicken is slow cooked with savory vegetables and flavorful seasonings, and then topped with fluffy dumplings for a hearty and satisfying meal.
20of 20
Southern Slow-Cooker Shredded Pork
Main Ingredients: Salt, Black Pepper, Dark Brown Sugar, Paprika, Cayenne
For a simple and delicious main dish, try this slow cooker shredded pork recipe. The pork is slow cooked with a savory blend of spices and sweet brown sugar for a tender and flavorful dish that pairs perfectly with your favorite Southern sides.
Choosing the Right Meat
When it comes to making a delicious southern chili, the type of meat you use makes all the difference. While some may opt for ground beef, others may prefer chunks of beef or even ground turkey. The key is to choose a type of meat that will hold up well during the slow cooking process and add depth of flavor to your chili. Beef chuck roast, pork shoulder, and chicken thighs are all great options that will result in tender and flavorful chili. You can also combine different types of meat for a more complex and unique chili.
Seasoning the Meat
Before adding the meat to your slow cooker, it's important to season it well. This will ensure that your chili has a rich and flavorful base. Season the meat with salt, pepper, and your choice of chili powder – whether it be mild, medium, or hot. You can also add additional spices such as cumin, oregano, and garlic powder for extra depth of flavor. Once seasoned, sear the meat in a hot pan to lock in the juices and enhance the flavor even more.
Adding the Right Vegetables
In addition to the meat, vegetables are also an essential component of a good southern chili. Onions, bell peppers, and garlic are classic choices that add a savory and slightly sweet taste to your chili. You can also add carrots, celery, and corn for extra texture and flavor. Make sure to sauté the veggies in the same pan you seared the meat in for even more flavor.
Slow Cooking for Maximum Flavor
Once you have all your ingredients ready, it's time to combine them in the slow cooker. Add in your choice of beans – kidney, pinto, or black beans – along with canned diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef or chicken broth. Set the slow cooker on low and let it cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld together and results in a rich and hearty chili that will have your taste buds singing.
Customizing Your Chili
One of the great things about making chili from scratch is that you can customize it to your liking. If you prefer a thicker chili, add a cornstarch slurry during the last hour of cooking. For a spicier kick, add some diced jalapenos or a dash of cayenne pepper. You can also top your chili with your favorite garnishes, such as shredded cheese, diced avocado, and sour cream.
With this professional and well-organized introduction to making southern chili in a slow cooker, you can now confidently create your own delicious version of this classic dish. So gather your ingredients, set up your slow cooker, and get ready to enjoy a warm and comforting bowl of homemade southern chili.