slow cooker essentials: overnight chili

10 Pinches 10 Photos
Wichita, KS
Updated on Mar 17, 2026

I call this “overnight chili” because I put it together the evening before serving, and then let it slow cook for 10 – 11 hours, overnight. The results are a super flavorful chili with fork-tender beef. I do not have a lot of photos for this recipe, because I did not plan to post it; however, it came out so good that I thought I should put it out here. There is not a lot of work to this recipe, only a long wait time. But, if you have the time, it is worth it. So, you ready… Let’s get into the kitchen.

prep time 25 Min
cook time 11 Hr
method Stove Top
yield 6 serving(s)

Ingredients

  • PLAN/PURCHASE
  • MEATS AND VEGGIES
  • 3 - 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 medium yellow onion, diced
  • 2 - 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 pound beef, cut into bite-sized cubes, or ground
  • 1/2 pound andouille sausage
  • DRY INGREDIENTS
  • 2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons ground cumin
  • 2 tablespoons dehydrated onions
  • 2 teaspoons sugar, granulated variety
  • 2 teaspoons salt, Kosher variety, fine grind
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon dry mustard, I prefer Coleman’s
  • 1 teaspoon white pepper, freshly ground
  • 1 teaspoon paprika, smoked variety
  • 1 teaspoon dried basil
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • WET INGREDIENTS
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 can tomato sauce (8 oz)
  • 2 cups beef stock, not broth
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 1 can diced tomatoes with liquid (28 oz)
  • 1 can chili beans (15 oz, I prefer Bush’s)

How To Make slow cooker essentials: overnight chili

  • Step 1
    PREP/PREPARE
  • Step 2
    The Slow Cooker You can make this entire recipe in the pot of your slow cooker, and use the sear setting. In addition, you might be able to remove the pot from the slow cooker and then cook up the ingredients on your stovetop. The stovetop method is the one I chose.
  • Step 3
    The Meats I am using bacon, beef, and andouille sausage in this recipe; however, you could try other types if you so choose. My bacon was hickory-smoked and thick sliced, the beef was a top round, and the sausage was in links that I cut into bite-sized pieces. If you want, you could always use ground andouille sausage. The same goes for the beef; you could always use ground beef, as opposed to cubed.
  • Step 4
    Chili Powder I like to grind my own from an equal combination of Guajillo, Pasilla, and Ancho, dried chilis. Plus, if I really want to bring the heat, I will throw in a few dried Arbol chilis. Just remember when using chilis, the object is to spice up the recipe, not burn it down. You probably have your own favorite chili powder, but if you are on the lookout for a good “storebought” variety, I can wholeheartedly recommend Mexene Chili Powder. Good quality, good flavor. Dehydrated Onions This recipe uses freshly diced onions, but the dehydrated onions add an extra earthy depth to the final chili. If you do not have any, then leave them out. Paprika The three main paprika categories are, Sweet, Mild, and Smoked. I chose the smoked variety for the flavor notes you can only achieve from smoking. But with smoked paprika, a little goes a long way, so you might want to add half and then give it a taste before adding more.
  • Step 5
    Serving Suggestions Some freshly grated sharp cheddar A dollop of sour cream Maybe some saltines or oyster crackers Some hot sauce A couple of ice-cold beers
  • Step 6
    Gather your Ingredients (mise en place).
  • Step 7
    The Meats and Veggies Add the chopped bacon to the pot over medium heat, and slowly cook until the bacon renders its fat and begins to crisp, about 12 – 14 minutes. Add the chopped onions, and cook until beginning to soften, about 3 – 4 minutes. Add the minced garlic, and cook until fragrant, about 60 seconds. Add the beef and sausage, and cook until the beef is cooked and no longer red, about 6 – 8 minutes.
  • Step 8
    The Dry Ingredients Add all the dry ingredients to a bowl and whisk together. Add them to the pot, and stir to combine. Stir for an additional 2 – 3 minutes.
  • Step 9
    The Wet Ingredients Add the tomato paste, and stir for about 2 minutes. Add the tomato sauce, and stir for about 60 seconds. Add the beef stock, vinegar, and tomatoes, then stir. Reserve the beans for later.
  • Step 10
    The Cooking Cook in the slow cooker on low for about 10 hours. After 10 hours, add the beans and cook for an additional hour.
  • Step 11
    PLATE/PRESENT
  • So yummy
    Step 12
    Serve nice and hot with your chosen sides. Enjoy.
  • Step 13
    Keep the faith, and keep cooking.
  • Peace to all
    Step 14
    Namaste’

Discover More

Category: Chili
Ingredient: Beef
Culture: American
Method: Stove Top

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