This Slow Cooker Salsa Beef Chilli is the kind of easy, comforting meal that's always worth having on the menu. The beef cooks away until tender in a rich tomato and salsa-based sauce, with smoky spices and just the right amount of heat for a hearty bowl full of flavour.
It's a great one for busy days, as the slow cooker does all the hard work for you. Serve it with rice, baked potatoes or in a bowl with your favourite toppings for a satisfying meal that is filling and packed with flavour.
Calories in Slow Cooker Salsa Beef Chilli
This recipe serves 4 and is 333 calories per serving
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If you're following a calorie-controlled diet or a healthy eating plan, it's important to calculate your daily calorie needs using a reliable calorie calculator. The calorie counts provided are estimates and can vary depending on the exact ingredients and portion sizes you use. Using your own calculations helps ensure you're meeting your individual needs. A calorie calculator can help you make informed choices and stay on track with your goals.
See the recipe card for full nutritional estimation.
Ingredients Notes
To make this recipe you will need the following ingredients:
- Extra Lean Ground Beef: Keeps this chilli hearty and satisfying while still being a leaner option. It cooks down beautifully in the slow cooker and soaks up all the delicious smoky, spicy flavours.
- Onion: Adds a lovely savoury base flavour and a little natural sweetness as it softens and cooks down into the chilli.
- Salsa (Jarred): A great shortcut ingredient that brings tomatoes, onion, garlic and extra flavour all in one. It helps create a rich, tasty sauce with hardly any extra effort.
- Kidney Beans: A classic in chilli, adding extra texture, fibre and protein to make the dish even more filling and satisfying.
- Seasonings (Chilli Powder, Paprika, Oregano, Cumin, Onion Powder and Garlic Powder): This combination gives the chilli its warm, smoky, savoury flavour with a gentle kick of heat. It adds depth and that classic chilli taste without needing lots of individual ingredients.
- Maple Syrup: Just a little helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and salsa and rounds out all the flavours nicely.
- Stock Cube: Adds extra savoury depth and richness to the sauce, helping everything taste fuller and more developed as it slow cooks.
- Salt: Enhances all the flavours and helps bring the whole dish together.
- Black Pepper: Adds a touch of warmth and seasoning to finish the chilli perfectly.
Once you've gathered all the ingredients and prepared them accordingly, you're all set to create this easy and delightful recipe.
See the recipe card for specific quantities and instructions
Variations and Substitutes
You can easily adapt this slow cooker beef chilli to suit what you have on hand or your own preferences. It's a really flexible recipe, so don't be afraid to make a few simple swaps.
- Different Ground Meat: You can swap the extra lean ground beef for lean ground turkey, chicken, pork or even a beef and pork mix. Just keep in mind that different meats may slightly change the richness and flavour.
- Different Beans: Kidney beans are the classic choice, but black beans, pinto beans or mixed beans all work really well too. You can even use a combination if that's what you have in the cupboard.
- Add Some Peppers: Chopped red, yellow or green bell peppers are a great addition for a little extra sweetness, colour and hidden veg.
- Add Corn: Sweetcorn adds little bursts of sweetness that pair really well with the smoky chilli flavours and works especially well if serving this in bowls or wraps.
- Make it Spicier: For more heat, add some chopped fresh chilli, red chilli flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Mild Version: If you prefer things a little milder, use a mild salsa and reduce the chilli powder slightly.
- Boost the Veg: You can add extra finely chopped or grated vegetables like carrot, zucchini or mushrooms to stretch the dish further and add more goodness.
- No Maple Syrup?: You can swap this for a little honey or your preferred sweetener if needed, just to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and salsa.
Sides and Toppings for Chilli
This chilli is really versatile, so you can serve it in all kinds of ways depending on what you're in the mood for. It's delicious spooned over fluffy rice, served with potato wedges or fries, or even paired with a baked potato for a hearty, comforting meal.
When it comes to toppings, there are so many great options to load it up with. Guacamole or sliced avocado adds creaminess, while diced fresh tomatoes, spring onions and coriander bring freshness and colour. A sprinkle of cheddar, mozzarella, Monterey Jack or a Mexican-style cheese blend all work really well, and a dollop of sour cream or yogurt adds a lovely cooling finish. Sliced jalapeños are perfect if you like a little extra heat, and tortilla chips are great on the side for scooping. You could also add shredded lettuce, pickled red onions or a squeeze of lime for even more flavour.
Storing, Freezing and Reheating.
Storing
Allow the chilli to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavours often get even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep or leftovers.
Freezing
This chilli freezes really well. Once cooled, transfer to freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat in a saucepan over a medium-low heat until piping hot, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to loosen the sauce. You can also reheat it in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between, until heated through.
More Slow Cooker Recipes
Looking for some more slow cooker recipes? Check out the following:
See more Slow Cooker Recipes →
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Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Salsa Beef Chilli
A hearty, flavour-packed slow cooker beef chilli with a rich salsa sauce, tender beans and smoky spices for an easy meal the whole family will love.
Ingredients
- 1lb (455g) of extra lean ground beef (mince)
- 1 onion, diced
- 650ml of chunky salsa, jarred (mild or medium heat)
- 400g can of kidney beans, drained
- 1.5 tablespoons of mild chilli powder
- 2 teaspoons of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon of ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon of oregano
- 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of cayenne (optional)
- 1 tablespoon of maple syrup
- 1 beef stock cube (oxo)
Instructions
- Brown mince in a frying pan or using the sear function on your slow cooker if it has this feature.
- Add to slow cooker with rest of the ingredients and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 3 hours.
- Serve with your choice of sides or toppings and enjoy!
Notes
Please see below for full nutritional info and additional details about recipe:
- Calories - scroll down to nutritional info box
- WW Points and other Slimming or Weight Loss programs - due to plans regularly changing and updating, we recommend calculating with the official tools you get as a member to those plans to ensure accuracy of values.
- Dairy Free Friendly
- Gluten Free Friendly - use a gluten free stock cube
- ❄️ Freezer Friendly - - see freezing and reheating section.
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Nutrition Information
Yield
4Serving Size
1 SERVINGAmount Per Serving Calories 333Total Fat 6gSaturated Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 5gCholesterol 102mgSodium 441mgCarbohydrates 37gFiber 7gSugar 12gProtein 30g
Nutritional information and values etc are an estimate and is to be used for informational purposes only. Ingredients can vary greatly from brand to brand and therefore it would be impossible to give accurate information. It is always advised that you calculate by the ingredients you use.
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