Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Low carb Cholent or Hamin alternative

I know—right now, the world feels heavy, and everyone, from friends to clients in therapy sessions, seems to be talking about politics and the Trump presidency. Sigh. But amidst all this, we all need small moments of warmth and comfort. So here’s a little pause—a cozy, nourishing Low Carb Slow Cooker Chili recipe that brought joy to my daughter’s January birthday lunch. It’s hearty, warm, and full of love—just what we all need during chilly winter days. I hope it brings some much-needed comfort to your home too, whether for a special occasion or a quiet family Shabbat dinner. Let's take five minutes to focus on something simple and human: a warm pot of chili simmering away.

There’s something comforting about a meal that’s been simmering all day, filling your home with the warm aroma of spices and hearty ingredients. The tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, and carefully chosen spices create a dish that feels like a warm embrace—ideal for a Shabbat table or any time you need a little extra comfort.

Cooked tomatoes, in particular, taste especially good in winter, and I find myself craving them. As they cook, their natural sweetness deepens and concentrates, balancing their acidity and creating a smooth, rich flavor. This makes them the perfect base for a hearty chili. In winter, when fresh tomatoes aren’t at their peak, slow-cooked canned tomatoes bring a satisfying burst of warmth and nourishment, complementing the savory flavors of the beef and spices.

Slow cooking enhances the magic of this recipe by allowing the spices—like cinnamon, star anise, and cayenne pepper—to meld together and develop deeper flavors. The slow cooker does the work for you, so you can focus on other tasks while it simmers to perfection

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Paired with a fresh salad and optional non-dairy toppings, this chili is both nourishing and comforting—a dish you’ll want to savor and share. If you make a big batch, it can be stored in the refrigerator for 3–4 days, making it easy to enjoy leftovers or prep ahead for Shabbat.

For those who love the idea of a warm, slow-cooked meal but find traditional Cholent or Hamin a bit too heavy, this chili makes a great alternative. Cholent and Hamin often combine grains, potatoes, and beans with beef, which can make the dish feel a bit too complex and carb-heavy for some. This Low Carb Slow Cooker Chili keeps things simple with tender beef, rich tomatoes, and flavorful spices. If you’re looking for a comforting one-pot meal that feels nourishing but isn’t weighed down by the usual ingredients, this chili is the perfect option.

If the Mexican spices in this recipe don’t quite suit your taste, you can easily customize the seasoning to create a different flavor profile. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding dried oregano, cumin, and cinnamon. For a Middle Eastern flair, use spices like coriander, turmeric, paprika, and a pinch of allspice. These options keep the chili rich and comforting while offering a fresh take on the slow-cooked meal tradition.

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Cozy Slow Cooker Beef Chili

• 800 grams / 1.75 pounds (28 oz) ground beef (85/15)

• 2–4 cloves garlic, minced (6–12 grams / 1–2 teaspoons minced)

• 140–170 grams / 5–6 ounces (1 medium) onion, chopped

• 700 grams / 24–28 ounces canned diced tomatoes (or a mix of diced and peeled tomatoes)

• 1 whole star anise

• 1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon

• 1 teaspoon Mexican spice mix (chili powder, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and paprika)

• 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper

• 1/2 teaspoon salt

  Instructions:

• For Slow Cooker:

  1. In a frying pan, cook the ground beef, minced garlic, and chopped onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the meat is just cooked through. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.

  2. Add the canned diced tomatoes, star anise, cinnamon, Mexican spice mix, cayenne pepper, and salt to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.

  3. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together.

  4. Serve with a fresh salad and optional non-dairy toppings.

• For Stove Top:

  1. In a large pot, cook the ground beef, minced garlic, and chopped onion over medium heat for about 5 minutes, until the meat is just cooked through.

  2. Add the canned diced tomatoes, star anise, cinnamon, Mexican spice mix, cayenne pepper, and salt to the pot. Stir to combine.

  3. Bring to a simmer and cook for 30–45 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the flavors are well combined and the chili has thickened to your liking.

  4. Serve with a fresh salad and optional non-dairy toppings.

• Alternative Spice Blends:

  • Mediterranean Flavor Blend:

    • 1 tsp dried oregano

    • 1 tsp ground cumin

    • 1/2 tsp cinnamon

  • Middle Eastern Flavor Blend:

    • 1 tsp ground coriander

    • 1/2 tsp ground turmeric

    • 1 tsp paprika

    • 1/4 tsp ground allspice

  These spice blends allow you to customize the chili to fit your flavor preferences while still keeping it rich and comforting.

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  What are your favorite slow cooker recipes featuring meat? I’d love to hear your ideas and inspirations—share your go-to dishes in the comments below!