Years ago, we took on a Halloween tradition. The night is crazy – in between parties and dressing up and trick-or-treating, but one thing is certain – you still need dinner. (Even though the kids would probably just consume candy for dinner and be more than happy!) So we started doing a slow cooker chili for Halloween dinner. Not only is it easy – you can prep earlier in the day, making it so dinner time isn’t crazy, but it’s ready whenever the kids are ready to eat. If you have older kids, they may go out later than the younger kids, so whether you are eating before heading out or warming up with a bowl of chili after you come back in from the festivities, the chili is there waiting.
And do you want to know my favorite part about it? Halloween can be quite unpredictable here in Utah. You may have a mild night – perfect for trick-or-treating – but most likely, the weather is going to play tricks on you. In my time here, we’ve had everything from clear skies to rainstorms to snow. Yep, the snow has certainly come in to try to ruin the Halloween fun more than once. (Those are always the years that make me laugh – when kids show up in full winter gear. Aka – coats, gloves and hats. It’s a good thing you know that they have great costumes underneath all of that!)
This chili is a perfect Halloween night chili. It’s mild enough for the kids. And if you only have big kids left – or if you are feeding a group of adults – you can always add in more spice. (I think a jalepeno would have gone perfectly in this!) And the salsa. Oh, the salsa. I think that is what sets this bowl of chili apart from all the others. Made with delicious Avocados from Mexico, this salsa is fresh and brings a whole new dimension to a bowl of chili. And if you are brave enough to spice up the chili, the salsa brings a great cooling effect with the avocados.
This is a delicious way to bring some ease to your Halloween night!
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Easy Slow Cooker Chili with Avocado Salsa
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
Description
Make it ahead! This chili is made easy in the slow cooker, then topped with a refreshing fresh salsa.
Ingredients
Chili
- 1 lb ground beef
- 3/4 cup diced onion
- 3/4 cup diced green bell pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 (15.5 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15.5 oz) can great northern beans, undrained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
Avocado Salsa
- 2 Avocados from Mexico, peeled and diced
- 1/2 cup diced onion
- 2–3 small to medium tomatoes, diced
- 1 jalepeno, ribs and seeds removed, finely diced
- Juice from 1 lime
- 1/2 to 3/4 cup cilantro, chopped
Instructions
- For the chili:
- In a medium skillet, cook the ground beef until mostly browned. Add in the onion and bell pepper and cook an additional 3-4 minutes. Add in the garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
- Add the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, chili powder, cumin and salt. Cook on low for at least 4 hours (but it can be cooked all day long).
- For the salsa:
- Combine all ingredients and serve over the chili. All ingredients can be combined ahead of time except the avocado. Wait until serving to add the avocado.
*I am in a working partnership with Avocados from Mexico and Muy Bueno and was compensated for recipe development. But as always, all opinions are my own.*
grace says
that salsa would be magnificent atop anything, but it’s particularly delightful on that beany chili. yum!
Deborah says
@grace, I agree – there is a lot it would be good on! And I even loved just eating it by the spoonful!
Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily says
I really, reeeeheeeally need to start taking advantage of my slow cooker more often. The cooler season and these recipes are all the inspiration I need.
Deborah says
@Gwen @SimplyHealthyFamily, I have totally been loving my slow cooker lately. And this chili is one reason why!! 🙂
Cookin' Canuck says
We always do chili or frittata on Halloween night…and my kids won’t let me forget this tradition! That avocado salsa is a fantastic topping for chili.
Deborah says
@Cookin’ Canuck, I love the idea of doing a fritatta, too!
Jen @ Savory Simple says
I love the idea of avocado salsa on top of chili. It’s perfect for a night such as Halloween.
Deborah says
@Jen @ Savory Simple, I’m looking forward to Halloween night – just for the chili!
Gerry @ Foodness Gracious says
I love this idea as it gets kinda hectic on Halloween night! And chili is perfect for the chilly weather!
Deborah says
@Gerry @ Foodness Gracious, the easier, the better is my idea of a good holiday night!
Kim Bee says
Wow this is one gorgeous chili. Love the salsa, never would have thought of avocado. You’re a genius.
Deborah says
@Kim Bee, it was something that I had never had before, but I loved it so much that I’m sure I’ll see a lot more avocados on my chili in the future!
Christina @ The Beautiful Balance says
So easy! I love the idea of using this around Halloween time if you have kids.
I could polish off that entire bowl of avocado salsa by myself!
Deborah says
@Christina @ The Beautiful Balance, haha – I wanted to eat the whole bowl!!
Karen Petersen says
pinned under “slow cooker recipes to try.” boy, do I love avocados!!
Deborah says
@Karen Petersen, this one is perfect for you!! 🙂
Bree says
Perfect idea for a busy Halloween night and sounds great too!
Deborah says
@Bree, I’m all about making things easier – especially on Halloween!
Cassie says
WHy have I never thought to add avocado to chili? Can’t wait to try it!
Deborah says
@Cassie, haha – that’s what I thought after I tried this!!
teresa says
such a fun idea and tradition. chili sounds like the perfect thing for halloween night.
Deborah says
@teresa, it is such a great tradition – and it makes the night so much easier!!
Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen says
I can’t believe I still have not made a chili in the crockpot this fall! I’m totally slacking! Plus, I’ve still been able to find cheap avocados, so I better hop on that real quick…
Deborah says
@Loretta | A Finn In The Kitchen, I go crazy whenever I can find cheap avocados!!
Kristy (Sweet Treats & More) says
This chili would be perfect for a day like today! Comfort food for sure, and I could use some. Love the addition of the avocado salsa!
Deborah says
@Kristy (Sweet Treats & More), chili is one of my favorite comfort foods!
Heather of Kitchen Concoctions says
I made my first chili of the season a few days ago (even though we were in the upper 80’s- I just couldn’t wait anymore)! I often top my chili with avocados but I love how you transformed that traditional and simple chili garnish into an avocado salsa! Yum!
Deborah says
@Heather of Kitchen Concoctions, I love that you are eating chili in the hot weather!! I’ll admit – I’m a bit jealous!
Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious says
What a fun tradition! I totally want to start this too, although Jason and I are a bit too old for trick-or-treating! Still, this chili looks amazing and so hearty/comforting!
Deborah says
@Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious, I think chili on Halloween is a perfect tradition – no matter how old you are!! 🙂
Becky says
Avocado topping my chili… I’m not sure if there’s anything better this time of year!
Deborah says
@Becky, it really was wonderful – perfect for a cold, Utah night!!
Barbara @ Barbara Bakes says
I made chili last night. Wish I’d topped it with your avocado salsa.
Deborah says
@Barbara @ Barbara Bakes, I’m sure there is plenty of cold Utah weather for more chili – with avocado salsa, of course! 🙂
carrian says
This looks bomb, but I have to be honest, that avocado salsa is my favorite part. Gosh, I need it. Really. Pinning this for next week. Love your pretty pregnant self
Deborah says
@carrian, I loved the chili, but yes – the avocado salsa was definitely my favorite part!! 🙂
Becky @ Project Domestication says
It’s soup, stew and chili season here in Utah, that’s for sure. I posted a chili recipe today too! Your recipe looks wonderful. I love addition of avocado salsa on top. Avocados make everything better.
Deborah says
@Becky @ Project Domestication, yes, avocados do make everything better!! 🙂
Joanne says
I am TOTALLY going to try to remember this when I have kids. On crazy nights like Halloween the slow cooker is the way to go! Especially when it’s filled with delicious chili. Mmm.
Deborah says
@Joanne, this is definitley perfect for when you have kids. But you should also try out the salsa on your favorite chili – it was a great way to change things up!
Emily says
I love a good slow cooker chili, especially on days like today. mmm….
Deborah says
@Emily, I know – this weather lately has definitley been chili weather!!
Lana @ Never Enough Thyme says
We started the tradition of chili on Halloween, too, when our daughter was really tiny. That was about 35 years ago 🙂 As you say, it’s so easy to prepare in the slow cooker and just perfect for this time of year. Ours will be even better this year because I’ll be adding your avocado salsa to the table. Delicious!
Deborah says
@Lana @ Never Enough Thyme, it’s such a great tradition, isn’t it? I love that you’ve been doing it for so long. And the salsa is definitely a great addition – to any chili!
Jessica@AKitchenAddiction says
I love the avocado salsa that you serve on top!
Deborah says
@Jessica@AKitchenAddiction, thanks – I think I need avocado salsa for any chili, now!! 🙂
Laura (Tutti Dolci) says
Love your avocado salsa topper!
Deborah says
@Laura (Tutti Dolci), it was my favorite part!
Kim (Feed Me, Seymour) says
I am dying for a great, fall chili recipe! I love the addition of the avocado salsa. It looks so delish!
Deborah says
@Kim (Feed Me, Seymour), this chili is seriously so easy – and the salsa totally makes it!
Colleen @ What's Baking in the Barbershop?! says
I love that tradition of chili on Halloween! It really is the perfect idea to make sure everyone is well-fed and can still enjoy the festivities 🙂 And this salsa is a great way to top it off!!
Deborah says
@Colleen @ What’s Baking in the Barbershop?!, I loved the salsa – and now want to put it on top of everything!!