Nothing beats the comfort of a warm, hearty bowl of chili on a cold day. This Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe is a no-fuss, flavorful dish that will become a go-to in your kitchen. Loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, it’s the perfect meal to throw together and let your slow cooker do the work.
This chili is versatile and perfect for feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or enjoying as a cozy family dinner. The slow cooking process allows all the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich and satisfying dish. Whether served with cornbread, over rice, or on its own, this chili will leave everyone coming back for seconds.
Kitchen Equipment Needed
- Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Cutting board and knife
Ingredients Overview
- Ground beef: A hearty protein that makes this chili filling and satisfying.
- Beans: Kidney and black beans add texture and protein.
- Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce form the flavorful base.
- Spices: Chili powder, cumin, and paprika bring warmth and depth to the dish.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
Directions
- Cook the ground beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Drain any excess fat. - Combine ingredients in the slow cooker
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together until well combined. - Cook the chili
Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible. - Serve
Once the chili is done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
Total Time
6 hours 15 minutes (on low) or 3 hours 15 minutes (on high)
Nutrition (per serving, ~6 servings)
- Calories: ~250
- Fat: ~10g
- Carbohydrates: ~20g
- Protein: ~18g
Expert Tips
- Don’t skip browning the meat: Browning the beef adds depth of flavor to the chili.
- Customize the beans: Use pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas for variety.
- Freeze leftovers: This chili freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
FAQs
Can I make this vegetarian?
Yes! Replace the ground beef with extra beans, lentils, or a plant-based meat substitute. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
How spicy is this chili?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can adjust the heat by adding or reducing cayenne pepper or chili powder.
Can I make this chili on the stovetop?
Yes! After browning the beef, add the ingredients to a large pot. Simmer on low heat for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
Storing & Reheating
- Storing: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a pot over medium heat or microwave individual portions until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
Substitutions & Variations
- Turkey chili: Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
- Add veggies: Toss in diced bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra flavor and nutrients.
- Smoky flavor: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky kick.
Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe
Equipment
- - Slow cooker (Crockpot)
- - Large skillet
- - Wooden spoon or spatula
- - Cutting board and knife
Ingredients
- - 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- - 1 medium onion diced
- - 3 cloves garlic minced
- - 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- - 1 8 oz can tomato sauce
- - 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- - 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- - 1 cup beef broth or water
- - 2 tablespoons chili powder
- - 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- - 1/2 teaspoon oregano
- - 1/2 teaspoon salt
- - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- - 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper optional, for heat
Instructions
- **Cook the ground beef**
- In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it up with a wooden spoon. Add the diced onion and garlic, and sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- **Combine ingredients in the slow cooker**
- Transfer the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if using). Stir everything together until well combined.
- **Cook the chili**
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on **low** for 6–8 hours or **high** for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
- **Serve**
- Once the chili is done, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or jalapeños.
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