Short Description
This easy crockpot chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, slow-cooked to perfection. Perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or meal prep, this hands-off recipe delivers bold flavors with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dump-and-go meal – Simply add ingredients and let the crockpot do the work.
- Rich and hearty – Slow cooking enhances the flavors for the perfect chili.
- Customizable – Adjust the spice level and ingredients to your liking.
- Great for meal prep – Tastes even better the next day!
- Feeds a crowd – Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or tailgating.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Main Ingredients:
- Ground beef (or turkey)
- Onion (chopped)
- Garlic (minced)
- Canned diced tomatoes (with juices)
- Tomato sauce
- Tomato paste
- Beef broth
- Canned kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- Canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
- Canned diced green chilies (optional for heat)
Seasonings:
- Chili powder
- Cumin
- Smoked paprika
- Oregano
- Cayenne pepper (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Green onions
- Jalapeños
- Avocado
- Tortilla chips
Directions
- Brown the meat – In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Combine ingredients – Add cooked beef, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, beans, green chilies, and seasonings into the crockpot. Stir well.
- Slow cook – Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Adjust seasoning – Taste and add extra salt, pepper, or spice if needed.
- Serve and enjoy – Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or your favorite toppings.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep time: 10 minutes
- Cook time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total time: 6+ hours
Variations
- Spicy version – Add extra cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce.
- Low-carb/keto – Skip the beans and use more ground beef and peppers.
- Vegetarian option – Replace meat with lentils, mushrooms, or extra beans.
- Chunky chili – Use diced beef instead of ground beef.
- Extra smoky flavor – Add a bit of chipotle powder or smoked paprika.
Storage/Reheating
- Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezing: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat or microwave for 1-2 minutes.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey or chicken works well for a leaner option.
How do I make this chili thicker?
Let it cook uncovered for 30 minutes before serving or add extra tomato paste.
Can I add bell peppers?
Yes! Bell peppers add great texture and flavor to chili.
What’s the best way to make chili spicier?
Use more cayenne, diced jalapeños, or a dash of hot sauce.
Can I cook this overnight?
Yes, set it on low for 8 hours and wake up to delicious chili.
Do I have to brown the meat first?
It’s recommended for better texture and flavor, but you can add raw ground beef directly if needed.
Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Brown the beef using the sauté function, then pressure cook on high for 20 minutes with a natural release.
What can I serve with chili?
Cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or a fresh side salad.
How do I prevent chili from being too acidic?
Add a pinch of sugar or a splash of cream to balance the acidity.
Can I make this chili dairy-free?
Yes! Just skip dairy toppings like cheese and sour cream.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and bursting with bold flavors. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, meal prep, or a game-day feast, this slow-cooked chili is sure to be a hit. Try it today and enjoy a bowl of homemade goodness!
Print
Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Description
This Easy Crockpot Chili is a hearty, comforting dish packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Let your slow cooker do the work for a flavorful, rich chili that’s perfect for meal prep, game days, or a cozy family dinner.
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 small onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans (or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth (or water)
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp chili powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Chopped green onions
- Crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until browned (about 5 minutes).
- Add onion and garlic, cooking for another 2 minutes until softened. Drain excess fat.
Step 2: Transfer to the Crockpot
- Add the cooked beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Stir in diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne (if using).
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chili
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Step 4: Serve & Enjoy
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings and enjoy!
Notes
- Make It Spicier: Add 1 diced jalapeño or ½ tsp red pepper flakes.
- Thicker Chili: Stir in 1 tbsp cornmeal or let it simmer uncovered for 30 minutes before serving.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace meat with chopped mushrooms or extra beans.
- Storage: Refrigerate for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.