Crockpot Chili Recipe

ByMyRecipes

Nothing says cozy like a big bowl of Crockpot Chili simmering away in the slow cooker. This hearty, flavorful dish is packed with tender ground beef, two types of beans, tomatoes, and just the right mix of spices. It’s the kind of “dump-and-go” recipe you can prepare in the morning and come home to a delicious, ready-to-eat meal. Whether you’re serving it on game day, at a family dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this chili is always a hit. Best of all, it’s flexible—you can make it mild or spicy, meaty or vegetarian, depending on your taste.

Crockpot Chili

Ingredients

  • 1 kg (2 lb) lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (10 oz) can diced green chilis (optional)
  • 2 tbsp chili powder
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • Optional: ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper for heat

Instructions

  1. Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet; drain excess fat.
  2. Add garlic and all spices, sauté for 1 minute.
  3. Transfer to crockpot. Stir in beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilis.
  4. Cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours until thick and rich.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add cayenne if more heat is desired.
  6. Serve with toppings of your choice.

Tips

  • Use a lean cut of beef to avoid greasy chili.
  • Stir once or twice during cooking if you’re nearby—it helps blend flavors.
  • Add a square of dark chocolate or a splash of coffee for depth (seriously—it works!).
  • Leftover chili thickens overnight and tastes even better the next day.

Variations & Substitutions

  • Vegetarian: Skip the beef, double the beans, and use veggie broth.
  • Turkey Chili: Substitute ground beef with lean ground turkey.
  • No Beans: Go bean-free for a Texas-style version.
  • Smoky Flavor: Add smoked paprika or chipotle powder.

FAQs (Crockpot Chili Recipe)

Q1: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! It tastes even better the next day as the flavors deepen overnight.

Q2: Can I freeze Crockpot Chili?
Yes, it freezes well. Let it cool completely, store in airtight containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.

Q3: How do I make it thicker?
Remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking or mash some of the beans for a thicker texture.

Q4: What toppings go best with this chili?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips, and avocado slices are all great options.

Serving Suggestions

  • Serve over white rice or with warm cornbread.
  • Use leftovers for chili dogs, nachos, or stuffed baked potatoes.
  • Pair with a light salad for a complete meal.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

  • No babysitting—your slow cooker does all the work
  • Customizable to your taste and spice level
  • Feeds a crowd and reheats like a dream
  • Budget-friendly, freezer-friendly, and family-approved
Crockpot Chili Recipe
Print

Crockpot Chili Recipe

Servings

8

servings
Prep time

15

minutes
Cooking time

5

hours 

30

minutes
Calories

340

kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 kg (2 lb) lean ground beef

  • 1 large onion, diced

  • 3 garlic cloves, minced

  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed

  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

  • 1 (10 oz) can diced green chilis (optional)

  • 2 tbsp chili powder

  • 2 tsp ground cumin

  • 1 tsp garlic powder

  • 1 tsp dried oregano

  • 1 ½ tsp salt

  • ½ tsp black pepper

  • Optional: ¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper for heat

Directions

  • In a skillet, brown the ground beef and diced onion over medium heat until fully cooked.
  • Drain excess fat and stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  • Transfer the mixture to a crockpot (6-quart or larger).
  • Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and green chilis (if using).
  • Stir everything well to combine all ingredients evenly.
  • Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
  • Taste and adjust seasoning if needed; add cayenne for extra heat.
  • Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions
Crockpot Chili Recipe

Similar Posts