Crockpot Chili is one of those cozy, hearty meals that makes the whole house smell warm and inviting. It’s packed with tender beef, slow-cooked vegetables, beans, tomatoes, and a rich blend of spices that simmer together for hours. This easy recipe is perfect for busy days, meal prep, or anytime you want a comforting bowl of chili without babysitting the pot. The slow cooker does all the work, ensuring deep flavor and perfect texture in every bite.
This post contains Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• It’s a full, satisfying meal prepared entirely in one pot, making cleanup simple.
• Slow cooking allows spices to develop rich depth you can’t get with quick stovetop chili.
• Highly customizable, add more heat, extra veggies, or swap proteins.
• Perfect for leftovers because chili tastes even better the next day.
• Budget-friendly ingredients feed a family or crowd without overspending.
• Great for busy days since prep is quick and the slow cooker handles the rest.
Ingredients
• 1 ½ lbs ground beef
• 1 medium onion (diced)
• 1 green pepper (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves (minced)
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans (rinsed and drained)
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp paprika
• ½ tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp onion powder
• ½ tsp garlic powder
• ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
Recommended Tools
These tools make slow cooker recipes easier and help everything cook evenly.
6-Quart Crockpot – the perfect size for chicken, soups, roasts, and family meals.
Slow Cooker Liners – prevent sticking and make cleaning super easy.
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: BROWN THE BEEF
• Sauté the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
• Add Aromatics: Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
• Add Green Pepper: Stir in the diced green pepper and cook for 2 minutes just to soften slightly.
STEP 2: BUILD THE CHILI BASE
• Add to Crockpot: Transfer the cooked beef, onion, garlic, and green pepper mixture to the crockpot.
• Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
• Season the Chili: Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, cayenne, and brown sugar until everything is well combined.
STEP 3: SLOW COOK
• Cook: Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours.
• Adjust: Taste near the end and add more salt, heat, or spices if needed.
STEP 4: SERVE
• Serve Warm: Ladle chili into bowls while hot.
• Add Toppings: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, tortilla chips, or avocado.
If you enjoy easy recipes like this one, you might also love :
Cooking Notes
• If chili gets too thick, add broth
• If too thin, uncover and simmer on HIGH for 20 minutes
• Brown sugar balances tomato acidity
• Browning the beef first adds deeper flavor
• Drain beans well to prevent watery chili
Variations
• Add corn for a sweeter chili
• Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef
• Add sweet potatoes for extra heartiness
• Swap beans for pinto or cannellini
• Add cocoa powder for deeper flavor
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky taste
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with warm cornbread
• Spoon over rice or quinoa
• Top a baked potato
• Use for chili dogs or nachos
• Serve with a green salad
Tips
• Prepare ingredients the night before for faster mornings
• Chili always tastes better the next day
• Freeze leftovers for meal prep
• Add toppings right before eating for freshness
• For extra heat, use jalapeños or hot chili powder
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6 hours
• Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving, approx.)
420 calories – 28g protein – 20g fat – 28g carbs
FAQs
Can I use dry beans in this chili?
- You can, but they must be soaked and cooked beforehand. Dry beans won’t soften properly in tomato-based liquids inside the crockpot.
How can I make the chili spicier?
- Add jalapeños, hot chili powder, crushed red pepper, or chipotle in adobo. You can customize the heat easily.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
- Absolutely. Chili tastes even better after resting overnight in the fridge, and it reheats beautifully.
What if the chili is too thick?
- Add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen the texture. Chili thickens naturally while slow cooking.
Can I freeze this chili?
- Yes, it freezes very well up to 3 months. Store in airtight containers, thaw overnight, and reheat on the stovetop or microwave.
Can I skip browning the meat?
- You can, but browning adds deep flavor and prevents oily chili. It’s worth the extra few minutes.
Conclusion
This Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort meal for busy days, cold nights, and cozy weekends. Packed with rich flavor, hearty beef, tender beans, and warming spices, it’s the perfect dish to come home to after a long day. Slow cooking brings out all the deep, savory notes, making every bite satisfying and comforting. Whether you’re serving it with cornbread, topping a baked potato, or freezing portions for easy lunches, this chili is a dependable recipe you’ll want to make again and again. Simple ingredients, bold flavors, and effortless cooking, this crockpot version delivers exactly what homemade chili should be.
