There’s nothing quite like the sound of that slow cooker bubbling away on a chilly afternoon, filling your whole house with the rich, smoky scent of chili. This slow cooker chili recipe has become my go-to for cozy weekends and busy weeknights alike. It’s one of those dishes that just makes everyone feel loved.
Ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmer together with warm spices for hours, creating that deep, hearty flavor you can’t rush on the stovetop. The beauty is in the simplicitydump everything in, set it, and forget it. Uses pantry staples you probably already have, and it freezes beautifully for those nights when cooking feels impossible.
Started making this back in 2014 when my girls were little and soccer season meant chaos. I’d throw everything in the crockpot before we left for games, and we’d come home to the most incredible smell. Learned to brown the beef firsttakes an extra 10 minutes but makes all the difference in flavor. Now it’s requested every October without fail.
PrintSlow Cooker Chili Recipe for a Delicious Feast
An easy Slow Cooker chili recipe with Ground Beef, beans, tomato sauce, and the best homemade chili seasoning. This recipe is perfect for an Easy Slow Cooker Chili and makes a family friendly chili everyone will love.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 10 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Tex Mex
- Diet: Standard
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion diced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz can black beans drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans two 15oz cans drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
- Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat breaking it up with a spatula for 4-5 minutes.
- Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender 4-5 minutes.
- Add minced garlic and seasonings cumin chili powder garlic powder dried oregano salt and pepper and cook another 30 seconds stirring constantly.
- Transfer mixture to a 6 Qt slow cooker.
- Add rinsed and drained beans diced tomatoes with their juice diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice and tomato sauce into the slow cooker and stir to combine.
- Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
- Season to taste if desired and serve warm.
Nutrition
- Calories: 340kcal
- Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 41g
- Protein: 33g
Why This Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Will Become Your New Favorite
This recipe truly delivers on comfort, especially as the weather cools. The magic of slow cooking transforms simple, wholesome ingredients into a rich, deep-flavored chili that tastes like it’s been simmering for hours, bringing warmth and satisfaction to any meal.
What makes this family friendly chili special is how the flavors marry together during those long, gentle hours in the crockpot. The beef becomes incredibly tender, the beans absorb all those warm spices, and the tomatoes break down into the most gorgeous, rich base.
- Uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry
- Feeds a crowd or gives you amazing leftovers for days
- Perfect for meal prep, game day, or those “I need comfort food” nights
- Kids love it, adults love it, even picky eaters come back for seconds
The Story Behind This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
This slow cooker chili recipe was a labor of love, perfected only after many evenings of tweaking spices and timing. I remember one batch so smoky it nearly cleared the whole house! Now, after all those lessons, it’s a cozy, family-favorite meal that warms both the kitchen and our hearts.
Expert Insight: Why Slow Cookers Excel for Chili
Slow cooker chili recipes are perfect for developing deep, balanced flavors over time. The low and slow cooking method allows spices and ingredients to meld beautifully, resulting in a rich, hearty dish with minimal hands-on effort. This technique also helps tenderize tougher cuts of meat, making every bite satisfyingly tender and flavorful.
Key Ingredients That Make the Magic Happen
Each ingredient plays a crucial part in crafting this delicious slow cooker beef chili. The lean ground beef provides that hearty protein base, while the combination of black beans and kidney beans adds texture and makes it incredibly filling.
Those diced tomatoes and green chilis bring just the right amount of heat and tangnot too spicy for sensitive palates, but enough to keep things interesting. The tomato sauce ties everything together into that classic chili consistency we all love.
| Ingredient Category | What It Does | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| Ground Beef (2 lbs) | Protein base, hearty texture | 90/10 or 93/7 lean prevents greasy chili |
| Bean Mix (4 cans total) | Fiber, creaminess, bulk | Black + kidney beans create perfect texture |
| Tomato Trio | Acidic base, liquid, flavor | Three types create complex tomato depth |
| Spice Blend | Warmth, depth, classic chili taste | Homemade seasoning beats packets every time |
The Step-by-Step Magic (It’s Easier Than You Think)
The secret to this one pot slow cooker chili is browning that beef first. I know, I knowit’s one extra step, but trust me on this. Those caramelized bits from the Maillard reaction add so much depth and flavor that you’ll taste the difference in every single bite.
Once you’ve got that gorgeous beef and onion mixture ready, everything else just gets dumped right into your slow cooker. No fancy techniques, no complicated timingjust layer, stir, and let time do its thing.
- Brown the beef: 4-5 minutes until it releases fat and starts getting golden
- Add aromatics: Onions first until tender, then garlic and all those warm spices
- Transfer and dump: Everything goes into the crockpotbeans, tomatoes, sauce
- Set and forget: High for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours
Timing and Temperature Guide
Slow cooker cooking offers wonderful flexibility, and here’s what I’ve found works best for this recipe. The high setting provides a quicker path to dinner, while the low setting is ideal for an all-day simmer, allowing flavors to deepen even further.
| Cooking Method | Time Range | Best For | Texture Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| High Heat | 3-4 hours | Weekend cooking, quicker meals | Tender beef, well-melded flavors |
| Low Heat | 6-8 hours | All-day cooking, work days | Fall-apart tender, deeply developed taste |
| Keep Warm | Up to 2 hours after cooking | Serving flexibility | Maintains perfect serving temperature |
Simple Swaps and Personal Touches
This comfort food chili is incredibly forgiving and adapts beautifully to what you have on hand or your family’s preferences. I’ve made it with ground turkey when that’s what was in the freezer, and it’s just as delicious.
The bean situation is totally flexible too. Sometimes I’ll throw in a can of pinto beans if that’s what’s in the pantry, or use all kidney beans if someone in the family is going through a “no black beans” phase.
- Protein swaps: Ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based crumbles work beautifully
- Bean flexibility: Mix and match any combination of kidney, black, pinto, or navy beans
- Heat level: Add jalapeños for more kick, or use mild diced tomatoes for sensitive palates
- Veggie boost: Diced bell peppers or corn make great additions
Serving Ideas and Storage Tips
This slow cooker chili recipe serves up beautifully with all the classic fixings, but I love how it transforms into different meals throughout the week. Day one might be chili bowls with cornbread, day three becomes chili mac, and day five turns into loaded baked potato toppers.
The flavors actually get better after a day or two in the fridgeeverything continues to meld, creating an even richer taste. It’s like the chili keeps developing its character even when it’s cold.
| Storage Method | Duration | Best Practices |
|---|---|---|
| Refrigerator | 4-5 days | Cool completely before storing, reheat gently |
| Freezer | 3-4 months | Freeze in portions, leave room for expansion |
| Meal Prep | Perfect for weekly prep | Portion into containers with favorite toppings |
Troubleshooting Your Chili (Because We’ve All Been There)
Even with the most forgiving recipe, sometimes things don’t go exactly as planned. If your chili seems too thin after cooking, just leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes and let some of that liquid evaporate away.
Too thick? A splash of beef broth or even water will loosen it right up. And if you accidentally went heavy on the salt or spice, a dollop of sour cream when serving helps balance everything out beautifully.
- Too watery: Remove lid for last 30 minutes, or add tomato paste
- Too thick: Stir in broth, water, or more tomato sauce
- Needs more flavor: Adjust seasonings, add a pinch of cocoa powder or a dash of Worcestershire sauce
FAQs ( Slow Cooker Chili Recipe )
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground turkey works well in this recipe for a leaner, lighter meal. Just brown it before adding to the slow cooker to avoid excess moisture. Adjust seasoning slightly as turkey is milder than beef but still blends perfectly with the spices in this dish.
How long does this recipe take in the slow cooker?
This meal typically cooks for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. Slow cooking allows flavors to fully develop and meat to become tender. Avoid lifting the lid often, as it can extend cooking time by releasing heat.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, this dish is perfect for meal prep. Prepare it a day ahead and refrigerate for even better flavor melding. When ready, reheat gently on the stove or in the slow cooker on low until warmed through.
What are good toppings for this chili?
Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, diced onions, and fresh cilantro complement this dish well. For a bit of heat, add sliced jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. Avocado slices or crushed tortilla chips also add great texture and flavor.
Can this be frozen for later?
Yes, this recipe freezes well. Cool completely before portioning into airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 monthsthaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently on the stove.
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This slow cooker chili recipe delivers exactly what your family craves on a chilly eveningtender beef, perfectly seasoned beans, and that rich, inviting aroma that fills every corner of your home. After 6-8 hours of gentle simmering, you’ll have the kind of comforting meal that brings everyone to the table with genuine smiles and requests for seconds.
Here’s a little trick from my own kitchen: stir in a square of dark chocolate during the last hour for incredible depth, or top with sharp cheddar and a dollop of sour cream for pure comfort. This hearty slow cooker chili freezes beautifully in mason jarsjust leave an inch at the top for expansion. Perfect for those nights when cooking feels impossible but a delicious, home-cooked meal is still desired.
I’d love to see your family gathered around bowls of this chili! Share a photo and tell medid this recipe remind you of Sunday dinners at grandma’s house, or maybe those cozy winter nights when comfort food was everything? Save this recipe for your next family gathering, because some dishes are simply meant to be shared with the people who matter most.
