This hearty, comforting classic brings warmth to any meal. Discover how to create an incredibly flavorful chili recipe crockpot style, with minimal effort. This easy slow cooker chili delivers maximum taste, making it perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. Let your slow cooker do all the work for a delicious family favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Crockpot Chili Recipe

You are going to adore this slow cooker chili recipe for so many great reasons! It truly makes cooking dinner simple and delicious.

Effortless: Simply set it and forget it. Your slow cooker handles the rest, freeing up your time.
Deep Flavor: Slow cooking allows all the spices and ingredients to meld beautifully, creating rich, complex flavors.
Versatile: Easily customize your chili recipe crockpot with different proteins, beans, or heat levels.
Crowd-Pleaser: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili! This comforting dish is universally appealing for family meals or entertaining.
Great for Meal Prep: It freezes wonderfully, making it ideal for prepping ahead for future quick dinners.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili

Gather these simple ingredients to make a fantastic chili recipe crockpot for your family. This recipe yields about 10 generous servings.

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

Notes & Substitutions

For your chili recipe crockpot, feel free to adapt!

Beef: Use lean ground beef for less fat. Ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles work equally well for this slow cook chili.
Beans: Kidney beans and black beans are classic, but pinto beans or cannellini beans are also delicious additions.
Tomatoes: Crushed tomatoes can replace diced for a smoother texture. Rotel (diced tomatoes and green chilies) adds a nice kick.
Seasoning: Adjust chili powder and cumin for your preferred spice level. A homemade chili blend is always great!
Onion/Garlic: Fresh is best, but a teaspoon of onion powder or garlic powder can be used in a pinch.

Equipment Needed

Making this slow cooker chili is incredibly easy and requires only a few basic kitchen tools.

6-quart slow cooker
Large skillet
Measuring cups and spoons
Cutting board and knife
Spatula or wooden spoon

How to Make Crockpot Chili (Step-by-Step)

Follow these simple steps to prepare your amazing chili recipe crockpot. It is designed to be straightforward for even the busiest cook.

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the lean ground beef and sauté it for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula. Continue until the beef is browned and has released its fat, then drain any excess fat thoroughly. The Maillard reaction, a chemical process that occurs during browning, contributes significantly to the depth of flavor in cooked meats.
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the beef. Sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes tender. Stir in the minced garlic along with all the seasonings: cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for an additional 30 seconds, stirring constantly to toast the spices.
Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture from the skillet into your 6-quart slow cooker.
Next, add all the remaining ingredients directly into the slow cooker. This includes the rinsed and drained black beans, kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with their juice, and the tomato sauce.
Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly in the slow cooker until they are well combined.
Secure the lid on your slow cooker. Cook the chili on the high setting for 3-4 hours, or on the low setting for 6-8 hours. The longer, slower cooking time truly deepens the flavors in this crockpot chili.
Once cooked, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if desired. Add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your preference before serving warm.

Pro Tips for the Best Chili

Achieve the perfect slow cooker chili with these helpful hints. They elevate your simple chili recipe crockpot into something truly special.

Don’t skip browning the beef: This crucial step adds depth of flavor and texture to your chili.
Toast spices for deeper flavor: Cooking the spices briefly with the onion and garlic awakens their aromatic oils.
Adjust liquid for desired consistency: If your chili seems too thick, add a little beef broth. If too thin, remove the lid for the last hour of cooking.
Taste and adjust seasoning: Always taste before serving. Add more salt, pepper, or a pinch of cayenne as needed.
Allow chili to rest before serving: A 15-minute rest allows the flavors to settle and intensify further.
Skim excess fat if necessary: If using a higher fat ground beef, skim any excess fat from the top before serving for a cleaner finish.

Serving, Storing, and Variations

Make this chili recipe crockpot your own with various toppings and serving ideas. It is so easy to customize.

Serving Suggestions

Classic Toppings: Offer shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced avocado, or fresh green onions.
Serve Over: Ladle hot chili over baked potatoes, hot dogs for chili dogs, or alongside a warm slice of cornbread.
With Sides: Enjoy with crispy tortilla chips for dipping or a side of saltine crackers.

Storage Instructions

Refrigerator: Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezer: For longer storage, portion chili into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, in the microwave, or gently warm it back up in the slow cooker.

Variations

Spice Level: Boost the heat by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño, or a dash of hot sauce.
Vegetarian: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground substitute and add extra beans or diced vegetables like bell peppers and corn.
Smoky Flavor: Introduce a smoky depth with a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a few drops of liquid smoke.
Different Meats: Experiment with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even Italian sausage for a unique twist on this slow cooker chili.

Nutrition Information

This slow cook chili offers a balanced meal, providing essential nutrients.

Nutrient	Value
Calories	340 kcal
Carbs	41 g
Protein	33 g
Fat	6 g
Saturated Fat	2 g
Cholesterol	56 mg
Sodium	889 mg
Fiber	13 g
Sugar	7 g

Disclaimer: Nutrition information is an estimate based on ingredients and may vary. Values are per serving.

Frequently Asked Questions

Get quick answers to common questions about making the best chili recipe crockpot.

Can I put raw ground beef in a crockpot for chili? It is best to brown the ground beef first. This enhances flavor and texture, while also allowing you to drain excess fat. For more information on safely handling ground meat, refer to USDA guidelines for meat preparation.
What if my chili is too thin/thick? If too thin, remove the lid for the last hour to reduce moisture. If too thick, stir in a little beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
Can I freeze chili? Yes, chili freezes beautifully for up to three months. Store it in airtight, freezer-safe containers for best results.
How do I make chili spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne pepper, a diced jalapeño with seeds, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce to taste.

Conclusion

This chili recipe crockpot truly showcases how simple and delicious home cooking can be. With minimal prep and the magic of your slow cooker, you can create a deeply flavorful, comforting meal that feeds a crowd. We encourage you to try this beginner-friendly, time-saving classic soon. Share your wonderful chili creations and leave a review; we love hearing from you!