Ultimate Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili: A Hearty & Flavorful Slow Cooker Recipe
Craving a meal that’s both deeply satisfying and incredibly simple to prepare? This easy Crock Pot Beef Chili is your answer! Perfect for a cozy day indoors, a quick weeknight dinner, or a comforting dish to warm you up during a chilly evening, this recipe is a true set-it-and-forget-it wonder. Packed with robust ingredients like savory ground beef, tender red kidney beans, aromatic onions, and rich tomatoes, every spoonful delivers a burst of flavor and a feeling of warmth. Say goodbye to complicated, fussy dinners tonight – embrace the convenience and deliciousness of this toss-and-go slow cooker chili recipe that the whole family will adore!
Homemade slow cooker chili is truly one of those culinary triumphs that’s incredibly difficult to get wrong. It requires minimal effort and attention, yet consistently delivers a rich, flavorful, and wonderfully comforting meal. Preparing a large pot of crockpot chili is not only easy on the cook but also a guaranteed crowd-pleaser for the entire family. Its versatility means everyone can customize their bowl to perfection, making it a beloved dish in countless households.
Whether you prefer it with a side of Honey Jalapeno Cheddar Cornbread, crisp crackers, or simply enjoyed on its own, this chili is designed to please every palate. The only variable you might wish to adjust is the spice level. I personally enjoy a robustly spicy chili, but I often opt for a milder version, especially when cooking for guests or younger family members. This adaptability is just another reason why slow cooker beef chili is a staple in my kitchen.
Essential Ingredient Notes for Your Perfect Chili
Crafting the perfect crock pot chili begins with understanding your ingredients. While the recipe is straightforward, these notes will help you make the best choices and substitutions for a truly exceptional meal.
- Ground Beef – For a rich, robust flavor, we recommend using lean ground beef, such as 80/20 or 85/15. The slight fat content helps carry the spices and keeps the chili moist. If you’re looking for a leaner alternative, ground turkey or even ground chicken work beautifully and will still absorb all the wonderful flavors during the slow cooking process. Always remember to thoroughly brown and drain any excess fat from your chosen ground meat before adding it to the crockpot.
- Jalapenos – These vibrant peppers add a fantastic kick and depth of flavor. Their heat level can vary, so feel free to adjust to your preference. If you prefer a milder chili, you can easily omit them or remove the seeds and white membrane (where most of the capsaicin resides) before slicing. For an extra spicy punch, leave the seeds and membrane intact, or even add an additional jalapeno!
- Beans – Our recipe calls for a delightful combination of white beans and red kidney beans, which contribute both texture and earthy flavor. However, chili is incredibly forgiving when it comes to beans! Feel free to use your favorite variety or a mix of several. Black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even great northern beans would all be excellent choices. Just be sure to rinse canned beans thoroughly before adding them to remove excess sodium and improve their texture.
- Onions and Bell Pepper – These foundational aromatics are key to building a deep flavor base. Finely dicing them ensures they soften beautifully and meld into the chili without being overtly chunky. Green bell pepper offers a classic chili flavor, but red, yellow, or orange bell peppers can be used for a slightly sweeter touch.
- Garlic – Freshly minced garlic is non-negotiable for a truly flavorful chili. Its pungent aroma transforms into a sweet, savory depth as it sautés and slow cooks.
- Diced Tomatoes and Tomato Sauce – These provide the essential tangy, rich, and slightly sweet tomato base that is characteristic of a classic chili. The diced tomatoes add texture, while the sauce contributes to the overall consistency. Choose good quality canned tomatoes for the best results.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano – This quartet of spices forms the heart and soul of your chili’s flavor profile. Don’t skimp on quality, and feel free to adjust amounts to suit your taste. A good chili powder blend is crucial, and cumin adds an unmistakable earthy warmth. Smoked paprika can be a wonderful addition for an extra layer of complexity.
- Butter – A small amount of butter used for sautéing the vegetables adds a luxurious richness and helps to soften the aromatics beautifully, allowing them to release their full flavor.
How to Make the Best Crock Pot Beef Chili
Making this Crock Pot Chili is incredibly simple, breaking down into just a few easy steps. Follow these instructions for a perfectly cooked, flavorful chili every time.
- Brown and Sauté for Flavor Foundation – Start by browning your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it apart with a spoon as it cooks until it’s no longer pink. This crucial step develops deep, savory flavors through the Maillard reaction. Once fully cooked, drain any excess fat thoroughly to avoid a greasy chili, and transfer the browned beef to the bottom of your slow cooker. Next, in the same skillet, melt the butter. Once shimmering, add your finely diced onions, bell pepper, minced garlic, and sliced jalapenos (if using). Sauté these aromatics for about 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the vegetables begin to soften and release their sweet fragrance. This step is key for building a rich flavor base.
- Assemble Everything in the Pot – Now comes the truly easy part! Layer your ingredients into the crockpot. Place the drained, browned ground beef at the bottom. Evenly sprinkle all the specified seasonings (chili powder, granulated garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper) over the beef. Then, add the fragrant sautéed onion mixture on top. Finally, pour in the diced tomatoes, drained red kidney beans, white beans, and the canned tomato sauce.
- Stir, Cover, and Slow Cook to Perfection – Give all the ingredients a good, thorough stir in the crockpot to ensure everything is well combined and the spices are evenly distributed. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours. Slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld beautifully and intensify, resulting in a deeply satisfying chili with tender ingredients.
- Taste, Adjust, and Serve with Garnish – Once the 4 hours of slow cooking are complete, carefully remove the lid. Take a taste of your chili to assess the seasoning. This is your chance to add more salt, pepper, or any additional spices if you feel it needs a boost in flavor. If you add more seasonings, stir them in and let the chili cook for another 15-20 minutes to allow the new flavors to integrate. Ladle the hot chili into bowls and garnish generously. Popular choices include fresh jalapeno slices, a sprinkle of minced fresh cilantro or parsley, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, or sliced green onions. Serve immediately and savor every comforting bite!
Tips and Variations to Customize Your Chili
One of the best things about homemade chili is how easily you can customize it to your personal taste. Here are some fantastic tips and variations to make this crockpot beef chili uniquely yours:
- Amp Up the Heat with El Pato Sauce – If you’re a fan of spicy food and want to elevate the heat, consider swapping out half of the regular canned tomato sauce for a can of El Pato sauce (often found in the Mexican food aisle). This vibrant sauce is known for its distinct spicy kick, and its heat profile deepens and intensifies the longer it cooks, making it an outstanding choice for a fiery crockpot chili that will truly warm you up from the inside out.
- Achieve a Milder Chili Flavor – For those who prefer a less intense heat, making your chili milder is very simple. The primary source of heat in this recipe comes from the jalapenos. You can either completely skip adding them, or, for a subtle hint of their fresh flavor without too much spice, simply remove the seeds and the white inner membrane before slicing them. This significantly reduces the capsaicin content, resulting in a gentler chili.
- Experiment with Other Seasonings for Depth – While this chili recipe is already bursting with a balanced array of classic flavors, don’t hesitate to add other seasonings to suit your adventurous palate. Consider incorporating a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat increase, a teaspoon of ground coriander for an earthy, citrusy note, or even a touch of smoked paprika for an added layer of smoky depth. Some chili enthusiasts also swear by a small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder or a splash of coffee to deepen the color and add a rich, complex, almost undetectable background note. A bay leaf added during cooking and removed before serving can also contribute to a more profound flavor.
- Mix Up Your Bean Selection – If you’re not particularly fond of a single type of bean, or simply want to explore different textures and flavors, feel free to mix and match your beans! Combine black beans with pinto beans, or add some cannellini beans alongside the kidney beans. Keep in mind that altering the bean ratio might slightly change the chili’s thickness. If it becomes a bit thinner than you prefer, serving it with a generous slice of thick cornbread or over rice can easily make up for it.
- Thickening Your Chili – If your chili turns out thinner than desired after cooking, you have a few options. You can continue to simmer it on low with the lid ajar for another 30-60 minutes to allow some liquid to evaporate, or you can create a cornstarch slurry (1-2 tablespoons cornstarch mixed with an equal amount of cold water) and stir it into the hot chili. Let it cook for another 15-20 minutes until thickened.
- Make Ahead & Freezing – Chili is an excellent make-ahead meal. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. For longer storage, freeze cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
What Do You Serve with This Hearty Chili?
Chili is a wonderfully complete and well-rounded dish on its own, often needing nothing more than a simple accompaniment to soak up its rich flavors. Classic pairings like crisp crackers, a crusty loaf of bread, or a warm slice of cornbread are always a hit. However, if you’re looking to elevate your chili dinner into a more substantial and satisfying meal, there are many fantastic side dishes that complement its robust profile. Some exceptional options include fluffy Cheese Garlic Biscuits, sweet and creamy Creamed Corn, a luxurious Five Cheese Macaroni and Cheese, or a decadently rich Loaded Mac & Cheese. These sides add a delicious contrast in texture and flavor, making your chili experience even more enjoyable.
Beyond the sides, don’t forget the glorious toppings! A generous dollop of cool sour cream, a sprinkle of freshly shredded sharp cheddar cheese, and a scattering of vibrant green scallions (or finely chopped chives) on top would be absolutely fantastic, adding both visual appeal and an extra layer of creamy, tangy, and fresh flavors to each spoonful. Other popular toppings include sliced avocado, a dash of hot sauce, or even crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch.
Can I Make This Chili On The Stovetop Instead of a Crockpot?
Absolutely! While this recipe is optimized for the slow cooker, you can certainly adapt it for stovetop cooking if you’re short on time or prefer that method. Follow all the exact steps for browning the ground beef and sautéing the vegetables in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven. The main difference will be the cooking time. After all the ingredients are combined and thoroughly stirred, bring the chili to a gentle simmer over medium-low heat. Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer for approximately 55-60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until all the flavors have melded beautifully and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency. Be sure to keep an eye on it to prevent sticking and adjust the heat as needed.
Tried this incredibly easy and delicious Crock Pot Beef Chili recipe? Please take a moment to leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a thoughtful review in the comments section further down the page. Your feedback is greatly appreciated and helps other home cooks! And for more amazing recipes and culinary inspiration, consider following me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Crockpot Chili
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Equipment
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Crockpot (Slow Cooker)
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Large Skillet
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 15 ounces canned red kidney beans , rinsed and drained
- 15 ounces canned white beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 jalapenos, sliced (seeds removed for milder chili)
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 large yellow onion , finely diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes , undrained
- 3 8 oz cans tomato sauce
- 4 tbsp chili powder
- 1/2 tbsp granulated garlic
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp granulated sugar
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
Instructions
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In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart until it’s fully cooked and no pink remains. Drain any excess fat thoroughly from the skillet. Transfer the browned beef to the bottom of your crockpot.
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Evenly sprinkle all the chili powder, granulated garlic, cumin, paprika, oregano, sugar, salt, and pepper on top of the browned ground beef in the crockpot.
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In the same skillet you used for the beef, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and sliced jalapenos. Sauté these vegetables for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the onions become translucent and the peppers soften. Transfer this fragrant mixture on top of the seasoned beef in the crockpot.
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Add the undrained diced tomatoes, the rinsed and drained red kidney beans, white beans, and the canned tomato sauce to the crockpot. Stir all the ingredients thoroughly to combine everything evenly.
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Cover the crockpot with its lid and set it to cook on the LOW setting for 4 hours. Once the cooking time is complete, taste the chili to check the seasonings. If needed, add more salt, pepper, or any desired spices, stir well, and allow it to cook for an additional 15-20 minutes to fully incorporate the new flavors. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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