There’s nothing quite as comforting as a warm bowl of Crockpot Chili simmered low and slow to perfection. Whether it’s a chilly weeknight dinner or you’re hosting a game-day crowd, this easy Crock Pot chili will steal the show.
Loaded with rich beef, hearty beans, and a perfect blend of spices, this slow cooker chili recipe delivers big flavor with minimal effort. It’s the kind of meal that feels like a hug in a bowl—simple, satisfying, and downright delicious.
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Why You’ll Love This Classic Crockpot Chili
This isn’t just another chili recipe—this is the ultimate Crockpot chili recipe, and here’s why it works so well:
- Dump-and-go simplicity: No need to babysit a simmering pot.
- Big, bold flavor: Long, slow cooking melds everything together beautifully.
- Crowd-pleaser: Mild enough for picky eaters but easily customizable for spice lovers.
- Meal prep gold: Stores and freezes like a dream.
For the perfect side, try it with cheddar bay biscuits or spoon it over cheesy mashed potato puffs for a true comfort meal.
Ingredients for the Best Crock Pot Chili Recipes
You probably have most of these pantry staples on hand already. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 2 lbs ground beef (or turkey)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz) fire-roasted tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne (optional for spice)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Looking for a lower-fat version? Try ground turkey and explore our turkey and pepper stir-fry for more lean meal ideas.
How to Make Crockpot Chili (Step-by-Step)
Step 1: Brown the Meat
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain off any fat.
Step 2: Sauté Aromatics
Add chopped onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes until softened.
Step 3: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and spices. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Cook
Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until flavors are melded and chili is thickened.
Step 5: Taste and Serve
Adjust seasoning if needed, then serve with your favorite toppings.
For a hearty side, consider these garlic herb roasted potatoes, carrots, and zucchini.
Best Chili Toppings
Take your chili to the next level with toppings like:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Avocado slices
- Green onions
- Crumbled tortilla chips
- Fresh cilantro
- Jalapeño slices (for heat)
Pair with a slice of cheesy zucchini bread or pumpkin twists for a cozy fall meal.
Variations on Crockpot Chili
This base recipe is super flexible. Here are some fun ways to switch things up:
Turkey Crockpot Chili
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Vegetarian Crockpot Chili
Skip the meat and double up on beans. Add diced sweet potatoes, lentils, or quinoa for a protein boost. You might also love our vegetarian pasta primavera.
Sweet & Smoky
Add a tablespoon of brown sugar or cocoa powder for depth.
Extra Spicy
Increase the cayenne or add chipotle peppers in adobo for serious heat.
What to Serve with Crockpot Chili
Looking for sides to complete the meal? Try these:
- Cottage cheese flatbread
- Cream cheese pumpkin bread
- Garlic butter corn with melty cheese
- Pumpkin cinnamon rolls
Craving a sweet treat after dinner? Try our apple crisp with oatmeal or pumpkin cheesecake truffles.
How to Store, Freeze & Reheat
One of the best things about this slow cooker chili recipe is how well it stores:
- To store: Refrigerate in airtight containers for up to 5 days.
- To freeze: Portion into freezer-safe bags and store for up to 3 months.
- To reheat: Warm gently in a pot or microwave. Add a splash of broth if it’s too thick.
You can also repurpose leftovers into chili cheese dog casserole or serve over rice, baked potatoes, or even mini Halloween pizzas.
Pro Tips for the Best Chili Recipe
- Don’t skip browning: It adds crucial depth of flavor.
- Fire-roasted tomatoes bring natural smokiness.
- Let it rest before serving: Chili thickens and flavors bloom.
- Batch cooking: Double the recipe for freezer meals.
Want more cozy meal inspiration? Browse our full Dinner Recipes.
Final Thoughts
This Crockpot chili is a classic for a reason. It’s hearty, flavorful, easy to make, and sure to please everyone at the table. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or prepping for a week of meals, this slow cooker chili recipe is the one you’ll come back to again and again.
Don’t forget to finish the meal with a sweet bite like our Halloween snack mix or pumpkin oatmeal cookies.
Print
The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe for Cozy, Hands-Off Comfort Food
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings 1x
Description
This Crockpot Chili is rich, hearty, and full of bold flavor. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warming spices, it’s the perfect set-it-and-forget-it dinner for cozy weeknights, game day, or meal prep. With only 15 minutes of prep, this slow cooker chili delivers comfort food magic every time.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (85/15 recommended)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (15-oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 (15-oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 3 oz tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for heat)
Instructions
- Brown beef and onions: In a skillet, sauté onion until translucent. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add garlic and tomato paste: Stir in garlic and tomato paste. Cook 1 minute to enhance flavor.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Add beef mixture, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beans, broth, and spices. Stir well.
- Cook low and slow: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Season and adjust: Taste before serving, adding more salt, pepper, or broth as needed.
- Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, cilantro, jalapeños, or avocado.
Notes
- Browning the meat and onions first adds deeper flavor.
- Use rinsed canned beans to reduce sodium and starch.
- For leaner chili, substitute ground turkey or chicken.
- Chili thickens as it rests — let it sit 15 minutes before serving.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after flavors develop.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Category: Dinner, Chili, Slow Cooker
- Method: Slow Cooker, Crockpot
- Cuisine: American, Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
Keywords: Crockpot Chili, Slow Cooker Chili, Easy Crockpot Chili, Best Chili Recipe, Comfort Food Chili, Ground Beef Chili
