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
Scale
- 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