Description

Nothing beats the bold, hearty comfort of Crockpot Chili — a slow-cooked, flavor-packed dish perfect for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, or game day gatherings. With tender ground beef, rich tomatoes, hearty beans, and warm spices, this easy recipe requires minimal effort and delivers big on taste. Whether you’re meal prepping, looking for easy dinner ideas, or simply craving a warm, satisfying bowl, this slow cooker chili is your answer. It’s one of those food ideas that works for everyone — a healthy snack, a quick dinner, or part of your weekly meal rotation.

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

1 large onion, diced

4 cloves garlic, minced

15 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed

15 ounces black beans, drained and rinsed

14.5 ounces diced tomatoes with juice

6 ounces tomato paste

15 ounces tomato sauce

1 green bell pepper, diced

1 red bell pepper, diced

2 tablespoons chili powder

1 tablespoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 cup beef broth or water

Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, cilantro

Instructions

1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.

2. Add the diced onions and minced garlic. Cook for 3-4 minutes until softened. Drain excess grease.

3. Transfer the beef mixture into the crockpot and spread it evenly.

4. Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, tomato sauce, diced bell peppers, and beef broth.

5. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne. Stir well.

6. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.

7. In the last hour, taste and adjust seasonings. Add more broth if needed.

8. Serve hot with desired toppings such as cheese, sour cream, or cornbread.

Notes

Browning the beef before slow cooking creates a richer, more robust flavor.

Always drain and rinse your canned beans to avoid excess saltiness.

Let the chili simmer with the lid off near the end if you want a thicker texture.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Dinner
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 320
Sugar: 5g
Sodium: 780mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Unsaturated Fat: 7g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 22g
Fiber: 6g
Protein: 25g
Cholesterol: 60mg

Keywords: crockpot chili, easy dinner, slow cooker recipes, chili recipe, game day food, comfort food