Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe for Family Cozy Nights

My go-to easy crockpot chili recipe delivers comfort in every hearty spoonful.

Lazy weekend cooking becomes a breeze with minimal prep work.

Tender meat and rich beans mingle with deep, smoky spices that warm you from the inside out.

Home kitchens buzz with anticipation when this classic dish starts simmering slowly.

Weeknight dinners feel like special occasions with such minimal effort required.

Cold evenings call for robust flavors that fill your kitchen with inviting aromas.

Grab a ladle and savor this simple, soul-satisfying meal that promises deliciousness in every bite.

Key Features of Crockpot Chili

• Dump ingredients into the crockpot and let it simmer, creating a delicious dinner with minimal hands-on cooking time.
• Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or cozy weekend meals that satisfy everyone's hunger with hearty, warm flavors.
• Uses affordable ground beef and pantry staples, delivering a filling meal that stretches your grocery budget without compromising taste.
• Requires just 10-15 minutes of initial preparation, then the slow cooker does all the hard work while you relax or tackle other tasks.

Ingredients Needed for Crockpot Chili Recipe

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and protein for the chili, best when lean for less grease.
• Bacon (Optional): Adds smoky depth and extra richness to the overall meat profile.

• Onion, Garlic: Essential for creating a robust flavor foundation, fresh ingredients boost taste complexity.

• Tomato Sauce, Crushed Tomatoes: Core base that creates the classic chili texture and tangy undertone.
• Beef Broth: Helps develop deeper meat flavor and ensures perfect consistency.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Signature spices that give authentic chili warmth and southwestern character.
• Salt, Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance all other flavors.

• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-rich additions that provide authentic chili texture and nutritional value.
• Corn (Optional): Adds sweetness and color contrast to the dish.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Classic chili accompaniments for added freshness and richness.

Instructions to Cook Chili in the Crockpot

Sizzle The Ground Beef

In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until it turns a rich, golden brown. Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks, ensuring even browning and maximum flavor development.

Infuse With Aromatic Vegetables

• Add diced onions
• Sprinkle minced garlic

Sauté the vegetables for 2 minutes until they become translucent and release their fragrant oils. Carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to keep the chili from becoming greasy.

Transfer To Crockpot

Slide the browned beef and sautéed vegetables into the crockpot, creating a robust base for your hearty chili.

Build The Flavor Foundation

• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato sauce
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir all ingredients thoroughly, ensuring each component is evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Slow Cook To Perfection

Cover the crockpot and set it to low heat. Allow the chili to simmer and develop deep, rich flavors for 6-8 hours.

Garnish And Serve

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Serve hot in deep bowls, accompanied by cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Smart Tips for Flavorful Crockpot Chili

• Prevent Greasy Chili: Brown ground beef thoroughly and drain excess fat to reduce oiliness and enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
• Boost Flavor Depth: Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot to unlock their rich, caramelized taste and intensify the chili's aroma.
• Customize Heat Level: Adjust spiciness by adding more or less chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce according to personal preference.
• Make Ahead Friendly: Prepare chili in advance and refrigerate overnight, allowing flavors to meld and develop a more complex taste profile.
• Dietary Adaptations: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for a lighter or vegetarian version of the recipe.

How to Store and Reheat Crockpot Chili

• Transfer leftover chili to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent condensation.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, then warm in a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally and add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even heating until thoroughly warm.

Great Pairings for Crockpot Chili

• Warm, slightly sweet cornbread perfectly balances the rich, spicy chili by adding a soft texture and complementary flavor that soaks up the hearty sauce.
• Choose a robust amber ale or hoppy IPA that stands up to the chili's bold spices, cutting through the meat's richness while enhancing the overall taste experience.
• Garnish with sharp cheddar cheese, cool sour cream, and crisp chopped green onions to add layers of temperature, tang, and crunch that brighten each spoonful of chili.
• Serve alongside creamy coleslaw to provide a cool, crunchy contrast that refreshes the palate between hearty spoonfuls of spicy, meaty chili.

Crockpot Chili Customization Options

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced firm tofu for a meat-free option. Add extra beans like black beans or kidney beans for protein boost.
• Lean Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lower-fat version. These leaner meats still provide excellent flavor and protein content.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free. Replace any potential wheat-based thickeners with cornstarch or arrowroot powder to maintain recipe integrity.
• Spicy Southwest Variation: Increase heat by adding diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a splash of hot sauce. Incorporate roasted green chiles for deeper smoky flavor profile.

FAQs for Crockpot Chili

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is an excellent lean alternative. Simply follow the same cooking instructions as ground beef, ensuring it’s fully browned and cooked through.

• Do I need to brown the meat before putting it in the crockpot?

Browning the meat first adds deeper flavor and helps remove excess fat. While not strictly necessary, it significantly enhances the chili’s taste and texture.

• How can I make the chili less spicy?

Reduce or eliminate the chili powder and cayenne pepper. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of shredded cheese to cool down the heat.

• Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

Most ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Just double-check that your canned tomatoes, beans, and seasonings are certified gluten-free to ensure total safety for those with gluten sensitivities.

Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 10 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Comfort meets convenience in this hearty crockpot chili, blending robust flavors with minimal prep. Meat, beans, and spices meld together slowly, promising a soul-warming meal that delivers maximum satisfaction with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1.5 pounds ground beef (or ground turkey)

Canned Ingredients:

• 1 (28 ounces) can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 (15 ounces) can tomato sauce
• 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans (or pinto beans), drained and rinsed
• 1 (6 ounces) can tomato paste

Seasonings and Liquid Ingredients:

• 1.5 cups beef broth (or water)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for spice)

Aromatics:

• 1 small onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced

Toppings:

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Chopped green onions
• Crushed tortilla chips

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, breaking it into crumbly bits until a rich, caramel-brown color develops and no pink remains.
2. Incorporate diced onions and minced garlic into the meat, sautéing until aromatics become translucent and fragrant, releasing their sweet, pungent essence.
3. Carefully drain accumulated grease, ensuring a lean, flavorful base for the chili.
4. Transfer the beef and onion mixture into the crockpot, creating a robust foundation for the dish.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and tomato sauce, stirring to distribute ingredients evenly throughout the pot.
6. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, and paprika across the surface, gently folding to integrate the warm, complex spices.
7. Add a splash of beef broth to enhance moisture and deepen the overall flavor profile.
8. Cover and set the crockpot to low heat, allowing ingredients to meld and develop a rich, harmonious taste over 6-8 hours.
9. Periodically stir the chili, ensuring spices are well-distributed and preventing any potential scorching.
10. Taste and adjust seasoning in the final hour of cooking, adding salt and pepper as needed to balance the flavor.
11. Serve piping hot, garnished with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease and create a cleaner, healthier chili base.
• Consider browning meat in batches to ensure proper caramelization and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Season ground beef with salt and pepper during cooking to enhance the meat’s natural flavor profile.
• For vegetarian options, swap ground beef with plant-based crumbles or hearty beans like black and kidney beans to maintain protein content.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (LOW) or 3-4 hours (HIGH)
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 6 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 30 g
• Fiber: 10 g
• Protein: 25 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg