There is nothing quite like coming home to the savory, mouth-watering aroma of chili that has been slow-cooking all day. This Easy Crockpot Chili recipe is designed for those busy weeknights or lazy Sundays when you want a hearty, comforting meal without spending hours over the stove. By browning the beef and sautéing the aromatics first, you lock in layers of deep flavor that only get better as they meld together in the slow cooker.
Whether you are feeding a hungry family or meal-prepping for a long week, this recipe delivers the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and savory notes. Packed with protein from lean ground beef and a trio of beans, it is a versatile base that pairs beautifully with everything from classic cornbread to a side of elbow macaroni for a “chili mac” twist. Grab your slow cooker and let’s get started on a bowl of comfort that truly tastes like it was made with love.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Minimal Effort, Maximum Flavor: Most of the “work” happens in the slow cooker while you go about your day.
• Perfect for Crowds: This recipe makes a generous batch, making it ideal for game days, potlucks, or family gatherings.
• Customizable Heat: The spice level is easily adjustable—add more chili powder or some cayenne if you like a kick, or keep it mild for the kids.
• Great for Meal Prep: Chili often tastes even better the next day, and it freezes beautifully for future quick dinners.
Ingredients
- 2.5 lbs ground beef (~1.13 kg)
- 1 large white onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 yellow pepper, diced
- 1 tbsp minced garlic (~15 ml)
- 2 (14oz) cans diced tomatoes (~396 g per can)
- 15oz kidney beans (~425 g)
- 15oz black beans (~425 g)
- 15oz can tomato sauce (~425 g)
- 6oz can tomato paste (~170 g)
- 1 cup beef broth (~237 ml)
- 3 tbsp chili powder (~45 ml)
- 2 tsp brown sugar (~10 ml)
- 2 tsp cumin (~10 ml)
- 2 tsp paprika (~10 ml)
- 1 tsp oregano (~5 ml)
- 1 tsp onion powder (~5 ml)
- 1 tsp garlic powder (~5 ml)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (~2.5 ml)
- Salt, to taste
- Olive oil for browning beef
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Beef: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess liquid or fat from the pan.
2. Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced white onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables have softened slightly. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker.
4. Add Pantry Staples: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
5. Season and Hydrate: Add the beef broth and all dry spices, including the chili powder, brown sugar, and herbs. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are well-incorporated.
6. Slow Cook: Set the crockpot to cook for 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High.
7. Final Adjustments: About 30 minutes before serving, give the chili a good stir. Taste and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your preference.
Tips for Success
• Don’t Skip the Browning: While you can throw raw meat in some slow cooker recipes, browning the beef and sautéing the onions first adds a crucial “Maillard reaction” flavor that raw simmering can’t replicate.
• Rinse Your Beans: For a cleaner chili flavor and to control the sodium content, drain and rinse the canned beans before adding them to the pot.
• Thickness Control: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it cook with the lid slightly ajar for the last 30-45 minutes. If it’s too thick, add a splash more beef broth.
• The “Secret” Toppings: Serve with a spread of shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, green onions, and fresh cilantro.
Storage and Freshness
• Fridge: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.
• Freezer: This is an excellent freezer meal! Store in heavy-duty freezer bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheating: Warm leftovers on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. You may need to add a tablespoon of water or broth to loosen it up after it has been chilled.
Crockpot Chili Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the Beef: Heat a splash of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until fully browned. Drain any excess liquid or fat from the pan.
- Sauté Aromatics: Add the diced white onion and bell peppers to the skillet with the beef. Cook for 2-3 minutes until the vegetables have softened slightly. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Combine in Crockpot: Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker.
- Add Pantry Staples: Pour in the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and tomato paste.
- Season and Hydrate: Add the beef broth and all dry spices, including the chili powder, brown sugar, and herbs. Stir everything thoroughly to ensure the spices are well-incorporated.
- Slow Cook: Set the crockpot to cook for 6-8 hours on Low or 3-4 hours on High.
- Final Adjustments: About 30 minutes before serving, give the chili a good stir. Taste and adjust the salt or other seasonings to your preference.
Video
@bubbas_daughter The best chili recipe for a crowd. There’s nothing like crockpot chili during the winter, especially for the Super Bowl 🥩🫘🥫🥣 #chilirecipe #easychili #crockpotchili #crockpotrecipe #superbowlrecipes Recipe: 2.5 lbs ground beef 1 large white onion, diced 1 red bell pepper, diced 1 yellow pepper, diced 1 tbsp minced garlic 2 14oz cans diced tomatoes 15oz kidney beans 15oz black beans 1 can 15oz tomato sauce 1 can 6oz tomato paste 1 cup beef broth 3 tbsp chili powder (add more if desired) 2 tsp brown sugar 2 tsp cumin 2 tsp paprika 1 tsp oregano 1 tsp onion powder 1 tsp garlic powder 1/2 tsp black pepper Salt, to taste Olive oil for browning beef 1.) Brown ground beef with olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Drain excess liquid if there’s a lot. 2.) Add onions and bell peppers. Cook 2-3 minutes til softened. Stir in garlic and cook another minute. 3.) Transfer to crockpot and incorporate all other ingredients and seasonings. 4.) Cook 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high. 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings to preference if needed.
♬ original sound – 𝙇𝙭𝙪𝙞𝙨𝙨𝙤𝙪𝙣𝙙𝙯 🎧