Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe – Classic, Hearty, and Set-It-and-Forget-It Good!
There’s something deeply comforting about a big bowl of warm, hearty chili — and it gets even better when you can toss everything into a slow cooker and let it do the magic. This Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe is perfect for busy days when you want a flavor-packed, no-fuss dinner with minimal cleanup. 🌶️🍲With lean ground beef, two kinds of beans, diced tomatoes, and the perfect mix of spices, this chili delivers a rich, slow-cooked taste that will have everyone going back for seconds (or thirds!). It’s thick, robust, and loaded with layers of flavor — and the best part? All the work happens while you go about your day.Perfect for meal prep, potlucks, or lazy Sundays, this chili is easy to customize, freezer-friendly, and always a crowd favorite. If you’re a fan of warm, spiced comfort food, be sure to check out Slow Cooker Beef Stew and One-Pot Taco Pasta.
Equipment
- Large skillet – for browning the beef
- 6-quart slow cooker (Crockpot or similar)
- Spatula or wooden spoon
- Cutting board & knife – for chopping onion and garlic
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Ladle – for serving
Ingredients
Meat:
- 1 lb ground beef lean, 85% preferred
Produce:
- 1 small onion chopped
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 15 oz can black beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained & rinsed
- 1 4 oz can green chilies, mild or hot
- 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes, with juices
Canned Goods:
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices:
- 1½ tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper adjust to heat preference
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp salt or to taste
- 🔁 Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, avocado, jalapeños, green onions, tortilla chips
Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until no longer pink.
- Add chopped onion and garlic, cooking for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Drain any excess fat and transfer mixture to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Dump Everything In
- To the Crockpot, add:
- Black beans, kidney beans, and green chilies
- Diced tomatoes (with juices)
- Tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth
- Chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne, salt, and black pepper
Step 3: Cook
- Stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on:
- Low for 6–8 hours
- High for 3–4 hours
- ✅ Tip: The longer it simmers, the more the flavors develop!
Step 4: Taste & Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
🔁 Variations
1. Turkey or Chicken Chili
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. 2. Vegetarian Chili
Omit the meat and add corn, extra beans, or sweet potatoes. 3. Spicy Chili
Add 1–2 diced jalapeños or increase the cayenne to taste. 4. Smoky Bacon Chili
Add 2–3 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky kick. 5. Kid-Friendly Mild Chili
Cut the chili powder to 1 tbsp and omit cayenne for a gentler version. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freezer:
Freeze in meal-size containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave. Reheat:
Microwave on medium heat or reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to brown the meat first?
Technically no, but browning adds flavor and improves texture. 2. Can I use canned chili beans instead?
Yes! You can sub one of the beans with chili beans in sauce for extra depth. 3. Can I add corn or bell peppers?
Absolutely! Stir in 1 cup of corn or chopped bell pepper before cooking. 4. What’s the best type of ground meat?
Lean ground beef (85/15) works best — not too greasy, but still flavorful. 5. Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your broth and tomato products are certified gluten-free. 6. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the beef using “Sauté,” add everything, and cook on Manual for 12 minutes with a natural release. 7. How can I thicken chili?
Simmer uncovered, or stir in a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal. 8. What toppings go best?
Try shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced avocado, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a 7+ quart slow cooker and add a bit more broth. 10. What should I serve with it?
Pair with cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or a green salad. ✅ Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Chili is everything a cozy dinner should be — rich, satisfying, and incredibly low-effort. With hearty beef, two types of beans, and bold spices, it’s perfect for a busy weekday or a relaxing game-day meal. Customize it to suit your spice level, add your favorite toppings, and freeze the leftovers for a no-stress meal later. Once you try this one, it’s bound to become a family favorite. 🙌 Looking for more slow-cooked goodness? Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Vegetarian Lentil Chili Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili
1. Turkey or Chicken Chili
Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or ground chicken. 2. Vegetarian Chili
Omit the meat and add corn, extra beans, or sweet potatoes. 3. Spicy Chili
Add 1–2 diced jalapeños or increase the cayenne to taste. 4. Smoky Bacon Chili
Add 2–3 slices of cooked, crumbled bacon for a smoky kick. 5. Kid-Friendly Mild Chili
Cut the chili powder to 1 tbsp and omit cayenne for a gentler version. 🧊 Storage & Reheating
Refrigerator:
Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Freezer:
Freeze in meal-size containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or defrost in the microwave. Reheat:
Microwave on medium heat or reheat in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally. ❓ 10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Do I need to brown the meat first?
Technically no, but browning adds flavor and improves texture. 2. Can I use canned chili beans instead?
Yes! You can sub one of the beans with chili beans in sauce for extra depth. 3. Can I add corn or bell peppers?
Absolutely! Stir in 1 cup of corn or chopped bell pepper before cooking. 4. What’s the best type of ground meat?
Lean ground beef (85/15) works best — not too greasy, but still flavorful. 5. Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, just ensure your broth and tomato products are certified gluten-free. 6. Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
Yes! Sauté the beef using “Sauté,” add everything, and cook on Manual for 12 minutes with a natural release. 7. How can I thicken chili?
Simmer uncovered, or stir in a tablespoon of masa harina or cornmeal. 8. What toppings go best?
Try shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced avocado, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips. 9. Can I double the recipe?
Yes — just use a 7+ quart slow cooker and add a bit more broth. 10. What should I serve with it?
Pair with cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or a green salad. ✅ Conclusion
This Easy Crockpot Chili is everything a cozy dinner should be — rich, satisfying, and incredibly low-effort. With hearty beef, two types of beans, and bold spices, it’s perfect for a busy weekday or a relaxing game-day meal. Customize it to suit your spice level, add your favorite toppings, and freeze the leftovers for a no-stress meal later. Once you try this one, it’s bound to become a family favorite. 🙌 Looking for more slow-cooked goodness? Slow Cooker White Chicken Chili Vegetarian Lentil Chili Sweet Potato Black Bean Chili