Crockpot Chili Recipe

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Hearty, flavorful, and slow-cooked to perfection

There’s nothing cozier than a big bowl of homemade chili simmered low and slow. 🌶️🍲 This Crockpot Chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and so easy to make—just toss everything into your slow cooker and let it work its magic. Perfect for game days, weeknight dinners, or meal prep, it’s packed with tender ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices that will make your kitchen smell amazing all day. The best part? It’s customizable! Add extra heat, swap the protein, or load it with toppings. Comfort food doesn’t get easier—or tastier—than this slow cooker chili.

Time Breakdown

  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 6–8 hours (LOW) or 3–4 hours (HIGH)
  • Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
  • Servings: 6–8

Ingredients List

  • 2 pounds ground beef (or ground chicken/turkey for lighter option)
  • 1 medium onion, diced
  • 1 red bell pepper, diced
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
  • 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained & rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • ½ cup beef broth (or chicken broth)

Optional Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, jalapeños, cilantro, tortilla chips

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

This recipe doesn’t require fancy gadgets, just a few reliable kitchen basics to keep everything simple and stress-free.

  • Large skillet (for browning beef)
  • Slow cooker / Crockpot
  • Wooden spoon
  • Cutting board & sharp knife
  • Measuring cups & spoons
  • Ladle for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

  1. Brown the beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess fat. 🍖
  2. Load the Crockpot: Add browned beef, onion, bell pepper, garlic, tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, and spices into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
  3. Cook: Cover and cook on LOW 6–8 hours or HIGH 3–4 hours, until flavors meld. 🍲✨
  4. Taste & adjust: Add more salt, spice, or broth as needed.
  5. Serve hot: Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips. 🧀🌶️

Pro Tips

  • Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day—perfect for meal prep.
  • Thicker Chili: Leave uncovered for last 30 minutes or stir in 1 tablespoon cornmeal.
  • Heat Level: Adjust cayenne or add jalapeños for extra kick.
  • Serving Idea: Serve over rice, baked potatoes, or cornbread for a hearty twist.

Nutrition Table

Serving SizeCaloriesProteinCarbsFatFiberSugar
1 bowl36028g30g14g8g9g