This hearty and flavorful Crockpot chili is the perfect comfort food. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it’s a set-it-and-forget-it meal that’s great for busy days, game nights, or cozy family dinners.
Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef (or substitute with ground turkey or chicken)
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15-oz) can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (6-oz) can tomato paste
1 1/2 cups beef broth (or chicken/vegetable broth)
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
Brown the Meat
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
Sauté the Onion and Garlic
In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Transfer to Crockpot
Add the cooked ground beef, onions, and garlic to the Crockpot.
Add the Remaining Ingredients
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
Cook the Chili
Cover the Crockpot and cook:
Low: 6-8 hours
High: 3-4 hours
Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking.
Adjust Seasoning
Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, chili powder, or cayenne for spice.
Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.
Tips for Success
Use Quality Ground Meat: For a richer flavor, try using a mix of ground beef and pork.
Add Vegetables: Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini can add extra texture and nutrition.
Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.
Spice Levels: Adjust the cayenne pepper to make the chili as mild or spicy as you like.
Serving Suggestions
Pair with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips.
Serve over rice, baked potatoes, or spaghetti for regional twists.
This Crockpot chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for feeding a group or meal prepping for the week. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavors become—making it even better as leftovers!
Hearty Crockpot Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef or substitute with ground turkey or chicken
- 1 large onion diced
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 28-oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 15-oz can diced tomatoes
- 1 15-oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 6-oz can tomato paste
- 1 1/2 cups beef broth or chicken/vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- 1 tsp salt adjust to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream, green onions, jalapeños
Instructions
- Brown the Meat
- Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain any excess grease.
- Sauté the Onion and Garlic
- In the same skillet, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Transfer to Crockpot
- Add the cooked ground beef, onions, and garlic to the Crockpot.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients
- Stir in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well to combine.
- Cook the Chili
- Cover the Crockpot and cook:
- Low: 6-8 hours
- High: 3-4 hours
- Stir occasionally if possible to ensure even cooking.
- Adjust Seasoning
- Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more salt, chili powder, or cayenne for spice.
- Serve and Enjoy
- Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.