The Ultimate Hearty Crock Pot Chili Recipe: Easy Slow Cooker Comfort Food
When the weather turns cold, few dishes offer the warmth and satisfaction of a rich, savory bowl of chili. This crock pot chili recipe is designed to be thick, hearty, and incredibly easy to make, delivering maximum flavor with minimal effort. It’s the perfect comfort food for a chilly day, guaranteed to warm you from the inside out and become a staple in your recipe rotation.
Growing up, a big bowl of chili was a seasonal tradition in my family as soon as the temperatures dropped. It was our go-to for its comforting qualities and ability to fill us up. Today, that tradition continues in my own home, and I find myself reaching for this classic recipe time and again. There’s something truly special about a meal that simmers slowly all day, filling your home with an irresistible aroma and rewarding you with a deeply flavorful dish when you’re ready to eat.
And for me, chili isn’t complete without the perfect accompaniment. In my house, that means a generous slice of The Best Cornbread Recipe. Whether you prefer your cornbread sweet or savory, I’ve got you covered! If you’re not a fan of sweet cornbread, then my Southern Style Cornbread recipe is just what you need to complete your meal. The combination of warm, tender cornbread and robust chili is simply unbeatable.
Why Choose Slow Cooker Chili?
A big bowl of chili truly shines when its flavors have had ample time to meld and deepen. Traditionally, achieving this rich complexity often means simmering it on the stovetop for several hours, which isn’t always feasible on a busy weeknight. This is precisely where the beauty of crock pot chili comes into play. The slow cooker transforms chili from a weekend-only indulgence into an accessible weeknight meal, allowing you to enjoy this delicious dish any day of the week.
With a slow cooker, you simply combine your ingredients, set it, and let it work its magic throughout the day. The gentle, consistent heat of the crock pot ensures that every ingredient slowly contributes its essence, resulting in a chili with unparalleled depth of flavor and a wonderfully tender texture. Imagine walking through the door after a long day to the enticing aroma of homemade chili, ready and waiting for you to dig in without any last-minute fuss. It’s the ultimate convenience for a comforting, homemade meal.
While this recipe focuses on the slow cooker method, if you’re in a hurry and need chili on the table faster, a pressure cooker is another fantastic option. You can easily adapt this recipe or try an Instant Pot version like my Instant Pot Turkey Chili. The beauty of chili is its versatility: whether you use ground beef or ground turkey, the core recipe remains wonderfully adaptable and delicious, delivering a satisfying meal regardless of the cooking method.
What’s In This Hearty Crock Pot Chili?
This crock pot chili recipe is crafted to be exceptionally thick and hearty, brimming with complex flavors that are robust without being overly spicy or overpowering. It’s a balanced blend that appeals to most palates, offering a satisfying depth in every spoonful. Here’s a detailed look at the ingredients that make this chili truly special:
- Vegetable Oil: For browning the beef and sautéing the onions, building the foundational flavors.
- Onions: Finely chopped, they provide a sweet and aromatic base that deepens as it cooks.
- Ground Beef: The star of the show, providing a rich, savory meatiness.
- Garlic: Essential for aromatic depth, intensifying the savory notes.
- Beer or Beef Broth: This liquid component is crucial for flavor. Beer adds a malty richness and a subtle tang, while beef broth offers a pure, savory foundation. Choose what suits your taste or what you have on hand.
- Dark Red Kidney Beans: Contributes a substantial, meaty texture and classic chili flavor.
- Light Red Kidney Beans: Adds another layer of texture and color, complementing the dark kidney beans.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the smooth, tangy base of the chili.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Adds texture and a richer tomato flavor, contributing to the chili’s desired thickness.
- Chili Powder: The primary spice, delivering that signature chili warmth and flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Essential for its earthy, smoky notes that are characteristic of traditional chili.
- Coriander: Adds a hint of citrusy, floral brightness that balances the heavier spices.
- Cayenne Pepper: Provides a gentle kick of heat. As written, this recipe is mildly spicy, allowing the other flavors to shine.
- Salt & Pepper: Fundamental seasonings to enhance and balance all the ingredients.
If you prefer your chili with a more pronounced heat, feel free to increase the amount of cayenne pepper. Alternatively, for a fresh spicy kick, you can add a finely diced jalapeño along with the onions when you begin cooking. This chili is designed for customization, so don’t hesitate to adjust the spices to match your personal preference for warmth and intensity.
How To Make This Easy Crock Pot Chili
For the full, detailed recipe card with precise measurements and nutritional information, please scroll to the bottom of this post.
Making this crock pot chili is incredibly straightforward, involving just a few simple steps. The key is allowing the slow cooker to do most of the work, transforming simple ingredients into a meal bursting with flavor.
- Brown the Beef and Onions: Begin by heating the vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and the finely chopped onions. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the meat is thoroughly browned and the onions have softened and become translucent. This crucial step creates a flavorful foundation for your chili.
- Add the Garlic and Drain Fat: Once the beef is browned and the onions are tender, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for just one to two minutes, or until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! At this point, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet to ensure your chili isn’t greasy.
- Combine All Ingredients in the Crock Pot: Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the beer or beef broth, both types of kidney beans (drained and rinsed), tomato sauce, crushed tomatoes, chili powder, ground cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Secure the lid on your crock pot. Set it to the low setting and cook for 6-7 hours. This long, slow simmer is what allows the flavors to fully develop and meld, resulting in a rich, deeply satisfying chili that’s thick and hearty. Resist the urge to lift the lid too often, as this releases heat and prolongs the cooking time.
Can You Freeze Crock Pot Chili?
Absolutely! This crock pot chili freezes exceptionally well, making it a perfect candidate for meal prep or for saving leftovers for a quick and comforting meal later. Freezing chili is a fantastic way to extend its shelf life and ensure you always have a delicious, homemade option on hand.
To freeze, first allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature. This is crucial to prevent condensation and ice crystals from forming, which can affect the chili’s texture. Once cooled, ladle the chili into freezer-safe food storage bags or airtight containers. If using bags, squeeze out as much air as possible before sealing and lay them flat in the freezer for efficient storage. The chili can be safely stored in the freezer for up to 6 months without losing its quality or flavor.
When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply transfer the frozen chili to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Once thawed, you have several options for reheating: microwave individual portions, gently warm it on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or for ultimate convenience, place it back into your crock pot on the low setting until it’s heated through, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
Tips for the Best Crock Pot Chili
Achieving a truly outstanding crock pot chili involves a few key steps and considerations. Follow these tips to ensure your homemade chili is consistently delicious and a real crowd-pleaser:
- Don’t Skip Browning the Meat and Onions: This initial step is non-negotiable for superior flavor. Browning the ground beef creates a deep, savory foundation through the Maillard reaction, while sautéing the onions until tender develops their sweetness and prevents them from being crunchy in the finished chili. These caramelized flavors cannot be achieved by simply dumping raw ingredients into the slow cooker.
- Prep Ahead for True “Dump and Go” Convenience: If you’re looking to make this a truly effortless “dump and go” recipe on a busy morning, brown the ground beef and onions ahead of time. You can do this the night before and store them in the refrigerator, or even freeze the cooked mixture for longer storage. Then, when it’s chili day, simply dump the pre-cooked meat and onions along with all the other ingredients into the slow cooker.
- Cook Low and Slow: Resist the temptation to turn your crock pot on high for this recipe. High heat can cause the chili to scorch on the bottom and cook too quickly, preventing the flavors from fully developing and melding. The “low and slow” method is essential for tender meat, perfectly cooked beans, and a rich, cohesive flavor profile that defines truly delicious chili.
- Embrace the Toppings: Chili is a canvas for toppings, and don’t be shy about going crazy! A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy tang, shredded cheese melts into gooey perfection, chopped chives or green onions offer a fresh bite, and a sprinkle of raw diced white onion provides a sharp contrast. For those who love extra heat, thinly sliced jalapeños (fresh or pickled) are a must.
- Adjust the Spice to Your Liking: As written, this crock pot chili is designed to be flavorful but not overly spicy, making it family-friendly. However, if you crave more heat, it’s easy to customize. You can add an extra jalapeño or two when cooking the onions, increase the amount of cayenne pepper, or even introduce a pinch of red pepper flakes with the other spices. Taste and adjust as it simmers, but remember that flavors intensify over time.
- Consider a Touch of Sweetness or Acid: Sometimes chili benefits from a tiny hint of sweetness (like a spoonful of brown sugar or a touch of cocoa powder) or a splash of acid (like a squeeze of lime juice or a dash of apple cider vinegar) right before serving. These can surprisingly round out the flavors and make the chili even more complex and vibrant.
How To Serve Crock Pot Chili: Creative Ideas Beyond the Bowl
While a simple bowl of chili with your favorite toppings is always a winner, this versatile crock pot chili can be enjoyed in countless creative ways. Whether you have lots of leftovers or just want to mix things up, here are some fun and delicious ideas to serve your homemade chili:
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Transform humble baked potatoes into a hearty meal by topping them generously with warm chili and all your desired fixings. For an even faster preparation, try making Air Fryer Baked Potatoes. Add cheese, sour cream, bacon bits, and chives for the ultimate indulgence.
- Chili Dogs: A classic comfort food mashup! Place your favorite hot dogs in buns, spoon a generous amount of chili over them, and top with shredded cheese. Pop them into the oven briefly to melt the cheese until bubbly and irresistible. This is a guaranteed family favorite.
- Over Spaghetti (Cincinnati-Style): Experience chili in a whole new way, just like they do in Cincinnati! Serve your hot chili over a bed of spaghetti, then pile high with shredded cheddar cheese and a sprinkle of chopped onions. It’s a unique and surprisingly delicious combination.
- Topped With An Egg: For a fantastic breakfast or brunch idea, serve leftover chili in a tortilla (or simply in a bowl) with cheese, and top it with a freshly fried or poached egg. The runny yolk adds a rich creaminess that pairs beautifully with the savory chili.
- Best Cornbread: As mentioned, a warm, moist piece of cornbread is an absolute must whenever chili is on the menu. It’s perfect for soaking up every last drop of that flavorful sauce.
- Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, spoon chili over them, sprinkle with cheese, and bake until melted and bubbly. Top with jalapeños, sour cream, guacamole, and salsa for an epic appetizer or meal.
- Chili Mac: Combine your chili with cooked macaroni noodles and a little extra cheese for a comforting and hearty “chili mac” that’s perfect for kids and adults alike.
Frequently Asked Questions About Crock Pot Chili
What makes a chili “hearty”?
A hearty chili typically refers to one that is thick, filling, and packed with substantial ingredients. This recipe achieves heartiness through a generous amount of ground beef, two types of kidney beans, and a rich tomato base from both tomato sauce and crushed tomatoes. The long simmer in the crock pot also contributes to a dense, satisfying texture.
Can I use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef?
Yes, absolutely! This crock pot chili recipe is very adaptable. You can easily substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for the ground beef. If using poultry, you might want to add a little extra oil when browning to prevent sticking and ensure it cooks evenly. The cooking times and other ingredients will remain largely the same, still yielding a delicious and flavorful chili.
How can I thicken my slow cooker chili if it’s too thin?
If your chili turns out thinner than desired, there are a few ways to thicken it. You can remove the lid for the last hour of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mix a tablespoon or two of cornstarch with an equal amount of cold water to create a slurry, then stir it into the hot chili and cook for another 15-30 minutes until it thickens. For a natural thickening, mash a portion of the beans against the side of the crock pot before stirring them back in.
Can I add more vegetables to this chili?
Yes, chili is incredibly forgiving when it comes to adding vegetables. Bell peppers (green, red, or yellow), corn, diced carrots, or even zucchini would be excellent additions. You can sauté bell peppers and carrots with the onions and beef, or add corn and zucchini during the last hour or two of cooking so they don’t become too mushy.
What’s the best way to store leftover crock pot chili?
Leftover chili should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. As mentioned, it also freezes exceptionally well for longer storage, up to 6 months. Make sure to cool the chili completely before refrigerating or freezing to maintain freshness and safety.
More Comforting Dinner Recipes
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Chicken Enchilada Chili
- Chicken Spinach Alfredo
- Instant Pot Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Jambalaya
- Hot & Sour Soup
- Cheeseburger Pizza
- Vegetable Beef Soup
Crock Pot Chili
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Equipment
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Slow Cooker
Ingredients
- 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 cup beer or beef stock
- 15 oz dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz light red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 oz tomato sauce
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
Instructions
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In a large skillet heat oil over medium high heat. Add ground beef and onions. Cook until browned and onions are tender.1 Tablespoon vegetable oil, 2 pounds ground beef, 1 large onion
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Add garlic, and cook for 2 minutes, until it is fragrant. Drain any fat. Pour into crock pot.4 cloves garlic
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Add all of the remaining ingredients to the crock pot. Stir well.1 cup beer or beef stock, 15 oz dark red kidney beans, 15 oz light red kidney beans, 28 oz tomato sauce, 28 oz crushed tomatoes, 1/4 cup chili powder, 1 Tablespoon ground cumin, 2 teaspoons ground coriander, 1 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper, 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
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Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Additional Info
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