Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili: Easy, Hearty, and Flavorful Crock Pot Recipe
There’s nothing quite like a warm, comforting bowl of homemade chili to chase away the chill of a cold day. While traditional chili often requires hours of simmering on the stovetop, our **Crock Pot Chili** recipe offers all the rich, savory depth with minimal effort. This easy slow cooker beef chili is loaded with tender ground beef, a medley of beans, robust tomatoes, and a blend of warm, aromatic spices, all slow-cooked to perfection. It’s the ultimate hands-off meal that delivers incredible flavor, making it a perfect choice for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend gatherings.
Imagine coming home to the enticing aroma of a deeply flavored chili, ready to be scooped into bowls and topped with your favorite fixings. That’s the magic of using your slow cooker for this classic comfort food. Forget slaving over the stove; simply brown the meat, toss all the ingredients into your crock pot, and let it simmer all day long. This slow-cooked chili develops complex flavors and a wonderfully thick, hearty texture that’s truly irresistible.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crock Pot Chili Recipe
This recipe isn’t just about convenience; it’s about maximizing flavor and enjoying a truly satisfying meal. Here’s why this slow cooker chili will become a staple in your kitchen:
- Effortless Preparation: With just a little bit of upfront browning, the slow cooker does all the hard work. It’s truly a “dump and go” recipe for the majority of the cooking time, freeing you up to tackle other tasks or simply relax.
- Deep, Developed Flavors: The low and slow cooking method allows all the ingredients and spices to meld together beautifully, creating a rich, complex chili that tastes like it’s been simmering for days.
- Hearty and Satisfying: Packed with ground beef, two types of kidney beans, and a tomato base, this chili is incredibly filling and nutritious, perfect for warding off hunger on a chilly evening.
- Customizable: Whether you like it mild or extra spicy, loaded with toppings or enjoyed simply, this recipe is a fantastic base for customization. We’ll share plenty of ideas to make it your own!
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Chili freezes wonderfully, making it an excellent candidate for meal prepping. Cook a large batch and enjoy delicious leftovers for days, or freeze portions for quick future meals.
While this recipe focuses on the slow cooker for ultimate convenience, if you’re ever in a rush and need chili fast, you can adapt a similar recipe for your pressure cooker. For example, our Instant Pot Turkey Chili uses a similar ingredient profile and can be ready in a fraction of the time. The beauty of chili is its versatility, whether you opt for ground beef or ground turkey, the core flavors remain wonderfully consistent.
Key Ingredients for the Best Slow Cooker Chili
Crafting a truly exceptional chili starts with high-quality ingredients. This recipe combines classic chili components with a thoughtful blend of spices to create a balanced and flavorful meal. Here’s a breakdown of what you’ll need to create this amazing **slow cooker beef chili**:
- Vegetable Oil: For browning the beef and onions, creating a flavorful base.
- Onions: A large, finely chopped onion adds essential aromatic sweetness and depth to the chili. Don’t skimp on this foundational ingredient!
- Ground Beef: We recommend a lean ground beef (like 85/15 or 90/10) to minimize excess fat, but still provide great flavor. You can also use ground turkey or a mix of both.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic is crucial for building a robust flavor profile. Its pungent notes complement the savory beef and spices beautifully.
- Beer or Beef Broth: This liquid component adds a layer of richness. A dark beer can contribute a malty depth, while beef broth keeps it classic and ensures a family-friendly option.
- Dark Red Kidney Beans & Light Red Kidney Beans: Using both types adds visual appeal and a slight variation in texture. Ensure they are drained and rinsed to remove excess sodium and improve digestibility.
- Tomato Sauce: Forms the smooth, tangy backbone of the chili.
- Crushed Tomatoes: Provides chunks of tomato texture and a more robust tomato flavor compared to just sauce.
- Chili Powder: The star spice! This blend typically contains ground chiles, cumin, oregano, and garlic powder, giving chili its characteristic flavor.
- Ground Cumin: Adds an earthy, warm, and slightly pungent flavor that is quintessential to chili.
- Coriander: Contributes a subtle citrusy, floral note that brightens the overall spice profile.
- Cayenne Pepper: For a gentle kick. You can adjust the amount based on your preference for heat.
- Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the other flavors.
Our goal is a thick, hearty chili with lots of complex flavors that aren’t overly spicy or overpowering. If you crave more heat, simply increase the cayenne pepper or even add a diced jalapeño or serrano pepper when you’re sautéing the onions. The beauty of homemade chili is that you’re in control of the spice level!
Step-by-Step: How To Make Crock Pot Chili
Making this incredible **Crock Pot Chili** is incredibly simple, thanks to the magic of slow cooking. Follow these easy steps to prepare a delicious and satisfying meal:
- Brown Meat and Onions: In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and chopped onions. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened and translucent. This step is crucial for building a deep flavor base and ensuring no crunchy onions in your final chili.
- Add Garlic: Once the beef is browned, stir in the minced garlic. Cook for another minute or two, until the garlic becomes fragrant. Be careful not to burn it! Drain any excess fat from the skillet.
- Combine in Crock Pot: Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture to your slow cooker. Pour in the beer or beef broth, both cans of drained and rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, and crushed tomatoes. Add all the dry spices: chili powder, ground cumin, ground coriander, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined and the spices are evenly distributed.
- Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the crock pot with its lid. Cook on the LOW setting for 6-7 hours. Cooking on low and slow is key to developing the rich flavors and tender texture of this chili. Avoid cooking on high, as it can cause the chili to scorch or cook too quickly, preventing the flavors from fully melding.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili is hot, bubbly, and fragrant, give it a final stir. Ladle generous portions into bowls and invite everyone to customize their chili with their favorite toppings.
Storage and Freezing Tips for Crock Pot Chili
One of the many benefits of making a big batch of **homemade chili** is how well it stores, making it perfect for meal prep or enjoying leftovers. Chili actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to deepen!
- Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
- Freezing: This chili freezes exceptionally well. Once cooled, spoon the chili into freezer-safe food storage bags (remove as much air as possible) or airtight freezer-safe containers. Lay the bags flat to freeze, which saves space. It can be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months.
- Reheating:
- From the fridge: Reheat individual portions in the microwave until hot, stirring occasionally. For larger batches, gently warm on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring frequently, until heated through.
- From the freezer: For best results, thaw the frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat using the stovetop or microwave methods. If you’re in a pinch, you can reheat from frozen on the stovetop over very low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed, or even place it back in the slow cooker on low to gently warm it up.
Expert Tips for Your Perfect Homemade Chili
To ensure your **Crock Pot Chili** turns out absolutely perfect every time, consider these helpful tips and suggestions:
- Don’t Skip Browning the Meat and Onions: This initial step is non-negotiable for superior flavor. Sautéing the ground beef creates a rich, caramelized depth (Maillard reaction) that significantly enhances the chili’s taste. Similarly, cooking the onions until soft brings out their sweetness and prevents them from being crunchy in the finished dish.
- Prep Ahead for True “Dump and Go” Convenience: If you want to simplify your morning routine even further, brown the ground beef and onions the night before. Let them cool, then store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. The next morning, simply “dump” them into the crock pot along with the rest of the ingredients. You can even freeze the browned meat and onions for future use!
- “Low and Slow” is the Way to Go: Resist the urge to turn your slow cooker to the high setting. While it might seem faster, cooking chili on low heat for an extended period is what allows the flavors to truly develop and meld. High heat can cause the bottom to scorch and doesn’t give the spices enough time to infuse properly, resulting in a less complex flavor.
- Embrace the Toppings Bar: Chili is meant for customization! Set out a variety of toppings and let everyone create their perfect bowl. Popular choices include sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions or chives, diced red onion, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, and a squeeze of lime juice.
- Adjust the Spice to Your Liking: The recipe as written provides a mild, family-friendly warmth. If you prefer a spicier chili, you have several options:
- Add another 1/2 teaspoon or more of cayenne pepper.
- Include a finely diced fresh jalapeño or serrano pepper when browning the onions.
- Stir in a dash of your favorite hot sauce at the end.
- For a smoky heat, a pinch of chipotle powder works wonders.
If you prefer it even milder, you can reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
- Experiment with Beans: While kidney beans are classic, feel free to try other beans like black beans, pinto beans, or cannellini beans for different textures and flavors. Just remember to drain and rinse them!
Delicious Ways to Serve Your Crock Pot Chili
While a classic bowl of chili with toppings is always a winner, this versatile **slow cooker chili** can be served in many exciting ways. It’s fantastic for transforming leftovers into new and exciting meals!
- Loaded Baked Potatoes: Turn simple baked potatoes into a hearty meal. Top your fluffy baked potatoes (try making Air Fryer Baked Potatoes for speed!) with a generous scoop of chili, shredded cheese, sour cream, and chives. It’s a complete and satisfying dinner.
- Classic Chili Dogs: Elevate your hot dog game! Place hot dogs in buns, top with a spoonful of chili and a sprinkle of cheese, then briefly bake or broil until the cheese is melted and bubbly. A fun and delicious twist on a classic.
- Cincinnati-Style Chili Over Spaghetti: Experience chili like they do in Cincinnati! Serve your hot chili over a bed of cooked spaghetti, then generously top with shredded cheddar cheese and diced onions. A unique and flavorful combination.
- Chili and Egg Breakfast Burrito: Repurpose your leftover chili for breakfast! Warm chili in a tortilla with cheese, then top with a fried or scrambled egg. It’s a hearty and flavorful morning meal that makes the most of your leftovers.
- With Best Cornbread: A truly essential pairing! The slightly sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread is the perfect complement to the rich and savory chili. Don’t forget a dollop of butter!
- Chili Nachos: Layer tortilla chips with chili, plenty of cheese, and your favorite nacho toppings (jalapeños, salsa, guacamole, sour cream). Bake until cheese is melted and bubbly for an epic appetizer or casual meal.
- Chili Stuffed Bell Peppers: Halve bell peppers, remove seeds, and fill with chili. Top with cheese and bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted.
More Comforting Dinner Recipes You’ll Love
If you’re a fan of hearty, warming meals like this **Crock Pot Chili**, you’ll surely enjoy these other comforting dinner recipes from our collection. Perfect for cozy evenings and family meals!
- Creamy Chicken Tortellini Soup
- Chicken Enchilada Chili
- Instant Pot Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Jambalaya
- 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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