The Best Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Nothing beats a warm bowl of homemade chili on a chilly day. This easy chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and the perfect blend of spices. It’s a comforting one-pot meal that’s simple enough for busy weeknights yet delicious enough to serve on game day, at family gatherings, or for meal prep. Top each bowl with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or crushed tortilla chips for a satisfying meal everyone will love.
How to Make Crockpot Chili
Start by adding the lean ground beef directly to the slow cooker along with the undrained diced tomatoes, drained and rinsed red kidney beans, and canned corn. The juices from the tomatoes help create a rich, flavorful base while keeping the chili nice and hearty as it slowly cooks. Give everything a gentle stir to begin combining the ingredients before adding the seasonings.
Sprinkle the salt, black pepper, paprika, chili flakes, and oregano evenly over the beef and vegetables. Stir everything together until the spices are well incorporated and the beef is coated in the flavorful seasoning blend. As the chili cooks, the spices will slowly infuse into the meat, beans, and tomatoes, creating a rich, comforting flavor that’s even better after a few hours of simmering.
Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook the chili on High for 3–4 hours or Low for 6–8 hours. If you have the opportunity, give the chili an occasional stir to help distribute the flavors evenly throughout the cooking process. As it simmers, the ground beef becomes tender, the beans absorb the savory broth, and the tomatoes break down into a thick, hearty chili that’s packed with comforting flavor.
Once the chili has finished cooking, give it one final stir before ladling it into bowls. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, or crushed tortilla chips. Pair it with warm cornbread, crusty bread, or a simple green salad for an easy, satisfying meal the whole family will love.
Storage Instructions
Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to develop overnight, making leftovers even more delicious.
Chili freezes exceptionally well. Divide it into freezer-safe containers or freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave, stirring halfway through, until hot. For larger batches, warm the chili in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Add a splash of beef broth or water if the chili has thickened during storage.
Ingredients
Lean Ground Beef: Lean ground beef is the hearty base of this slow cooker chili, adding rich, savory flavor and plenty of protein. You can brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker, but if you just want an easy meal, just add the ground beef raw to the slow-cooker.
Salt: Salt enhances the natural flavors of the beef, vegetables, and spices, bringing all of the ingredients together for a well-balanced bowl of chili.
Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle warmth and mild spice that complements the chili seasoning without overpowering the other flavors.
Paprika: Paprika adds a rich, smoky sweetness and vibrant color to the chili. It helps create a deeper, more complex flavor as the ingredients slowly simmer together.
Chili Flakes: Chili flakes provide a gentle kick of heat that balances the richness of the beef and tomatoes. You can also adjust the amount to make the chili as mild or spicy as you like.
Oregano: Oregano adds an earthy, slightly peppery flavor that pairs perfectly with tomatoes and beef, giving the chili a classic homemade taste.
Diced Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes create the flavorful base of the chili, adding richness, acidity, and plenty of juicy tomato flavor while helping all of the ingredients simmer together into a thick, hearty sauce.
Red Kidney Beans: Red kidney beans add a hearty texture, extra protein, and fiber to the chili. They also soak up the savory flavors as they cook, making every bite satisfying and filling.
Canned Corn: Canned corn adds a touch of natural sweetness and a pop of color that balances the savory spices. It also provides a pleasant texture that complements the beef and beans, making the chili even more flavorful.
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Crockpot Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 lb. lean ground beef
- 2 tsp. salt
- 1 tsp. black pepper
- 1 tsp. paprika
- 2 tsp. chili flakes
- 2 tsp. oregano
- 2 cans 14.5oz/400g diced tomatoes
- 1 can 15.5oz/439g red kidney beans
- 1 can 11.5oz/341ml of corn
Instructions
- Add the lean ground beef, diced tomatoes (not drained), red kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and can of corn to the slow cooker.
- Season with the above spices: salt, black pepper, paprika, chili flakes, and oregano.
- Cover the slow cooker with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. Stirring occasionally.
- Remove from the slow cooker and serve.
Notes
Author: Sarah Young
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best ground meat for chili?
Lean ground beef is the most popular choice, but ground turkey, chicken, pork, or a combination of meats all work well.
Can I make chili ahead of time?
Yes! This recipe is one of the best make-ahead meals because the flavors deepen and improve after sitting overnight in the refrigerator.
How can I make my chili thicker?
Allow the chili to simmer uncovered to reduce excess liquid, or mash some of the beans into the chili to naturally thicken it.
Can I make chili without beans?
Yes! Simply omit the beans if you prefer a traditional Texas-style chili or a bean-free version.
What beans are best for chili?
Kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, and chili beans are all excellent choices. Many recipes also use a combination of two or more varieties.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe is mild to medium, but you can easily adjust the heat by adding cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.
What toppings go well with chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced green onions, sliced avocado, cilantro, crushed tortilla chips, oyster crackers, or jalapeño slices.
What can I serve with chili?
Chili also pairs perfectly with cornbread, dinner rolls, garlic bread, baked potatoes, rice, tortilla chips, or a fresh green salad.
Can I make chili in a slow cooker?
Yes! Brown the ground beef first, then combine all of the ingredients in the slow cooker and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
Why does chili taste better the next day?
As the chili rests, the spices and ingredients continue to blend together, creating an even richer and more developed flavor.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Definitely! Bell peppers, corn, carrots, celery, mushrooms, zucchini, and diced sweet potatoes are all delicious additions that add extra flavor and nutrition.