If you are craving a hearty, flavorful dish that warms you from the inside out, this Crockpot Chili Recipe is an absolute game-changer. It balances tender ground beef, a robust blend of spices, and a medley of beans and tomatoes that meld together beautifully during slow cooking to deliver a rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying bowl of comfort. Whether it’s a chilly evening or a casual gathering, this recipe is simple to prepare and endlessly customizable, making it a favorite for chili lovers everywhere.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Crockpot Chili Recipe shines because of its straightforward and accessible ingredients, each contributing essential layers of taste, texture, and vibrant color. You won’t find complicated or hard-to-find items here—just wholesome staples that come together effortlessly.

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for a leaner option): The hearty protein base that adds richness and depth.
1 onion, chopped: Adds sweetness and balances the spice.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the chili with aromatic warmth.
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Provides creamy texture and protein.
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed: Adds color contrast and earthiness.
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes: Brings juiciness and a fresh tang.
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor with a luscious thickness.
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional): Offers a gentle kick and vibrant flavor.
1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth): Keeps everything moist and adds savory notes.
2 tbsp chili powder: The star spice that defines this dish.
1 tsp cumin: Brings a warm, earthy undertone.
1 tsp smoked paprika: Adds a smoky depth that rounds out the spice blend.
1/2 tsp oregano: Elevates the herbal complexity.
1/2 tsp salt: Enhances all the flavors, to taste.
1/4 tsp black pepper: Provides just enough bite.
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional): For those who want an extra layer of heat.

How to Make Crockpot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Beef and Aromatics

Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and cooking the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped onion and minced garlic. This step is crucial to develop the deep, savory flavors that form the backbone of your chili. Once the meat is browned and the onion is softened, drain off any excess fat to avoid greasiness in your crockpot chili.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot

Transfer your cooked meat mixture into the crockpot, and then add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, and chopped green chilies if you’re using them. Pour in the beef or chicken broth to keep everything juicy and help the flavors meld beautifully. Now it’s time to sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper for a little heat boost. Give everything a good stir until all the ingredients are well mixed and evenly coated in the spices.

Step 3: Let It Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your crockpot and set it to cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, which allows the spices to fully infuse the chili and the beans to soften perfectly. If you’re short on time, cooking on high for 3 to 4 hours works too, though the richness improves with slow, steady cooking. Don’t forget to stir occasionally if you can—it helps prevent sticking and blends the flavors better. Taste about halfway through and adjust your seasoning if needed, adding more salt or heat to suit your preference.

Step 4: Serve Your Crockpot Chili Recipe Hot and Fresh

When your chili is ready, serve it up steaming hot. The slow cooking makes the flavors marry into a thick, cozy stew that feels like a warm hug on a cool day. Don’t rush this moment—let your favorite toppings add layers of taste and texture on top.

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Recipe

Garnishes

Toppings truly elevate the whole chili experience. Think shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese that melts beautifully, a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the heat, thinly sliced jalapeños for an extra pop of spice, and chopped green onions that add fresh brightness. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can also bring that final zing.

Side Dishes

Chili pairs incredibly well with sides that add crunch and sweetness. Warm cornbread is a classic choice, its buttery crumb perfectly complementing the spicy chili. If you want to keep it casual, tortilla chips or buttery crackers offer delightful texture contrasts, ideal for dipping or scooping. A simple side salad with crisp greens can bring refreshing balance to the meal.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to impress friends or family? Serve your Crockpot Chili Recipe in individual bread bowls for a rustic touch. Alternatively, layer it in a taco bar with all the fixings so everyone can customize their bowls or soft tacos. For a fun twist, use the chili as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos to turn a basic meal into something special.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili actually benefits from chilling as the flavors deepen overnight. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days for the best taste and freshness. The slow-cooked flavor continues to develop, making leftovers even more delicious.

Freezing

If you want to make this Crockpot Chili Recipe well in advance, it freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months. Be sure to leave some headspace in your containers to allow for expansion when freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating for an easy, ready-made meal anytime.

Reheating

Reheat your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every couple of minutes to ensure even heating. If the chili has thickened too much after refrigerating or freezing, add a splash of broth or water to loosen it back up and keep that luscious texture.

FAQs

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this Crockpot Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a fantastic leaner alternative that still provides great texture and absorbs the chili spices well. Just brown it the same way you would with beef, and you’re good to go.

Do I have to use canned beans or can I use dried beans?

Canned beans are convenient and work perfectly in this slow-cooked chili. If you opt for dried beans, make sure to pre-soak and partially cook them before adding them to the crockpot, as they need more time to become tender.

How spicy is this Crockpot Chili Recipe?

The spice levels can easily be adjusted to your preference. The base recipe has moderate heat, thanks to chili powder and smoked paprika, but you can increase the cayenne or add extra diced chilies for a bolder kick. Leaving out the cayenne pepper will result in a milder flavor.

Can I make this recipe in advance and reheat it later?

Yes! This chili is perfect for meal prep. It tastes great the next day after the flavors have blended even more. Just cool it down quickly, refrigerate, and reheat when you’re ready to enjoy.

What’s the best way to thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

If you find your chili a bit thin, you can thicken it by stirring in a tablespoon of tomato paste or letting it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Another trick is to mash a small portion of the beans to naturally thicken the texture.

Final Thoughts

There’s something truly comforting about coming home to the slow-simmered goodness of this Crockpot Chili Recipe. It’s straightforward to make, deeply satisfying, and endlessly adaptable to whatever ingredients and heat levels you prefer. Give it a try, share it with loved ones, and enjoy a delicious bowl of warmth anytime you need a little extra comfort on your plate.

Crockpot Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.3 from 50 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

Print Recipe

Description

This hearty Crockpot Chili recipe combines ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices slow-cooked to perfection, delivering a comforting and flavorful meal that’s perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Featuring a balanced blend of spices and flexible options for leaner meats or added heat, this chili is satisfying, easy to prepare, and ideal for cozy days.

Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef (or ground turkey for a leaner option)
1 onion, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional, for extra heat)

Liquids and Broth

1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth for a lighter flavor)

Spices

2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp oregano
1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp black pepper (adjust to taste)
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

Cook the Beef: In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef or turkey along with the chopped onion and minced garlic until the meat is browned and fully cooked. Drain any excess fat to reduce greasiness.
Transfer to Crockpot: Move the cooked meat mixture into your crockpot as the base for the chili.
Add Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato paste, diced green chilies (if using), and beef broth to the crockpot. Stir to combine evenly.
Season the Chili: Mix in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you want extra heat. Stir well to distribute the spices throughout.
Cook Low and Slow: Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally if possible to prevent sticking and help flavors meld.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili about halfway through cooking and add more salt, pepper, or spices if desired for perfect flavor balance.
Serve: Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped green onions. Pair it with cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips for an extra satisfying meal.

Notes

You can substitute ground turkey for ground beef to make a leaner version of this chili.
For more heat, add extra diced green chilies or cayenne pepper according to your taste.
Drain and rinse beans to reduce sodium content and improve texture.
Cooking on low for longer allows the flavors to develop more fully and the meat to become very tender.
This chili freezes well for up to 3 months; cool completely before freezing in airtight containers.
Leftover chili can be reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American