Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

BySarah
Jump to Recipe· 4.9 from 8 reviews

If you’re craving a hearty, warming meal that practically cooks itself while you go about your day, this Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. I’ve been making this recipe for years, and it never disappoints—rich, flavorful, and perfect for feeding a crowd or saving for leftovers. Trust me, once you try this slow cooker chili, it’ll become your go-to comfort food for busy weeknights and chillier weekends alike.

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Why This Recipe Works

  • Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does the heavy lifting, blending flavors with minimal effort from you.
  • Balanced Flavors: Simple ingredients like chili powder and tomato sauce give depth without overpowering.
  • Great for Meal Prep: Yields plenty to freeze or refrigerate, saving you time on busy days.
  • Customizable Comfort: Easily adjusted to your preferred spice level or texture.
Slow Cooker Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, easy crockpot chili, flavorful beef stew, comforting slow cooker recipes - A white bowl filled with chili made of beans and meat, topped with shredded yellow cheese and chopped green onions as the top layer; behind it, a small white bowl holds shredded yellow cheese, and a smaller white bowl contains more chopped green onions; to the left, there is a wooden cutting board with six evenly sliced square cornbreads arranged in two rows; in the foreground, a woman's hand sprinkles chopped green onions over the chili bowl; all items are placed on a dark wooden surface with a blue and white checkered cloth next to a spoon; photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7 this …

Ingredients & Why They Work

Each ingredient plays a starring role in creating a chili that’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly suited for slow cooking. I always recommend picking fresh veggies and good quality ground beef—you’ll taste the difference!

Slow Cooker Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, easy crockpot chili, flavorful beef stew, comforting slow cooker recipes - Flat lay of fresh lean ground beef in a simple white ceramic bowl, two medium yellow onions peeled and whole, one medium bright green bell pepper whole, two garlic cloves unpeeled, small white ceramic bowls each with deep red kidney beans, diced fresh red tomatoes, smooth red tomato sauce, and vibrant chili powder, whole black peppercorns and coarse sea salt scattered neatly, small white bowl of shredded bright orange cheddar cheese, thinly sliced fresh green onions, thin slices of glossy green jalapeno peppers, and a dollop of creamy white sour cream on a simple white ceramic dish, all arranged in perfect symmetry, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997
  • Lean Ground Beef: Using 90% lean means you get great flavor without excess grease; it browns nicely and holds its texture in the slow cooker.
  • Kidney Beans: These add a lovely creaminess and soak up the chili flavors perfectly while adding fiber and protein.
  • Diced Tomatoes (with juice): Provide acidity and sweetness that balance the beef’s richness.
  • Tomato Sauce: Thickens the chili and blends all the elements smoothly.
  • Onions and Green Pepper: Classic aromatics that add subtle sweetness and freshness.
  • Garlic: Gives that unmistakable warm, savory punch that chili lovers crave.
  • Chili Powder: The backbone seasoning – go for a good quality chili powder to maximize flavor.
  • Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to heighten all other flavors without overpowering them.
  • Optional Toppings: Shredded cheddar, green onions, jalapeños, or sour cream elevate each bite and let you customize.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Tweak to Your Taste

One of the things I love about this Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe is how easy it is to make it your own. Whether you like it spicier, milder, or want to sneak in some extra veggies, here are some ideas I’ve experimented with that I think you’ll enjoy too.

  • Spicy Kick: I sometimes add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or extra cayenne pepper for more heat — just be cautious the first time you try a new pepper!
  • Veggie Boost: Adding diced carrots or corn can introduce a pleasant texture variation and a subtle sweetness.
  • Meat Swap: Turkey works well if you want something lighter—just brown it carefully to keep it moist.
  • Beans Variety: Pinto or black beans are tasty substitutes or additions if kidney beans aren’t your favorite.

Step-by-Step: How I Make Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef

I always start by heating a large skillet over medium heat and cooking the lean ground beef until it’s no longer pink—this usually takes around 10 to 12 minutes. Break it up into small crumbles as it cooks to help it brown evenly and drain off excess fat. Trust me, draining is key here to keep the chili from getting too greasy—nothing ruins a good chili like a heavy grease puddle on top.

Step 2: Combine All Ingredients in the Slow Cooker

Next, transfer that beautifully browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the rinsed and drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, tomato sauce, chopped onions, green pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir to combine—this is where the magic starts happening.

Step 3: Set It and Forget It

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 to 10 hours. Honestly, the longer you let it cook, the more the flavors meld and deepen. I’ve left it going for a full 10 hours when I’ve had a busy day, and it only gets better. Make sure to give it a quick stir before serving.

Step 4: Serve with Your Favorite Toppings

Once your Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe is ready, ladle it into bowls and dress it up with your chosen garnishes—cheddar cheese always wins for me, along with a dollop of sour cream when I’m feeling indulgent.

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Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

  • Don’t Skip Browning: Pre-cooking the beef adds a rich, caramelized flavor that you’ll miss if you just throw raw meat into the slow cooker.
  • Rinse the Beans: This reduces sodium and removes the “canned” flavor, making the chili taste fresher.
  • Timing Flexibility: Slow cooking for 8 to 10 hours is great, but if you’re short on time, 5 to 6 hours on high works fine too.
  • Adjust Salt Last: Salt can concentrate during slow cooking, so it’s better to taste and add more at the end if needed.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

Slow Cooker Beef Chili, hearty beef chili, easy crockpot chili, flavorful beef stew, comforting slow cooker recipes - A white bowl filled with thick chili that has visible layers of dark red beans and brown cooked ground meat mixed with diced green bell peppers. On top, there is a bright layer of yellow shredded cheese, dollops of white sour cream, and slices of fresh green jalapeno peppers. A silver spoon with a black handle is resting inside the bowl, partially submerged in the chili. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 2:3 --v 7

Garnishes

I swear by shredded sharp cheddar cheese melted on top—it just adds that perfect creamy, salty contrast. I also like sliced green onions for a fresh crunch, a scattering of diced red onion for extra bite, and if you want some heat, thin slices of jalapeño peppers are fantastic. Sour cream adds a cool creaminess that balances the spice, making every bite so satisfying.

Side Dishes

Chili plus cornbread is a classic in my book—sweet, buttery, and perfect for sopping up that sauce. A simple green salad or steamed rice on the side also complements this dish nicely if you’re after something lighter or gluten-free.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, I love serving the chili in individual bread bowls—your guests feel special, plus it doubles as an edible serving dish! Another fun idea is turning leftovers into chili cheese dip, perfect for movie nights or game day gatherings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

I usually store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge, where chili keeps beautifully for up to 4 days. This recipe is perfect for batch cooking because it tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld more deeply.

Freezing

This Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe freezes like a dream. I portion it into freezer-friendly containers or heavy-duty zip-top bags—just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating. It’s a lifesaver for busy weeks when you need a comforting meal ready to go.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently on the stove over medium-low heat, stirring frequently to keep it from sticking or drying out. Adding a splash of beef broth or water can help restore the chili’s saucy texture if it’s thickened too much in the fridge.

FAQs

  1. Can I make this Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe vegetarian?

    Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans and vegetables. You might want to add a bit more chili powder and smoked paprika to boost the smoky depth you’d otherwise get from the meat.

  2. What if I don’t have a slow cooker? Can I make this on the stove?

    You can! After browning the beef and combining all ingredients in a large pot, simmer the chili on low heat for at least an hour, stirring occasionally to develop the flavors. Just keep an eye on liquid levels and add water or broth as needed.

  3. How spicy is this Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe?

    This recipe is moderately spicy thanks to the chili powder, but it’s easily adjustable. If you prefer milder chili, start with less chili powder and skip any extra spicy toppings. For heat lovers, ramp up the spices and add fresh or pickled jalapeños.

  4. Can I use frozen beef instead of fresh?

    It’s best to thaw the beef first and brown it before adding to the slow cooker so it cooks evenly and avoids any off textures. Cooking frozen beef directly in a slow cooker can lead to uneven cooking and food safety concerns.

  5. Do I need to soak the kidney beans?

    For canned beans like this recipe calls for, just rinse and drain them well to reduce sodium and the canned taste. If you want to use dried beans, soak and cook them separately before adding to the chili to ensure they’re fully cooked.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe has warmed my family through many dinners and even casual get-togethers — it’s that reliable, comforting dish that feels like a big cozy hug in bowl form. I encourage you to give it a whirl: the slow cooker does the hard work, and you get all the credit for serving up something deliciously satisfying. Once you taste that blend of tender meat, beans, and perfectly spiced tomato sauce, you’ll understand why this recipe is a keeper in my kitchen—and hopefully yours, too!

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Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.9 from 8 reviews
  • Author: Sarah
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 10 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: American
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Description

A hearty and flavorful Slow-Cooker Chili recipe featuring lean ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a comforting meal with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream.

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef (90% lean)
  • 2 cans (16 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans (14-1/2 ounces each) diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 2 medium onions, chopped
  • 1 medium green pepper, chopped
  • 2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1 teaspoon pepper

Optional Toppings

  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sliced green onions
  • Chopped red onion
  • Sliced jalapeno peppers
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  1. Cook the beef: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium heat for 10-12 minutes until no longer pink, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat from the beef.
  2. Combine ingredients in slow cooker: Transfer the cooked beef to a 5-quart slow cooker. Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped onions, chopped green pepper, minced garlic, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
  3. Slow cook the chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 8-10 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
  4. Serve with toppings: Spoon the chili into bowls and serve with your choice of optional toppings such as shredded cheddar cheese, sliced green onions, chopped red onion, sliced jalapeno peppers, and sour cream.

Notes

  • For a spicier chili, add cayenne pepper or extra jalapenos.
  • Use lean ground turkey or chicken as a substitute for ground beef for a lighter version.
  • If short on time, cook the chili on high for 4-5 hours instead of low for 8-10 hours.
  • Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium content.
  • Leftovers store well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup
  • Calories: 310 kcal
  • Sugar: 6 g
  • Sodium: 560 mg
  • Fat: 12 g
  • Saturated Fat: 4.5 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 28 g
  • Fiber: 7 g
  • Protein: 26 g
  • Cholesterol: 65 mg

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