Easy Crock Pot Chili Recipe – Hearty, Flavorful & Set-It-and-Forget-It
This Easy Crock Pot Chili recipe is the ultimate no-fuss comfort food. Just toss in the ingredients, turn on your slow cooker, and come back to a rich, hearty chili that’s loaded with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a game day crowd, or a cozy weekend at home, this chili is always a winner with minimal effort and maximum flavor.
🛒 Ingredients
2 lbs ground beef
1 small onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
3 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon oregano
Salt and pepper to taste
¼–½ cup beef broth or water (optional, for desired consistency)
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, avocado, tortilla chips
🔄 Substitutions
Ground beef: Use ground turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles
Beans: Mix it up with pinto, chili, or white beans
Crushed tomatoes: Sub with tomato sauce or more diced tomatoes
Spices: Add cayenne, chipotle, or hot sauce for extra kick
Onions and peppers: Use frozen chopped veggies for convenience
👨🍳 How to
Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then drain the excess fat
Add beef to the crock pot along with all remaining ingredients
Stir everything together to combine
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours
Taste and adjust seasoning before serving
Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes
🧀 Mix-ins
Corn or fire-roasted corn
Diced jalapeños or green chilies
A spoonful of tomato paste for depth
Splash of lime juice or apple cider vinegar for brightness
Shredded cheddar or pepper jack stirred in before serving
✅ Recipe Tips
Browning the meat first adds extra flavor and better texture
Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium
Simmer longer for deeper flavor—chili only gets better with time
Use a liner in your crock pot for easy cleanup
📦 Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months
Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth to loosen if needed
🌀 Recipe Variations
Vegetarian: Omit meat and double the beans or add lentils
Spicy: Add red pepper flakes, cayenne, or diced chipotle peppers
White chili: Swap red beans for white beans and beef for shredded chicken
Sweet heat: Add a dash of cinnamon or cocoa powder for unique depth
❓ FAQs
Can I put raw ground beef in the crock pot? It’s best to brown it first for better flavor and texture, but yes—it is safe to cook raw in the slow cooker
Can I make this ahead of time? Absolutely! It’s a perfect make-ahead meal and even better the next day
Do I need to stir during cooking? Not necessary, but you can stir once halfway through if desired
What should I serve with it? Cornbread, rice, baked potatoes, or tortilla chips make great pairings
This Easy Crock Pot Chili recipe is warm, satisfying, and totally hands-off—perfect for feeding a crowd or keeping dinner simple and delicious.
