Best Chili Recipe Crockpot – Easy & Flavor-Packed Slow Cooker Chili
There’s nothing more comforting than a hearty bowl of chili simmered low and slow. This chili recipe crockpot style is the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal—perfect for busy weeknights, game day, or when you simply want a warm, satisfying dish without standing over the stove.
Using a crockpot allows all the bold flavors of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices to meld together beautifully, creating a rich and savory chili that tastes even better the next day. It’s a classic comfort food that’s budget-friendly, family-approved, and endlessly customizable.
Ingredients (Serves 6–8)
- 2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey/chicken for leaner option)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (28 oz) cans crushed tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth (or chicken broth)
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1 ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning meat)
Step by Step Cooking Guide
- Brown the meat – Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
- Sauté aromatics – Add onions, bell peppers, and garlic to the skillet. Cook for 3–4 minutes until softened.
- Transfer to crockpot – Place cooked meat and vegetables into the crockpot.
- Add remaining ingredients – Stir in beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, and all spices. Mix well.
- Slow cook – Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
- Taste & adjust – Before serving, taste and adjust seasonings (more salt, chili powder, or broth if needed).
- Serve hot – Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or tortilla chips.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
- Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
- Serving Size: About 6–8 servings
Tips & Variations
- Make it smoky: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for extra depth.
- Vegetarian option: Skip the meat and add extra beans, lentils, or quinoa.
- Spice levels: Adjust cayenne and chili powder depending on heat preference.
- Thicker chili: Leave the lid off for the last 20 minutes of cooking.
- Sweeter twist: Add 1–2 tbsp brown sugar or a splash of maple syrup to balance spice.
Nutrition Info (Per Serving – Approximate)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 320 kcal |
| Protein | 24 g |
| Carbohydrates | 30 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 8 g |
| Sugar | 7 g |
Healthy Alternatives
- Low-Fat: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Low-Carb/Keto: Skip the beans and add extra peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
- Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free, just ensure broth is certified GF.
- Sugar-Free: Omit optional brown sugar/maple syrup for a no-sugar version.
- Vegan: Use vegetable broth, skip meat, and add lentils or plant-based crumbles.
Serving Suggestions
This chili recipe crockpot style pairs perfectly with warm cornbread, crusty garlic bread, or over a bed of rice. Top with your favorite garnishes—cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado slices, or jalapeños—for a personalized bowl of comfort.
It’s ideal for meal prep, as leftovers taste even better the next day. Make a big batch, freeze portions, and enjoy a hearty homemade chili anytime.
FAQ’s
Q1: Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes! Chili tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Q2: Do I need to brown the meat first?
While you can add raw ground beef directly to the crockpot, browning it first enhances flavor and texture.
Q3: Can I make this chili without beans?
Absolutely. For a bean-free chili, just add more meat or vegetables.
Q4: How can I thicken my chili?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking, or stir in 1–2 tbsp of cornmeal.
Q5: Can I double this recipe?
Yes! Just make sure your crockpot is large enough (6–8 quart) and adjust seasoning to taste.
