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Imagine a warm, hearty bowl of chili, rich with flavor and incredibly satisfying, without hours of fuss. This easy crockpot chili recipe brings that dream to life! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, game days, or cozy gatherings. Get ready to discover a simple, delicious way to enjoy comforting homemade chili with minimal effort.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe
This easy crockpot chili recipe is a true game-changer for anyone seeking deliciousness with minimal fuss.
- Minimal Prep, Maximum Flavor: You only need a few minutes of hands-on time, and your slow cooker does the rest, creating deep, complex flavors.
- Rich & Comforting Taste: Each spoonful offers a hearty blend of savory beef, tender beans, and perfectly seasoned tomatoes that will warm you from the inside out.
- Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether you are feeding a crowd or looking for simple meal prep, this chili is a versatile and satisfying choice.
- Customizable: Easily adapt the spice level or add your favorite vegetables, making it uniquely yours every time.
- Beginner-Friendly: Clear steps ensure a perfect result even if you are new to cooking with a slow cooker.
Ingredients
Gathering your ingredients for this delightful easy crockpot chili recipe is the first step towards a fantastic meal.
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion (diced)
- 3 garlic cloves (minced)
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
- 30 oz kidney beans (two 15oz cans, drained and rinsed)
- 30 oz diced tomatoes (with their juice)
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis (with their juice)
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Notes & Substitutions
Feel free to customize this chili to your taste. For ground beef, try ground turkey or venison for a leaner option. Explore different beans like pinto beans or cannellini beans to change the texture. Adjust the amount of chili powder to control the heat; add less for mild, more for spicy. If you lack fresh garlic, use 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder per clove. Enhance your chili by adding diced bell peppers or a cup of frozen corn during the last hour of cooking.
Equipment
You won’t need many special tools to make this easy crockpot chili recipe.
- A 6-quart or larger slow cooker is essential for holding all these delicious ingredients.
- You will also need a large skillet for browning the meat.
- Basic kitchen utensils like a spatula, can opener, and measuring spoons will complete your setup.
Instructions
Creating this delicious easy crockpot chili recipe is straightforward and mostly hands-off. Follow these simple steps for a perfect meal.
Step 1: Prep Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. This ensures a smooth cooking process. Drain and rinse both the black beans and kidney beans thoroughly before setting them aside. This removes excess sodium and starch.
Step 2: Brown the Beef
Place a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your lean ground beef to the hot skillet, breaking it up with a spatula. Cook the beef until it is completely browned, which typically takes about 4-5 minutes. Once browned, carefully drain any excess fat from the skillet. This step is crucial for flavor and texture in your easy crockpot chili recipe.
Step 3: Sauté Aromatics & Spices
Add the diced onion to the skillet with the browned beef. Sauté the onion until it softens and becomes translucent, usually about 4-5 minutes. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for just 30 seconds until fragrant. Immediately add the cumin powder, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook these spices briefly, stirring constantly for another 30 seconds. This toasts the spices, deepening their flavor.
Step 4: Combine in Slow Cooker
Transfer the browned beef and aromatic mixture into your 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add all the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans. Stir in the diced tomatoes (undrained) and the diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained). Finally, pour in the entire can of tomato sauce. Stir all the ingredients together thoroughly until everything is well combined and evenly distributed.
Step 5: Cook the Chili
Cover your slow cooker tightly with its lid. Cook the chili on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours. For a quicker cook time, you can set your slow cooker to HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer, slower cooking time on low often results in a richer, more developed flavor.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the cooking time is complete, carefully remove the lid. Give the chili a good stir and taste it. Adjust the seasonings if necessary, adding more salt or pepper to your liking. Serve your warm, delicious easy crockpot chili recipe with your favorite toppings and enjoy this comforting meal!
Pro Tips & Troubleshooting
Making chili is easy, but these tips ensure the best results.
- Flavor Deepening: Always brown your ground beef and sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker. This crucial step builds a rich flavor foundation that slow cooking enhances.
- Spice Level Control: Adjust the chili powder to your preference. For extra heat, consider adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or a diced jalapeño along with the onions.
- Thickening Chili: If your chili is too thin after cooking, remove the lid for the last hour to allow some moisture to evaporate. Alternatively, stir in 1-2 tablespoons of masa harina (corn flour) dissolved in a little water during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Thinning Chili: If your chili turns out too thick, simply stir in a splash of beef broth or water until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Common Mistakes: Avoid overcooking the beans by not adding them too early if using dried beans (not applicable here with canned). Always drain the excess fat from the ground beef after browning for a less greasy chili.
Serving, Storage & Variations
This versatile easy crockpot chili recipe offers many possibilities for serving and storage.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili warm with an array of delicious toppings. Classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and fresh cilantro. For extra richness, add sliced avocado or a squeeze of lime juice. Crumbled cornbread, tortilla chips, or oyster crackers also make great accompaniments.
Storage
Leftover chili stores wonderfully. Transfer any cooled chili to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing
This chili is excellent for freezing. Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some headspace for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
Make Ahead
This easy crockpot chili recipe is ideal for making ahead. Prepare it a day or two in advance, allowing the flavors to meld even further in the refrigerator. Reheat slowly for an even more delicious meal.
Variations
- Spicy Chili: Amp up the heat by adding a finely diced jalapeño or serrano pepper with the onions. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or a pinch of chipotle powder will also add a fiery kick.
- Vegetarian Option: Swap the ground beef for a plant-based ground alternative. Increase the amount of beans and add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or sweet potatoes for a hearty vegetarian version.
- Smoky Flavor: Incorporate a teaspoon of smoked paprika along with the other spices for a deep, smoky aroma. A very small dash of liquid smoke can also achieve this effect.
Nutrition
Chili, particularly with lean beef and beans, provides a good source of protein and fiber. It also offers essential vitamins and minerals. Beans contribute to digestive health, while tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene. This hearty dish is designed to be a balanced and filling meal. Please note that nutritional information is an estimate and can vary based on specific ingredients and serving sizes.
For more information on the nutritional benefits of chili’s key ingredients, explore how beans provide protein, fiber, and essential minerals and how tomatoes are rich in vitamin C, potassium, and antioxidants like lycopene, which supports overall health.
| Nutrient | Per Serving (Est.) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 400-500 |
| Protein | 30-40g |
| Fat | 15-20g |
| Carbs | 35-45g |
| Fiber | 10-15g |
FAQ
You have questions, we have answers about this easy crockpot chili recipe!
- Can I make this chili vegetarian? Yes, absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based ground crumbles or add more beans and extra vegetables like corn, bell peppers, or zucchini.
- How long does crockpot chili last? Cooked chili stays fresh in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
- Can I add other vegetables? Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or even shredded carrots make excellent additions. Stir them in during the last hour of cooking.
- What if my chili is too thin/thick? If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit or add masa harina. If too thick, stir in a little beef broth or water.
- Do I have to brown the beef first? Yes, browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker is highly recommended. This step develops deep flavor and better texture for your chili.
Conclusion
This easy crockpot chili recipe proves that incredible flavor doesn’t have to mean complicated cooking. It’s the perfect solution for busy individuals or anyone craving a deeply satisfying, home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Enjoy the rich aromas filling your kitchen and the warmth of a homemade bowl. Don’t hesitate to make this simple chili your new go-to comfort food. Share your delicious creations and how you customized your own easy crockpot chili recipe!
Equipment
- 6-quart or larger slow cooker Essential for cooking the chili evenly.
- Large skillet Used for browning meat and aromatics.
- Spatula For stirring and breaking up beef.
- Can opener For opening canned beans and tomatoes.
- measuring spoons For spices and seasoning.
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans (two 15 oz cans), drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes, with juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes with green chilis, with juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
- Drain and rinse beans. Dice onion and mince garlic. Gather all ingredients to make the process smooth.
- In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef, breaking it apart with a spatula. Cook for 4–5 minutes until fully browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onion to the skillet with beef. Cook for 4–5 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir and cook 30 seconds more to bloom spices.
- Transfer the beef mixture into a 6-quart or larger slow cooker. Add all beans, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chiles, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine thoroughly.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. Longer cooking results in deeper flavor.
- Stir the chili, taste, and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with desired toppings like cheese, sour cream, avocado, or green onions.
