Get ready to cozy up with a big bowl of comfort! This Crockpot Chili Recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights, meal prep Sundays, or any time you’re craving a hearty, simmered-all-day flavor without hovering over the stove. Packed with juicy ground beef, colorful veggies, and rich beans, each spoonful delivers just the right balance of smoky spice and savory goodness. Whether you like to dress it up with all the fixings or enjoy it straight from the slow cooker, this is truly a chili you’ll come back to again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this chili serves a purpose, coming together to create that crave-worthy depth of flavor and satisfying texture. You’ll find that these kitchen staples are each little powerhouses, contributing everything from color and heartiness to a perfectly spiced kick.

Ground beef or turkey: The juicy, meaty base that soaks up all the spices and makes every bite satisfying.
Onion: Diced for sweetness and depth, onion is the backbone that rounds out the flavor.
Green bell pepper: Adds color, a slight crunch, and a subtle vegetal note that makes the chili pop.
Garlic: Fresh garlic packs an aromatic punch that ties everything together.
Kidney beans: Classic chili bean, providing creamy texture and plenty of fiber.
Black beans: Their earthy richness plays perfectly with the vibrant spices and tomatoes.
Diced tomatoes: Two cans bring juiciness and a fresh, tangy lift to the stew.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili beautifully.
Beef broth: Deepens the savory profile and keeps things moist as it all simmers together.
Chili powder: Your main spice, delivering the warm, complex flavor that defines chili.
Ground cumin: Brings smoky, earthy notes that make the chili unforgettable.
Smoked paprika: Adds a kiss of smokiness and rich color—don’t skip this one!
Oregano: An herbaceous lift that keeps the chili from feeling too heavy.
Salt: Essential for drawing out all the delicious flavors in the pot.
Black pepper: A gentle heat that plays off the other spices just right.
Cayenne pepper (optional): A sprinkle brings extra heat for those who like things bold!

How to Make Crockpot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Heat a large skillet over medium heat and add your ground beef (or turkey). Brown it well, breaking it up as you go, until all the pink is gone. This is where the flavor party really starts—the browning process gives the meat that crave-worthy, savory bite you expect in a killer chili. Don’t forget to drain any excess grease before moving on.

Step 2: Layer Into the Crockpot

Transfer the browned meat right into your crockpot. Next, toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic. This trio brings in a base of sweetness and aroma that will infuse your chili as it bubbles away. Now it’s time to add those hearty kidney and black beans, along with the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.

Step 3: Season It Up

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and that optional dash of cayenne if you’re feeling spicy. Don’t be shy about stirring everything together! Ensuring the seasonings are evenly distributed means every bite of your Crockpot Chili Recipe brims with balanced, bold flavor.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours, or high for 3 to 4 if you’re short on time. Give it an occasional stir if you can. The longer and slower this chili cooks, the deeper and richer the flavor will get—so let it do its thing!

Step 5: Adjust and Serve

About 30 minutes before serving, give your chili a taste test. This is your moment to add a pinch more salt or a sprinkle of extra chili powder if needed. Once it’s just how you like, ladle it into bowls and get ready to pile on all your favorite toppings.

How to Serve Crockpot Chili Recipe

Garnishes

Half the fun of this Crockpot Chili Recipe is customizing each bowl! Classic toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, freshly sliced green onions, or a scattering of jalapeños take each serving over the top. Even a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips or a dollop of guacamole brings a whole new flavor dimension.

Side Dishes

Nothing rounds out a bowl of chili like a warm, buttery slice of cornbread. You might also love serving it with a hunk of crusty bread, over a baked potato, or next to a simple green salad to keep things fresh and balanced. The options are nearly endless and oh-so welcoming for family-style meals.

Creative Ways to Present

Get playful with your presentation! Serve this Crockpot Chili Recipe in bread bowls for extra coziness, or spoon it over nachos for a hearty game-day snack. You can even use leftovers to top hot dogs or baked potatoes for a fun chili night with friends and family.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Let any leftovers cool completely, then store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This Crockpot Chili Recipe keeps beautifully and even improves in flavor as it sits overnight—the spices have even more time to mingle and develop!

Freezing

Want to make this chili ahead? It freezes like a dream. Portion cooled chili into freezer-friendly containers or resealable bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion. It’ll last up to 3 months—perfect for those nights when you need dinner in a pinch!

Reheating

When you’re ready to reheat, simply microwave a bowl of chili until hot, or warm larger batches gently on the stovetop. Add a splash of broth if it’s extra thick, and give it a good stir before serving with your favorite toppings again.

FAQs

Can I make this Crockpot Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Just swap the ground beef for plant-based crumbles or extra beans, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The deep flavors from the spices and veggies ensure you’ll never miss the meat.

How spicy is this chili?

The base recipe is quite family-friendly with just a hint of warmth, thanks to chili powder and black pepper. If you love heat, add more cayenne or top with jalapeños when serving to dial it up!

Can I use different beans?

Definitely! Pinto beans, cannellini beans, or even chickpeas work. Mix and match based on what you have on hand and what flavors you enjoy—this Crockpot Chili Recipe is wonderfully versatile.

How can I make it thicker or thinner?

For a thicker chili, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some of the beans against the side of the pot. For a thinner chili, simply stir in extra beef broth until you reach your desired consistency.

What’s the best way to meal prep this Crockpot Chili Recipe?

Assemble all the ingredients in your slow cooker insert the night before, cover, and refrigerate. In the morning, pop it in the cooker and set the timer—your kitchen will smell incredible by dinnertime!

Final Thoughts

You truly can’t go wrong with this Crockpot Chili Recipe—whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal-prepping lunch for the week, or just needing a little extra comfort. Gather your favorite toppings, grab your coziest bowl, and dig in. Give it a try, and don’t be surprised if it becomes your new go-to chill-chasing meal!

Crockpot Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 19 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This hearty and flavorful Crockpot Chili Recipe is the perfect comfort food for a cozy night in. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, this chili is easy to make and great for meal prep.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

2 lbs ground beef (or ground turkey)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Beans and Tomatoes:

2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

Seasonings:

1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

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Instructions

Brown the Meat: Cook the ground beef in a skillet until browned. Drain excess grease and transfer to a crockpot.
Add Ingredients: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the crockpot. Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
Season: Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Adjust and Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.