Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe: Hearty Slow Cooker Comfort (Print Version)
Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe for fuss-free weeknights. This slow cooker chili simmers all day, building rich flavors with minimal effort. A family favorite!
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 480 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 495 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free (if omitting cheese/sour cream)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
Ground Beef (1.5 lbs)
02 -
Canned Diced Tomatoes (28 oz can)
03 -
Canned Crushed Tomatoes (15 oz can)
04 -
Kidney Beans (15 oz can, 2 cans, rinsed)
05 -
Pinto Beans (15 oz can, 1 can, rinsed)
→ Flavor Builders
06 -
Onion (1 medium, chopped)
07 -
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
→ Spice & Seasoning Mix
08 -
Chili Powder (2 tbsp)
09 -
Cumin (1 tbsp)
10 -
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
11 -
Salt (1 tsp)
12 -
Black Pepper (1/2 tsp)
→ Garnish & Serve
13 -
Cheddar Cheese (shredded)
14 -
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
15 -
Fresh Cilantro (chopped)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, brown your ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You want it nicely crumbled and no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease – honestly, I always forget this step until the last minute, and then it’s a mad dash! While that’s happening, or right after, add your chopped onion to the skillet with a little oil and sauté until it’s soft and translucent, smelling sweet and amazing. Then, toss in the minced garlic for just about a minute until it’s fragrant; don’t let it burn, that’s a disaster waiting to happen!
02 -
Now, for the really easy part! Transfer your browned beef and sautéed aromatics into your trusty slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained, please!), the crushed tomatoes, and both cans of rinsed kidney and pinto beans. Give it a good stir. This is where I sometimes get a little messy, splashing tomato all over the counter, oops. But it’s all part of the process, right? Just get everything in there, mixing it up so the flavors can start their magic.
03 -
Time for the good stuff! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper. Stir it all together again. Make sure those spices are evenly distributed, coating everything. You want every spoonful of this Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe to burst with flavor. It already smells incredible, even before it starts cooking, I swear! This step is crucial for that deep, rich taste we're aiming for.
04 -
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I usually go for low and slow because I think it develops a richer, more complex flavor, but if you’re in a pinch, high works fine. Just walk away! Let your kitchen fill with that amazing chili aroma. Don't peek too much; let it do its thing. This is the beauty of an Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe – minimal effort for maximum reward.
05 -
Once the cooking time is up, give your chili a good stir. The beef should be tender, the beans soft, and the sauce thickened. This is your moment to taste and adjust the seasonings. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more chili powder for an extra kick? Maybe a dash of hot sauce if you like it fiery? I always have a little spoon ready for this part; it's my favorite taste test! This is your chili, make it perfect for *you*.
06 -
Ladle that glorious Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe into bowls. It should look rich and inviting, with a beautiful deep red color. Top with your favorite garnishes – a generous sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a scattering of fresh cilantro. Serve it with some cornbread or crackers. Honestly, this is the best part, seeing everyone dig in. It's truly a comforting meal that just hits the spot every single time.
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the beef grease! I skipped it once, and the chili was just too oily.
02 -
Don't over-stir the chili during cooking; let the slow cooker work its magic without constant interruption.
03 -
A tiny splash of apple cider vinegar at the end can brighten up the flavors, I learned that trick from my grandma!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
Slow cooker (Crockpot)
03 -
Ladle
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450
Total Fat: 25g
Total Carbohydrate: 30g
Protein: 30g