Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili with Beans (Print Version)
Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili with Beans simmers all day for deep flavor. My go-to for busy weeknights, this recipe is packed with warmth and easy comfort.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 4-8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 24 minutes
Servings: 6-8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein, Gluten-Free (check broth)
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
Ground Beef (1.5 lbs, 80/20 lean)
02 -
Yellow Onion (1 large, chopped)
03 -
Bell Peppers (2, any color, chopped)
04 -
Garlic (4-5 cloves, minced)
→ Flavor Builders
05 -
Crushed Tomatoes (1 (28 oz) can)
06 -
Tomato Paste (2 tbsp)
07 -
Beef Broth (2 cups)
→ Spice Rack Staples
08 -
Chili Powder (3 tbsp)
09 -
Cumin (1 tbsp)
10 -
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
11 -
Dried Oregano (1 tsp)
12 -
Cayenne Pepper (1/2 tsp, or more to taste)
→ Beans & Finishing Touches
13 -
Kidney Beans (1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained)
14 -
Black Beans (1 (15 oz) can, rinsed and drained)
15 -
Salt & Black Pepper (to taste)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get a large skillet over medium-high heat. Crumble in your ground beef and cook it until it's beautifully browned all over. This step is non-negotiable for a truly flavorful Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili; it builds so much depth! Drain off any excess grease – trust me, you don't want a greasy chili. I learned this the hard way after a rather oily first attempt, which, to be real, wasn't my finest moment.
02 -
In the same skillet (or a fresh one if you're feeling fancy), add a tiny bit of oil if needed, then toss in your chopped onions and bell peppers. Sauté them until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Then, add your minced garlic and cook for another minute until it's fragrant – oh, that smell! It's the point where my kitchen starts to feel like a proper chili haven. Don't let the garlic burn, though; that's a mistake I've made once, and it tasted bitter, yuck!
03 -
Now for the easy part! Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions, peppers, and garlic into your trusty 6-quart (or larger) slow cooker. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper. Stir everything together until it's well combined. This is where the magic really starts to happen, seeing all those vibrant colors mix!
04 -
Toss in your rinsed and drained kidney beans and black beans. Give it another good stir to make sure everything is evenly distributed. Now, put the lid on your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I always prefer the low-and-slow method for this Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili; it just lets the flavors meld into something truly spectacular. I'm always peeking in, but resist the urge too much!
05 -
Once the cooking time is up, give your chili a good stir. Now's the time to taste and adjust the seasonings. Add salt and black pepper to your liking. Sometimes it needs a little more chili powder, or maybe a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity of the tomatoes. Don't be shy here; make it perfect for YOUR taste buds! This is where you make it truly your own.
06 -
Ladle that glorious Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili into bowls. Top with your favorite garnishes – shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, chopped green onions, or even some sliced jalapeños for an extra kick. The aroma filling the kitchen is just incredible at this point. It should be thick, rich, and deeply flavorful, a real comfort on any day!
# Notes:
01 -
Always brown your ground beef first and drain the fat for the best flavor and texture in your Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili; it's a game-changer I learned the hard way.
02 -
This chili stores beautifully in the fridge for 3-4 days, and honestly, it tastes even better the next day!
03 -
If you're out of beef broth, vegetable broth can work in a pinch, though the flavor might be slightly less robust.
04 -
Serving it with a warm slice of cornbread is a must for me – it's the perfect companion!
# Equipment Needed:
01 -
6-quart slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
chopping board
04 -
knife
05 -
ladle
# Nutrition (Per Serving):
Calories: 450-550
Total Fat: 20-30g
Total Carbohydrate: 35-45g
Protein: 30-40g