There’s something magical about a bowl of chili, especially when it’s made effortlessly in a slow cooker. This hearty and flavorful recipe brings together lean ground beef, vibrant veggies, and tender beans for a comforting meal that’s pure perfection.

Perfect for busy days, this slow cooker chili lets you load up your crockpot, set it, and return hours later to a kitchen filled with mouthwatering aromas. Whether it’s game day or a cozy weeknight dinner, this dish delivers every time.

With customizable toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado, this chili is as versatile as it is satisfying. Prepare to savor every spoonful of this warm, rich, and soul-soothing classic!

Slow Cooker Chili Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor

Lean Ground Beef: The hearty base of this chili, adding richness and a satisfying meaty bite to every spoonful.
Vibrant Vegetables: Yellow onion, bell pepper, and carrot bring a trio of sweetness, crunch, and savory depth to the dish.
Tender Beans: Pinto and kidney beans create a creamy, protein-packed foundation that balances the bold flavors beautifully.
Zesty Green Chiles: A mild kick of warmth that enhances the chili’s robust flavor profile.
Savory Tomato Sauce: The luscious backbone, tying together the spices and ingredients into a harmonious blend.
Fragrant Chili Seasoning: A flavorful blend of spices infusing every bite with smoky, aromatic notes.

Each ingredient contributes its unique charm, creating a dish that’s hearty, flavorful, and utterly irresistible.

Slow Cooker Chili: Expert Tips, Serving Ideas, and FAQs

Recipe Tips

Brown the Meat for Extra Flavor
Don’t skip browning the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot. This step caramelizes the meat, adding a deeper, richer flavor to your chili. It also helps seal in the juices, ensuring a tender texture.
Adjust the Spice Level
Customize your chili’s heat by swapping mild chili seasoning with a spicier blend or adding fresh jalapeños. If you prefer a milder dish, stick to mild seasoning and mild green chiles, and serve with cooling toppings like sour cream.
Let the Chili Rest
Once the chili has finished cooking, let it sit for 10–15 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld and intensify, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious dish.

What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chili

Cornbread
A warm slice of buttery cornbread is the ultimate companion to chili. Its subtle sweetness and crumbly texture pair perfectly with the hearty, savory chili flavors.
Simple Side Salad
Lighten up the meal with a crisp green salad dressed in a tangy vinaigrette. The refreshing crunch of fresh veggies balances the richness of the chili beautifully.
Tortilla Chips or Bread Rolls
Use tortilla chips or soft bread rolls for dipping and scooping. They’re perfect for soaking up every last bit of the chili’s thick and flavorful sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the ground beef with plant-based meat or additional beans like black beans or chickpeas for a hearty vegetarian version.

2. Can I freeze leftover chili?
Yes! Let the chili cool completely, then store it in airtight containers or freezer bags. It can be frozen for up to three months and reheated on the stovetop or in the microwave.

3. How do I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash some of the beans or add a cornstarch slurry to achieve your desired consistency.

4. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Certainly! Ground turkey is a leaner alternative that works well in this recipe. The flavor will be slightly different but equally delicious.

Slow Cooker Chili

This easy-to-make slow cooker chili is a comforting and hearty dish, perfect for busy days. With a base of lean ground beef, vegetables, and beans, it’s a satisfying meal that comes together with minimal effort. Simply set up your ingredients in the crockpot and return hours later to a warm, flavorful dish ready to serve.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 4

Total Time 4 15

Course crockpot recipes

Cuisine American

Servings 6 People

Ingredients

Extra lean ground beef
Salt and pepper to taste
Yellow onion diced
Green bell pepper diced
Carrot diced
Mild diced green chiles
Sweet yellow corn drained
Tomato sauce
Pinto beans rinsed and drained
Kidney beans rinsed and drained
Mild chili seasoning or homemade chili seasoning
Beef broth

Instructions

In a large nonstick skillet, spray with cooking spray and heat over medium. Add the ground beef, seasoning with salt and pepper. Break up the meat as it cooks, ensuring it’s browned evenly. Drain any excess fat if desired, and return the beef to the skillet.
Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and carrot to the pan, cooking for about 5 minutes to slightly soften the vegetables. Transfer the mixture into the bottom of a cold crockpot.
To the crockpot, add the green chiles, corn, tomato sauce, pinto beans, kidney beans, chili seasoning, and beef broth. Stir everything together, cover, and set the crockpot to cook.
Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours. Stir occasionally, if possible, to ensure an even cook. The chili will thicken as it simmers.
After 4 hours, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serve the chili with your choice of toppings, such as sour cream, cilantro, cheese, tortilla chips, or avocado.

Keyword Slow Cooker Chili

Slow Cooker Chili

Slow Cooker Chili Ingredients: A Symphony of Flavor