The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe for Cozy Winter Nights

Lazy weekend afternoons call for comforting crockpot chili that simmers with rich, hearty flavors.

Hearty beans and tender meat blend seamlessly in this no-fuss meal.

Weeknight dinners become instantly easier with minimal prep work and maximum satisfaction.

Spices dance through each bite, creating a warm and inviting aroma that fills your kitchen.

Minimal effort yields maximum deliciousness in this simple yet robust recipe.

Comfort awaits you in every spoonful of this soul-warming chili that promises to become a household favorite.

Grab a bowl and savor the magic of slow-cooked perfection.

Crockpot Chili Must-Haves

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the crockpot and let it work magic, transforming raw components into a hearty, satisfying meal with minimal hands-on cooking.
• Family Comfort Pleaser: Packed with rich flavors and protein-packed ingredients, this chili brings everyone together around the table, creating warm memories and happy taste buds.
• Flexible Serving Options: Top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions to customize each bowl, making it perfect for picky eaters and those who love personalized meals.
• Stress-Free Cooking: Requires basic kitchen skills and simple ingredients, allowing both novice and experienced cooks to create a delicious dinner without complicated techniques.

Ingredients for Crockpot Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein base that provides rich flavor and substance to the chili.

• Onion: Adds a sweet and savory depth to the chili's overall taste.
• Garlic: Brings a robust and aromatic flavor to the dish.

• Kidney Beans: Provides a creamy texture and additional protein to the chili.
• Diced Tomatoes: Offers a tangy and fresh component to the sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Helps to thicken the chili and intensify the tomato flavor.
• Beef Broth: Creates a rich liquid base that enhances the overall taste and consistency.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika: Deliver a classic, warm, and complex spice profile to the chili.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that balance and enhance the other flavors.

• Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Provide additional texture, creaminess, and fresh garnish for serving.

How to Cook Crockpot Chili

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef until it’s nicely browned and crumbly. Break up the meat while cooking to ensure even browning.

Transfer the cooked beef into the crockpot, letting all those delicious meat juices come along.

Step 2: Layer In The Aromatic Vegetables

• Chopped onion
• Minced garlic
• Drained beans

Stir these ingredients gently to combine with the ground beef.

Step 3: Pour In The Saucy Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth

Mix everything together until well incorporated.

Step 4: Sprinkle Robust Spices

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir thoroughly to distribute the spices evenly throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook To Perfection

• Low setting: 6-8 hours
• High setting: 3-4 hours

The longer cooking time allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 6: Garnish And Serve

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions

Ladle into bowls and enjoy this hearty, comforting meal.

Tips for Crockpot Chili Success

• Drain and rinse beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and improve digestibility for sensitive stomachs.
• Choose lean ground beef (90/10) to minimize excess fat and create a healthier chili version.
• Enhance flavor depth by sautéing onions and garlic before adding to crockpot, which helps release natural sweetness and aromatics.
• For vegetarian option, substitute ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans like black and kidney beans for protein.
• Freeze leftover chili in individual portions for quick, convenient meals up to 3 months later, ensuring delicious backup dinners are always ready.

Flavorful Variations for Crockpot Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a meat-free version packed with protein and earthy flavors.
• Turkey Chili Lean Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat alternative that maintains the classic chili taste and texture.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced green chilies, jalapeños, and increase chili powder for a heat-packed variation that brings bold southwestern flair to the recipe.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Ensure all ingredients like broth and tomato paste are certified gluten-free, making this recipe safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

Serving Suggestions for Crockpot Chili

• Chili Comfort Bowl: Ladle the hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls, creating a cozy meal perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings.
• Loaded Nacho Adventure: Spread crispy tortilla chips on a platter, top generously with the warm chili, sprinkle shredded cheese, and add jalapeños for extra kick.
• Baked Potato Topper: Split open a steaming baked potato and pour the rich chili over the fluffy interior, transforming a simple potato into a robust, satisfying meal.
• Chili Stuffed Peppers: Fill colorful bell peppers with the savory chili, bake until peppers are tender, and garnish with fresh cilantro for a wholesome dinner option.

Storage Advice for Crockpot Chili

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freeze portions in freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags for up to 3 months.
• Cool chili completely before storing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain quality.
• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this chili recipe. Simply brown the turkey like you would ground beef and follow the same cooking instructions.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. If you prefer more spice, you can add additional chili powder, red pepper flakes, or a diced jalapeño to increase the heat.

• Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or extra beans like black beans or kidney beans. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to keep it vegetarian-friendly.

Best Crockpot Chili Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.8 from 10 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Hearty crockpot chili brings robust flavors from tender beef, beans, and aromatic spices. Slow-cooked comfort warms souls, inviting you to savor each rich, satisfying spoonful.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 1 cup beef broth

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 onion
• 2 cloves garlic
• 1 (15 ounces) can kidney beans
• 1 (15 ounces) can black beans
• 1 (14.5 ounces) can diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium-high and thoroughly brown the ground beef, ensuring no pink remains; carefully transfer the meat to the crockpot.
2. Incorporate finely chopped onion, freshly minced garlic, and well-drained beans into the meat mixture, stirring gently to distribute evenly.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, blend in tomato paste, and add beef broth, creating a rich, harmonious base for the chili.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoky paprika, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper throughout the mixture, mixing to ensure balanced seasoning.
5. Cover the crockpot and slow-cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and intensify.
6. Once cooking is complete, let the chili rest for 10 minutes to settle and develop deeper flavors.
7. Ladle into warm bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, dollop of tangy sour cream, and chopped green onions for added texture and freshness.

Notes

• Drain ground beef thoroughly to reduce excess grease and prevent a greasy chili texture.
• Adjust spice levels by increasing or decreasing chili powder for mild or extra-hot preferences.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier or vegetarian alternatives.
• Enhance flavor depth by adding a splash of beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder during cooking for rich, complex taste.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 280 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 12 g
• Saturated Fat: 4 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 7 g
• Trans Fat: 0.3 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 22 g
• Cholesterol: 65 mg