This crockpot chili is a hearty and flavor-loaded recipe with ground beef, beans and tomato sauce cooked nice and slow so the flavors meld and each spoonful is better than the one before!
Love chili? Try my crockpot turkey chili, chili and cornbread skillet and my easy chili recipe.
Table of Contents
Easy Crockpot Chili
When it comes to easy slow cooker recipes, homemade chili is always the first thing that comes to mind, and for good reason! There’s such a connection between slow cooker chili and homestyle comfort that it’s on everyone’s radar as soon as the weather cools down even slightly.
This crockpot chili recipe is by far one of my favorites. It’s hearty and filling and is brimming with flavor just like my Wendy’s copycat chili or turkey chili but the low and slow method gives it time for the flavors to marry and gives the beef a chance to get so nice and tender.
Serve with a side of sweet cornbread and top with crispy tortilla strips and your whole family will fall in love with the BEST crockpot chili!
Why You’ll Love Chili in the Slow Cooker
- It doesn’t get any easier than a crockpot chili. It’s basically a set it and forget it a recipe, once all of the ingredients are combined.
- There is no standing over the stove waiting to give it a stir which makes this an easy chili recipe you’ll want to make over and over again.
- You can prepare it in the morning and come home to it in the afternoon.
- The best chili always has great taste, is a budget-friendly, and a family-style dinner that takes little effort!
Substitutions and Variations
- Use lean ground beef to avoid all the excess grease. Or, swap the ground beef for ground turkey to make a crockpot turkey chili instead. Ground chicken is also another good lean alternative.
- Swap the red bell pepper for green bell pepper for a slightly more savory taste. You could also try roasted red peppers!
- Add a little cayenne pepper for heat and play around with the spices to your tastes. Like a little smokiness? Try adding some liquid smoke or smoked paprika to the pot.
- Along with kidney beans and black beans you could also use white kidney beans (cannellini) or Navy beans.
How to Make Chili in a Crockpot
A hearty bowl of chili is the best way to warm up on a chilly day! It’s so easy to make this recipe and then just let it simmer all day.
- Brown beef and veggies. In a large saucepan over medium-heat on the stovetop, brown the ground beef, onion and bell peppers for 10 minutes. Season with salt and pepper.
- Add to slow cooker. Place the browned ground beef mixture in the slow cooker. Add in broth, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, brown sugar, stir to combine then add beans and Rotel.
- Cook the chili. Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Taste and adjust seasonings.
- Ladle chili into bowls. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Tips for a Great Chili Recipe
- Rotel is a combination of diced tomatoes and green chiles. You can add these two separately if you don’t have Rotel.
- Use homemade chili seasoning if you have some on hand. It’s a combination of chili powder, garlic powder, cumin, and onion powder.
- For a low sodium chili, look for a low sodium label on things like tomato sauce, broth, the Rotel (or diced tomatoes).
- Be sure not to skip browning the beef in a skillet first. It adds a ton more flavor!
Favorite Chili Toppings
Along with a bowl of corn chips or tortilla chips and a piece of cornbread on the side, below are some of our favorite toppings to finish off this slow cooker chili recipe.
- Tortilla strips
- Sour cream
- Grated cheddar cheese
- Cilantro
- Jalapenos
- Green onions
- Diced avocados
FAQs
Do you prefer a spicy chili? I keep this chili more on the mild side so it is kid-friendly, but for those that love spice, add 1/4 to 1/2 teaspoon of cayenne pepper.
I love to serving this with cornbread muffins or grilled cheese! For a lighter option try some fresh salad greens with salsa ranch dressing.
A few reasons. For food safety reasons as well as flavor and texture. If you skip browning the beef this dish may turn out the way you like it.
While technically all the ingredients are cooked when you place them in the slow cooker, the low and slow method allows all the flavors to develop into the rich and hearty chili you love. You can cook it on high for 3-4 hours or low 5-6 hours.
Storing, Freezing, & Reheating
To store: Keep stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Put some on your hot dogs and you’ve got homemade chili dogs or pour it over a tray of sheet pan nachos for a different dinner idea!
To Freeze: Make a big batch of this crock-pot chili and put some in the freezer for later! When stored properly in an airtight container or freezer-friendly bag it can last for up to 6 months.
To reheat: If frozen, thaw first in the fridge or microwave and simmer on the stove over low heat until warm.
Need more slow cooker recipes? Try crockpot potato soup, crockpot turkey meatloaf, crockpot Mississippi pot roast and crockpot beef stroganoff!
More Chili Favorites
HUNGRY FOR MORE? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all the newest recipes!
Crockpot Chili
Video
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- ½ cup chopped onion
- ½ cup chopped bell peppers
- 1 ½ teaspoons Kosher salt , divided
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 15 ounce can beef broth
- 15 ounce can tomato sauce
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2-3 Tablespoons chili seasoning , about 1 package
- 1-2 Tablespoons light brown sugar
- 15 ounce can light red kidney beans , rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can dark red kidney beans , rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can black beans , rinsed and drained
- 10.5 ounce can Rotel
- ¼ cup water , if needed
Optional toppings: shredded cheese, tortilla strips, sour cream, cilantro
Instructions
- In a large saucepan over medium-heat, combine the ground beef, onion and bell peppers. Sauté for 10 minutes, or until meat is browned and onion is tender. Sprinkle in 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/4 teaspoon pepper. Drain grease, if needed.
- Place beef in the slow cooker. Add in broth, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, brown sugar and remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Mix well. Then add in the beans and rotel. Add water if needed to thin it out.
- Cook on low for 5 to 6 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Salt and pepper to taste. Add more chili seasoning if you'd like to take up the heat.
- Ladle chili into bowls. Serve warm with your favorite toppings.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.
Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!
Categorized as: American, Beef, Beef, Crockpot, Crockpot, Crockpot, Dairy-Free, Dinner, Freezer-Friendly, Freezer-Friendly, Gluten-Free, Halloween, Nut-Free, One Pot, One Pot, Soups, Super Bowl
Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.
Finally, I’ve found a chili recipe that all 4 of us love! This is so good, sweet with a hint of heat.. perfection!
I love this! So glad you liked the chili!
Looks awesome 😎 I am going to make this today.
Followed your recipe and it came out good. Thanks. Now everyone can enjoy.
So happy to hear that!
Such an easy and delicious recipe. My family loved it. We paired the chili with jalapeño cheese artisan bread! Perfect for a fall evening. Thank you for sharing.
So glad you enjoyed it :) Jalapeno cheese artisan bread sounds SO yummy!
What is Rotel? What can I substitute it with. I don’t think we have it in Canada.
Rotel has a combination of diced tomatoes and green chiles. You can also add diced tomatoes and green chiles separately :)
The best recipe when you don’t have time to stand by the stove!
My favorite winter comfort food. Looks delicious. The flavors are amazing. I’m going to give your recipe a try.