Low and slow is the name of the game with this delicious easy Crock Pot Chili Recipe made with ground beef, pinto beans, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a perfect blend of spices and chili seasoning. It takes about twenty minutes to get in the crock pot and in about five hours, you will have a thick bowl of hearty chili with tons of flavor.
This recipe is perfect for busy people and families with small children. Come dinner hour, supper is ready to go short of adding cheese, sour cream, and green onions. This is a filling meal all by itself, but sometimes I like to serve it with cheddar biscuits or cornbread.
How to make Crockpot Chili Recipe
Start by browning the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Then add the onion about halfway through the browning process and cook until soft. Now add the garlic and cook for about a minute. Next, drain any excess grease and then add the ground beef mixture to the crock pot. Now whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste. Then pour that on top of the beef mixture. Next, add the rest of the ingredients and stir to combine. Finally, cover with the lid and set to low for about 5 hours. Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Helpful tips for the best chili recipe
- I like to use ground chuck in my chili and then drain the fat. It cooks up juicier and richer, although you can use ground sirloin, which is leaner and drier.
- You can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken for lean ground beef.
- Mince those onions, so there are little bits in every bite as opposed to chunks.
- Drain and rinse the beans. You can use any two 15-ounce cans of kidney, pinto, navy, great northern, or black beans.
- Do you like things with a little heat and a lot of spice? Increase the amount of crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Set up a chili fixings bar with all the goodies (see below for ideas) and let your family and friends customize their bowls to suit their taste.
- Chili is best cooked low and slow so set that crock pot to low and take care of your other tasks.
- If you don’t have a crock pot, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stovetop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze first fully cool. Then ladle into zipper freezer bags or a sturdy freezer container. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Set up a chili bar with all the toppings and fixings
What a perfect way to celebrate the end of summer and the beginning of fall than with a chili bar complete with grilled hotdogs (for chili dogs, of course), plenty of your favorite chili toppings, and cornbread. Add a variety of chili batches like white chicken chili, Cincinnati Chili, turkey chili, and this recipe. Then set out bowls of goodies to let your guests customize to suit their taste.
- Chips – Fritos, tortilla chips, corn chips, or Doritos
- Potatoes – French fries, tater tots, baked potatoes, or waffle fries
- Cheese – grated cheddar cheese, Pepper Jack, or Monterey Jack
- Onions – sliced green, chopped red, or chopped sweet Vidalia
- Peppers – pickled jalapenos, sliced jalapenos, green bell peppers, serrano peppers, or pepperoncini
- Chopped avocado – don’t forget to brush it with lemon or lime juice to keep it from browning
- Hot sauce
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
- White Queso
- Jalapeño pepper
- Hot dogs
Can you freeze chili?
Chili freezes quite well. Once it is fully cooled, spoon it into quart or gallon-size freezer bags. Then lay them on cookie sheets and freeze them flat for easier stacking in the freezer. To defrost, move to the refrigerator a day in advance and then remove from the bag and place in a microwave-safe bowl for heating in the microwave or in a saucepan for heating on the stovetop. Be sure to mark the date and contents on the freezer bag, so you are well aware of how long it has been in the freezer. Freeze for up to 4 months. For more tips and tricks on freezing foods, visit here.
Other crock pot recipes you will love!
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 large sweet onion finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 3 cups low sodium beef broth
- 1 6 ounce can tomato paste
- 2 10 ounce cans diced tomatoes and green chilies
- 1 14.5 ounce can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 15.5 ounce can dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 15.5 ounce can pinto beans drained and rinsed
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper
- ⅛ teaspoon ground cayenne
- kosher salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion halfway through the browning process and cook until soft. Add the garlic; cook for 1 minute while stirring constantly. Drain any excess grease and add the ground beef mixture to the crock pot.
- Whisk together the beef broth and tomato paste. Pour on top of the beef mixture
- Add the diced tomatoes, fire-roasted tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, brown sugar, red pepper, and cayenne.
- Cover with the lid and set to low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
- Season with kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
Notes
- I like to use ground chuck in my chili and then drain the fat. It cooks up juicier and richer, although you can use ground sirloin, which is leaner and drier.
- You can substitute ground turkey, ground pork, or ground chicken for lean ground beef.
- Mince those onions so there are little bits in every bite as opposed to chunks.
- Drain and rinse the beans. You can use any two 15-ounce cans of kidney, pinto, navy, Great Northern, or black beans.
- Do you like things with a little heat and a lot of spice? Increase the amount of crushed red pepper and cayenne pepper to taste.
- Set up a chili fixings bar with all the goodies (see below for ideas) and let your family and friends customize their bowls to suit their taste.
- Chili is best cooked low and slow, so set that crock pot to low and take care of your other tasks.
- If you don't have a crock pot, you can make this recipe in a Dutch oven or heavy pot on the stovetop.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, first fully cool. Then ladle into zipper freezer bags or a sturdy freezer container. Thaw in the fridge overnight.
Nutrition
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https://www.smalltownwoman.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/05/Beth-1.pdf
Michelle G
Will this recipe fit in my 6.5 qt Ninja Foodi?
Beth Pierce
I am not familiar with that product but it should.
Brookelyn
I’ve made this countless times in my crock-pot and always a hit! We like to serve it over baked potato or sometimes white rice! Thank you for sharing:)
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Brookelyn! I am so glad that you like the chili!
Sandy
Just made it! Added shredded cheese, sour cream and diced avocados on top. A side of cornbread and Tostitos scoop chips paired nicely! Definitely keeping in my rotation of family dinner! Thanks for sharing!
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much, Sandy! I am so glad that you liked the chili.
A
This chili is currently in my crockpot cooking low and slow! Cannot wait to try it tonight for dinner!
Beth Pierce
Awesome! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do.
A
It was delicious!!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, A!
Bri Williams
This was a super delicious chili recipe. It was well-seasoned, with a hint of spice. I would definitely make this again! 🙂
Beth Pierce
Thank you, Bri! I am so glad that you liked the chili. We love it too!
Holly
Karen
Hi, I did not see the chili fixings bar suggestions. Could you post please? This recipe (as well a lot of the other Small Town Woman’s recipes posted) look yummy…can’t wait to try them.
Beth Pierce
You can go straight to the post here and read all about the chili fixing bars.
Cindy
I am hosting a Bible study group and would love to make this, but would need to double the recipe. Do you think it will it still fit in one crockpot?
Beth Pierce
Depends on the size of the crock pot?
Izzy
Making this as I type! Well, it’s in the crockpot simmering and melding all those great ingredients together. I took a sneak taste and I can tell it’s going to be delicious/spot on! Making corn bread to round out the meal and can not wait to taste the fully cooked version tonight for dinner! That’s for sharing!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine Izzy! I sure hope you enjoyed the chili.
Pam
Finally found a chili recipe I love! I only use the kidney beans because we don’t like the other ones. This is my go to recipe, I add a little more red pepper flakes and Cajun spice. Thank you for posting this recipe!
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Pam. I am glad that you liked the chili recipe.
Melissa
This recipe has been a HUGE success for me, being that I love bean-y chili! I modified it by only adding one can of the tomatos with green chiles and adding in a small can of green chilies. This was awesome with some hint of lime Tostada chips crumbled on top!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Melissa! I am so glad that you like it!
Brittany
Do you have to brown the beef first?
Beth Pierce
Yes!
Deborah
I made this for a church gathering and everyone loved it I used 3 different kinds of beans but it was gone quick love it thank you
Beth Pierce
The pleasure is all mine, Deborah!
Nicole
Could I make this meatless? Maybe add more beans or sweet potatoes?
Beth Pierce
Yes, you most certainly can. I also have a vegetarian chili recipe.
Charmajne
It is playoff day for the Chiefs and Bengals! I am mixing this up right now before church. Love the addition of the two beans and the tomatoes, and homemade spices lend a hand to keeping out the processed ingredients. We have a night game so this will be done by game time! Thank you for a great chili recipe!!
Beth Pierce
You are most welcome! The pleasure is all mine! Enjoy!
Marysa
I haven’t made chili in ages. It is nice to have a recipe to make it in the crockpot. A great recipe for the winter, with our cold weather.
Sonia
Feed me this dish right now. It’s perfect to keep warm during the winter.
Kat
This crock pot chili recipe was so tasty and easy. It has become our new favorite chili recipe.
Abida
This crock pot chili was so delicious! My whole family really enjoyed it and I will make it again!
Talya
OMG this looks so good! Definitely one for batch cooking when I have a little more time over the upcoming holidays…
brianne
Wow! We loved this chili. So full of flavor and perfect for the cold season.
Vanessa Palma
I must confess, I always use the chili packages to make mine, but I love your recipe and it’s so easy! I’m replacing my packages.
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Vanessa! So glad that you liked the chili!
Rosey
One of my top two foods for comfort in cooler weather. We love chili
Beth Pierce
I agree 100%
Bryan
Chili and any form is a treat for me! I usually make mine in a crockpot, too. I get everything ready, set it on low, and anticipate the feast that awaits when I get home from work.
Jennifer Prince
The crock pot is the only way I make chili! It’s so easy to assemble everything and let it simmer all day long. So delish!
Leanne
This is such a great recipe! I made it the other day, and it’s so delicious. I also love being able to just sort of throw it all in and forget about it!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Leanne! So glad that you enjoyed it1
Stacie
I am going to double the recipe so should I use 6 cups of beef broth? Thanks!
Beth Pierce
Yes I would use 5-6 cups of beef broth
Neely Moldovan
This chili looks so good! We love to make chili but I didn’t love the one we made last time. Definitely going to try this!
Tisha
Chili is such a good cold day meal. Crock pot recipes are the best
Edgar
Wwwwoooaaaahhhhh….this is exactly what I like, with my beef on Sundays! Thank you for sharing the recipe. I will try making it for myself.
Jack
Ah, this looks so good and the topping is just perfect. I tried this before and it was so good. I would love to try it again. Thank you for sharing!
Beti
Such a warm and comforting meal!! I love that I can make it in the crock pot!!
katerina
This is such an easy and delicious meal! Perfect for weeknights!!
Juliane
This just satisfied my cravings, oh my!!
Erin
This was incredibly delicious! We just love a great chili recipe.
Amanda
This looks fantastic. Love the chili bar idea!
Sandra
My kids loved this chili! So tasty and very easy to make! Definitely making it again soon!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Sandra!
Stephanie
Chili in the slow cooker is so delicious! I love making it in the fall when it’s cool outside.
Christine
YUM! I love a good chili and anything cooked in a crock pot is a win. Crock pot meals are the best!
Cinny
I absolutely love my crock pot. It makes meal prep so much simpler so this will be a must try!
Vanessa
I can’t wait to try your recipe. I make a TON of chili in the fall and winter, and I”m always looking to try a new variation. This looks really good!
Christy
Would I need to change anything if I wanted to add at least a pound of meat ? My family eats a lot.
Beth Pierce
No, not at all. Enjoy!
Melissa Cushing
I just made a delicious batch of Chili last night for my family! I am making chili dogs tonight and I just love chili so I am pinning this recipe to try next time 😉 I love cooking in the crock post 🙂 It looks os yummy!
Rhian Westbury
We need to get a new slow cooker as ours doesn’t hold as much as we’d like to be able to do much larger portions/ batch cook. This chili sounds perfect for the Autumn evenings
Rosey
A chilli bar with all the toppings sounds good to me. I’m a huge chili fan, especially when the weather gets a little chilly.
Yaya
These crock pot meals are perfect for Autumn. Nothing like chucking ingredients into a pan and getting a delicious meal.
Samantha Donnelly
Thanks for the great recipe! The whole family really enjoyed it!
Fall_Mural_Design
Your chili recipe was so so good. I looooove chili and this was some good stuff. Next time I am going to add a little macaroni. So yummy!
Cynthia
This was perfect for game day. Love how easy it is to throw everything into the slow cooker!
Beth Pierce
Thanks, Cynthia! I agree 100%
Autumn
I love chili! Thank you for this recipe as it looks delish. I will try it out this weekend!
Thena Franssen
Gathered up all the supplies to make this for our big snow storm tomorrow!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Thena! Enjoy!
Rose Ann Sales
That looks absolutely delicious and tasty! I would really love to try this recipe!
Nyxie
Our crock pot (slow cooker) has been the gift we never knew we needed. It’s a life saver when it comes to making things like chilli and stew. It’s so easy to just pop all your ingredients into the pot and leave it over night or while you’re at work.
Your chilli looks class!
Beth Pierce
Thanks! You should try it! It is delicious!
Elizabeth
This Crock Pot chili is one of the all-time most loved food in the house. Come fall and winter and I can make it every day!
Sandra
We love love love recipes like this during Football season! It’s quick and to the point especially during game or practice nights!
Bity
This is the first time for me to try chili, and I really was shocked about the result it was very tasty thank you
Beth Pierce
Thanks so much! So glad that you liked it!
Neely Moldovan
We love making chili! This one sounds so good!
Freya
I love this crockpot chili, it gives it so much flavor during the slow cooking process!
Alixandria
The recipe is delicious just a bit too watery for my liking.
Lynndee
We love having chili this time of year. Your chili looks delicious. Nom!
Mary
I haven’t made chili before, and your recipe makes it sound easy. Perfect for this cold winter weather.
Abida
I have never tried making chilli at home before. Going to try it out soon
Ashley Thompson
Our family could eat chili for every meal, but tending to it on the stovetop can be pretty time-consuming for a flavorful batch. Can’t wait to try it in the slow cooker!
MELANIE
This is the sort of comfort food I love in the winter. It’s great that it is so easy to make in a crockpot.
Gervin Khan
Your recipes are all amazing! But this one hits different! It sounds good!
Eileen M Loya
You made me want to make chili like right at this moment! I think your idea of setting up a chili bar is awesome. Will be doing that the next time I make chili.
Tami R
Chili is one of my favorite foods and this looks so freaking good! Pinned it for later!
sara lafountain
Tried this for dinner tonight and it was so good! Snow day here and we all warmed up with this easy chili recipe.
Beth Pierce
Thanks Sara! So glad that you like the chili!
Amber Myers
I love making crock pot chili. I make it often! I will have to try this version out.
Melissa Cushing
I absolutely love chili and I absolutely love anything made in the crock pot! So convenient and always yummy and I have been itching to make chili so I am making it tonight! Thank you for this fabulous recipe and I pinned it too 😉
Beth Pierce
Thanks Melissa! I hope you enjoy it as much as we do!
Molly
I have never actually made chili, and it is nice to be able to make it in the crock pot – so convenient! This sounds delicious and perfect for this cold weather.
Catalina
This is the perfect dish for this season! I should try to make chili in the crockpot!
Rose Ann Sales
Oh my! This is such a really amazing recipe! It look so good! I know my husband would love this so much!
Richelle Milar
Wow! That looks absolutely delicious and tasty! I would really love to try this recipe!
Monica Simpson
I really want to try this because of the brown sugar added. I’ve never put that in my chili!
Beth Pierce
You should try it! It really is delicious. It adds just a hint of sweetness.
Kathy
I love chili. It’s a great time for it too. It has been so cold here lately. I’ll have to try out your recipe. It looks amazing.
brianne
This will instantly satisfy my food cravings. I cant wait to try and make some hot chili in the house.
Alita Pacio
I have been looking for a recipe similar to this. I am glad I found your site. I love all the topping ideas on this recipe.
Tasheena
This is a great chili recipe. I love making it for my family and they love eating it.
Terri
I love coming home to having dinner bubbling gently in a slow cooker. When it is chili, the whole house smells warm and cozy.
Tara
It has been a long time since I had a bowl of chili. I need to make this recipe.
Beth
Chili is on my list of food to make this week, I’m excited to try this recipe!
Amber Myers
I love making chili in the crockpot! I will have to try this version. I use the crockpot a lot when it’s cold out.
Heather D
I just bought beans for chili today! I bet this recipe is delicious. I always add chips for that crunch.
Moosenaround
Made this today and it is delicious! It’s got the perfect amount of spices, just a tad hot but the hotness does not linger. Definitely saving this recipe for future meals.
Beth Pierce
Thanks So glad that you like it. I could go for a big pot right now!!
Gervin Khan
This looks really delicious and easy recipe. I am so excited to make this for my husband, and I am sure he will love this.
Miranda
Oh thank you for sharing! I have been looking for a good chili recipe and most use pre seasoned packets and you break down the spices and measurements! I can’t wait to make this!
Beth Pierce
Thanks Miranda. I sure hope you enjoy it.
Monica Simpson
This sounds like the perfect chili!
Jamie
Yum – that sounds amazing!! Pinned it, to try this weekend! 🙂
Bill
Booyah! I’m all about delicious and easy. Time to fire up the crock pot.
Tara Pittman
The cooler weather calls for a pot of chili. I need to make this for my family for dinner.
Krystle
This chili has wonderful flavor. I love putting it on when I wake up and then it is ready just in time for game day.
Toni
This is so comforting! A must-make for everyone this fall!
Krissy Allori
I love chili season and this recipe hits the spot. Perfect for fall!
Mindee Taylor
Perfect dinner for busy school nights!
Beth Sachs
There’s nothing better than a rich crockpot chilli recipe. Perfect for cold days
Gina
This is the kind of meal I love to have cooking on a weekend in the fall – cozy and perfect for digging into in some sweats on the couch 🙂
Natalie
I can see myself enjoying this chili. Yum! Looks super delicious, full of flavor. I can’t wait to give this recipe a try. My family will enjoy this chili too.
Elle
Such an easy and tasty recipe! Excellent for the colder weather coming up – will certainly be preparing this one soon!
Claudia
Just pulled out my pot to try this out we love chili and this is super easy so I can get on with my day without being over a hot stove!
Katherine
There’s nothing quite like a slow cooked crockpot chili! Yum!
Dannii
I am always looking for new ways to use my slow cooker and chilli is the ultimate comfort food.This looks delicious/
Sara
Love a delicious slow cooker meal and this is no exception! Easy, hearty and easily, a new family favorite recipe!
Andrea
This chili looks marvelous. My favorite kind of meal, let the crock pot do all the work.
Sandra
This is such a delicious and filling meal! Thanks for the recipe!
Erin
I’m drooling! This Crock Pot Chili is everything I love!
Dorothy Reinhold
Love the topping recommendations. A chili bar with all the toppings sound perfect to me!