Introduction
Nothing beats a warm bowl of chili on a cold day. It’s hearty, full of flavor, and makes you feel cozy inside. One of the best things about chili is how easy it is to make—especially when you use a slow cooker. Just toss in your ingredients, turn on the cooker, and let it do all the hard work.
This Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe is perfect for busy weekdays, family dinners, or even game day parties. It’s made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a mix of spices that make it rich and tasty. Even better? You can prepare it in the morning and come home to a hot and ready meal. Let’s get started!
Ingredients – Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Here are the simple ingredients you’ll need for this slow cooker beef chili:
Meat & Vegetables:
- 1 pound (about 450g) ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped (optional)
Canned Goods:
- 1 (15-ounce) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Spices:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional, for a little heat)
Toppings (Optional but Delicious!):
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or cornbread
Step by Step Process – Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Let’s go through the simple steps of making this chili in your slow cooker.
Step 1: Cook the Ground Beef
In a pan over medium heat, cook the ground beef until it’s fully browned. Break it up with a spoon as it cooks. This step adds extra flavor and keeps the chili from getting greasy.
Step 2: Add Onion and Garlic
Once the beef is browned, add the chopped onion and garlic to the pan. Cook them for about 2–3 minutes until they get soft. This helps bring out their flavor.
Step 3: Move to the Slow Cooker
Now that the beef, onion, and garlic are cooked, transfer them into your slow cooker.
Step 4: Add the Rest of the Ingredients
Add the beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth (or water), and all the spices to the slow cooker. If you’re using bell pepper, toss that in too.
Step 5: Mix It All Up
Give everything a good stir so that the flavors combine well.
Step 6: Cook Low and Slow
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Cooking it slowly helps the flavors blend together beautifully.
Step 7: Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste your chili. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. If you like it thicker, take the lid off and let it cook for another 30 minutes.
Step 8: Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the chili into bowls and top it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or a dollop of sour cream. Serve it with cornbread or crackers for a complete meal.
Nutritional Information
| Nutrient | Amount per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 330 |
| Protein | 25g |
| Carbohydrates | 28g |
| Dietary Fiber | 8g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Total Fat | 12g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Cholesterol | 50mg |
| Sodium | 680mg |
| Potassium | 700mg |
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Yes! Ground turkey is a great option if you want a lighter version of this chili. Just swap it in for the beef and follow the same steps.
Q2: Do I have to cook the beef before putting it in the slow cooker?
It’s highly recommended. Cooking the beef before adds flavor and removes extra fat. If you’re in a hurry, you can add raw beef, but it won’t taste quite as rich.
Q3: How long can I store leftovers?
You can keep leftover chili in the fridge for up to 4 days in an airtight container. It also freezes well for up to 3 months!
Q4: Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Just leave out the beef and add extra beans or some chopped mushrooms for a meaty texture.
Q5: What size slow cooker should I use?
A 4 to 6-quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe. If you’re doubling the recipe, use a larger one or cook it in batches.
Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe is everything you want in a meal—warm, filling, and full of flavor. It’s the kind of recipe that brings the family to the table, fills your kitchen with amazing smells, and makes enough for seconds (and leftovers!).
Whether you’re cooking for a weekday dinner or a cozy weekend treat, this chili checks all the boxes: easy, tasty, and no-stress. Plus, you can tweak it to your liking—mild or spicy, with beef or turkey, with extra beans or no beans at all. So, grab your slow cooker, gather your ingredients, and let’s get chili-cooking! You’ll be glad you did.
