Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe: Hearty Weeknight Meal (Print Version)
Whip up an Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe for a hearty, comforting dinner. This slow cooker favorite is simple to make and perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 480 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 495 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Base Ingredients
01 -
Ground Beef (1.5 lbs, 80/20)
02 -
Yellow Onion (1 large, diced)
03 -
Green Bell Pepper (1 large, diced)
04 -
Garlic (4 cloves, minced)
05 -
Canned Diced Tomatoes (28 oz can, undrained)
06 -
Canned Tomato Sauce (15 oz can)
07 -
Canned Kidney Beans (15 oz can, rinsed and drained)
08 -
Canned Pinto Beans (15 oz can, rinsed and drained)
09 -
Beef Broth (1 cup)
→ Flavor Builders
10 -
Chili Powder (2 tbsp)
11 -
Cumin (1 tbsp)
12 -
Dried Oregano (1 tsp)
13 -
Smoked Paprika (1 tsp)
14 -
Salt (1 tsp)
15 -
Black Pepper (0.5 tsp)
16 -
Cayenne Pepper (0.25 tsp, optional)
→ Finishing Touches & Toppings
17 -
2 cups Shredded Cheddar Cheese, for serving
18 -
1 cup Sour Cream, for serving
19 -
½ cup Chopped Green Onions, for serving
20 -
¼ cup Diced Jalapeños, for serving
21 -
Corn Chips, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
Okay, first things first for this Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe. Grab a large skillet and heat it over medium-high. Toss in your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want to brown it nicely, getting some of that lovely caramelization. Don't rush this part; it builds so much flavor! I always make sure to drain off any excess grease after it's cooked through; nobody wants a greasy chili, trust me. The smell of the beef sizzling is the first hint of the deliciousness to come, honestly.
02 -
After the beef is out, maybe a tiny bit of the fat left in the pan is fine, or add a drizzle of olive oil. Add your diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. You'll see them get translucent and smell that sweet, savory aroma filling your kitchen. This is where I sometimes get distracted and almost burn the garlic, so stay focused! Toss in your minced garlic for the last minute, stirring constantly until it's fragrant but not browned.
03 -
Now for the easy part! Transfer your browned ground beef, softened onions, bell peppers, and garlic into your trusty slow cooker. Add the undrained diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, rinsed kidney beans, and pinto beans. It'll look like a colorful, promising mess, which is exactly what we're going for! This step always feels like I'm building a masterpiece, honestly.
04 -
Pour in the beef broth. Then, sprinkle in your chili powder, cumin, dried oregano, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper (if you're feeling spicy!). Give everything a really good stir to combine all those glorious ingredients. You want to make sure the spices are evenly distributed throughout the Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe. I always take a moment here to just appreciate the vibrant colors and the anticipation!
05 -
Put the lid on your slow cooker. Set it to LOW for 7-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. I usually opt for the low setting because it just lets all those flavors meld together so beautifully and makes the meat extra tender. Resist the urge to peek too often; let the crockpot do its magic! This is where the kitchen chaos disappears, and the slow cooker takes over.
06 -
Once your cooking time is up, give the chili a final stir. Taste it and adjust any seasonings if needed – maybe a little more salt or a pinch more cayenne? Ladle that warm, comforting Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe into bowls. Pile on your favorite toppings like shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, some chopped green onions, or even a few jalapeño slices. It should be thick, rich, and smell absolutely incredible. Enjoy your masterpiece!
# Notes:
01 -
Browning the ground beef first is non-negotiable for deep flavor; don't skip it!
02 -
This chili tastes even better the next day, so it's a fantastic make-ahead option.
03 -
Try adding a tiny bit of unsweetened cocoa powder (1 tsp) for an unexpected depth of flavor.
04 -
Serve with warm cornbread or over a bed of fluffy rice for a truly comforting meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Slow cooker (6-quart)
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
knife
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 20 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 30 g