Homestyle Crockpot Ground Beef & Bean Chili (Print Version)
Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is my family's favorite! Simple to make, loaded with flavor, and perfect for busy weeknights.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 360 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 380 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Main Ingredients
01 -
1 ½ lbs ground beef (80/20 lean)
02 -
1 large onion, chopped
03 -
1 large bell pepper, any color, chopped
04 -
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
05 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
06 -
1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
07 -
1 cup beef broth
08 -
2 tablespoons tomato paste
09 -
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
→ Seasonings & Spices
10 -
2 tablespoons chili powder
11 -
1 tablespoon ground cumin
12 -
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 -
1 teaspoon garlic powder
14 -
1 teaspoon onion powder
15 -
1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
16 -
1/2 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
→ Garnish & Toppings
17 -
Shredded cheddar cheese, for serving
18 -
Sour cream, for serving
19 -
Fresh cilantro, chopped, for serving
20 -
Green onions, sliced, for serving
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get that ground beef browned in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Break it up with a spoon, you know the drill. Once it's nicely browned, drain any excess fat – this is a non-negotiable step for a good Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans. Then, toss in your chopped onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they're softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Oh, the smell that starts to fill your kitchen! It’s the promise of good things to come, honestly.
02 -
Now for the easy part! Transfer that browned beef and veggie mixture into your trusty slow cooker. Add in the canned diced tomatoes (undrained, remember?), both the rinsed kidney and black beans, that beef broth, and the tomato paste. Give it a good stir to combine everything. I usually find myself humming a little tune at this point, because I know the hard work is pretty much done. It’s a moment of calm before the long, delicious wait.
03 -
This is where the magic really happens for your Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans! Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper. Don't forget that secret weapon, the Worcestershire sauce! Stir it all together until those spices are evenly distributed. I love watching the color deepen as the spices mix in; it’s a feast for the eyes before it’s even cooked. Take a moment to breathe in those amazing aromas!
04 -
Put the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. Honestly, I always go for the low setting if I can. It just gives the flavors more time to really get to know each other, to meld and deepen into something truly spectacular. I've tried rushing it on high, and while it's good, that low and slow simmer really makes this Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans sing. Just let it do its thing!
05 -
Once the cooking time is up, give your chili a good stir. The beef should be tender, the beans soft, and the sauce thickened. This is the moment to taste and adjust your seasonings. Does it need a little more salt? A pinch more chili powder? Maybe a dash of hot sauce if you're feeling spicy? I always make a small bowl for myself to taste, sometimes adding a little extra of everything until it’s just right. This is your chili, make it perfect for you!
06 -
Ladle that glorious Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans into bowls. This is where you get creative with your toppings! I love a dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese, some fresh cilantro, and a few chopped green onions. The smell is absolutely intoxicating, and the steam rising from the bowl just screams comfort. Get ready for some serious happy sighs around the table, or just from you, if you're eating it solo!
# Notes:
01 -
Always drain the fat from your ground beef after browning; it makes a huge difference in the final texture and taste of your chili.
02 -
Don't be afraid to taste and adjust seasonings at the end. Chili flavors deepen, and sometimes it needs a little extra love.
03 -
Rinse your canned beans! Seriously, it removes excess sodium and that weird starchy liquid that can make your chili murky.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large skillet
02 -
slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 500 kcal
Total Fat: 23 g
Total Carbohydrate: 45 g
Protein: 38 g