If you’re after warm, comforting, and fuss-free meal ideas, I’ve got just the thing for you. This Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe is one of my absolute favorites to whip up—it’s packed with flavor, super tender, and oh-so-satisfying. The best part? It practically cooks itself while you go about your day. When I first tried this recipe, I fell in love with how all the spices meld beautifully over hours of slow cooking, delivering a rich and hearty chili that my family and friends can’t get enough of. Stick around because I’m going to share all my tips to make sure yours turns out just as amazing.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Hands-Off Cooking: Toss everything in your slow cooker and forget about it for hours.
- Rich, Authentic Flavor: The blend of spices simmers together for a taste that’s both bold and comforting.
- Family-Friendly Crowd-Pleaser: Perfect for feeding a hungry group with minimal effort.
- Versatile & Customizable: Easily adjust spice levels and ingredients to suit dietary needs or preferences.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic behind this Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe lies in simple, quality ingredients that come together beautifully. I always keep these staples on hand, and when I’m ready to throw together chili, it’s a breeze. Here’s a quick rundown of what you’ll need and why each plays its role.
- Ground Beef: I prefer lean beef (90/10 or 93/7) to keep it hearty but not overly greasy.
- Onion: Adds sweetness and depth when sautéed before slow cooking.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic really amps up the flavor in a way garlic powder alone can’t.
- Cumin Powder: Brings an earthy, warm undertone that’s classic in chili.
- Chili Powder: The main heat and spice source—adjust based on how spicy you like it.
- Garlic Powder: To round out the garlic flavor without overpowering it.
- Dried Oregano: Adds a subtle herbaceous note that balances the spices.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Essential to enhance all the other flavors.
- Black Beans & Kidney Beans: Provide texture, fiber, and protein—rinse them well to reduce excess sodium.
- Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilis: These bring juiciness and a slight tang that’s perfect in chili.
- Tomato Sauce: Adds body and richness, making the chili thick and comforting.
Variations
One of the reasons I keep coming back to this Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe is how flexible it is. I like to switch things up depending on the season, what’s in my pantry, or dietary preferences. Don’t be afraid to put your own spin on it—you’ll find it just gets better with little tweaks.
- Swap the meat: Try ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version—I’ve done it and it’s great with a bit more seasoning.
- No beans? Some nights, I omit beans and add extra veggies like bell peppers or corn for texture.
- Spice it up: If you love heat, add chopped jalapeños or a dash of cayenne pepper for some kick.
- Make it vegan: Skip the beef, use plant-based ground “meat,” and load up on beans and veggies!
How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef and Sauté Aromatics
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it starts to release fat—about 4 to 5 minutes. Don’t rush this part; breaking the meat up as it cooks helps it brown evenly and lock in flavor. Then toss in the diced onion and cook until softened and translucent—another 4 to 5 minutes. Finally, add the minced garlic along with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir constantly for about 30 seconds to toast the spices lightly, which really brings out their aroma. This sizzling step is a personal favorite of mine—it makes such a difference!
Step 2: Transfer and Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
Once your beef mixture smells amazing and your onions are soft, transfer everything to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add in the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis, and the tomato sauce. Give it all a good stir so everything is evenly distributed. This combination is what makes the chili both hearty and saucy, with plenty of texture.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Now the easy part: cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours, or low for 6-8 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper and more melded the flavors become—and your beef turns melt-in-your-mouth tender. I personally prefer the low and slow approach because I can set it before I head out and come back to a kitchen filled with that irresistible chili aroma. Just remember to give it a good stir about halfway through if you can.
Step 4: Final Taste and Serve
Before serving, taste your chili and adjust salt or spices if needed. Sometimes I like to add a pinch more chili powder or a dash of hot sauce at this stage to brighten it up. Serve warm and get ready for some serious compliments!
Pro Tips for Making Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Brown Your Beef First: Browning adds layers of flavor and prevents the meat from being mushy after slow cooking.
- Rinse Your Beans Thoroughly: This cuts down on sodium and any canned “tinny” flavor, giving cleaner, fresher bites.
- Don’t Skip Toasting Spices: It might seem small, but stirring spices with garlic and onion before slow cooking gives you that authentic chili warmth.
- Watch the Liquid Levels: If your chili seems watery near the end, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to let it thicken up.
How to Serve Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
My go-to garnishes for this chili are shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some sliced green onions. They add creaminess and a fresh pop that beautifully balances the spicy, meaty stew. Sometimes I sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or fresh cilantro on top for extra texture and freshness. If you like a bit of heat, a few dashes of hot sauce or sliced jalapeños never hurt!
Side Dishes
I often pair this chili with classic cornbread—either homemade or a trusty mix. The sweetness of cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly. Another favorite? A simple green salad or steamed rice to soak up every last bit of sauce. On busy nights, I’ll serve it alongside tortilla chips or crusty bread for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
For family gatherings or casual parties, I like to turn this chili into a taco bar or a chili bake. Scoop chili over baked potatoes or nachos, then pile on all your favorite toppings for a fun, interactive dinner. Another idea I’ve tried is ladling it inside mini bread bowls—super cute and perfect for cozy gatherings!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge, where it keeps well for up to 4 days. One tip I learned the hard way: cool your chili slightly before sealing it to avoid condensation that can make it watery. I usually divide it into meal-sized portions so it’s easy to grab and reheat.
Freezing
This chili freezes beautifully! I portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags, label them, and freeze for up to 3 months. When I’m ready to enjoy it again, I just thaw overnight in the fridge. It almost tastes like fresh-cooked once reheated.
Reheating
To reheat, I prefer using the stovetop in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed all the way through. If you’re in a rush, the microwave works fine—just heat in short bursts and stir in between to keep it even. Adding a splash of water or broth helps maintain that perfect chili consistency if it’s been stored thick.
FAQs
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Can I make this Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe in advance?
Absolutely! This chili actually tastes better the next day because the flavors have more time to marry. You can prepare it the day before, refrigerate, and gently reheat when ready to serve. Just store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
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What can I substitute if I don’t have chili powder?
If you don’t have chili powder, you can make a quick blend with paprika, ground cumin, garlic powder, and a pinch of cayenne pepper. This blend will mimic the flavor closely and keep your chili tasting authentic.
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Can I skip the beans in this chili recipe?
Yes! While beans add texture and nutrition, skipping them is totally fine if you prefer a beanless chili. You can add extra veggies like bell peppers or use more tomatoes for volume instead.
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Is it necessary to brown the ground beef first?
Browning the beef first adds flavor and improves texture, but if you’re really in a hurry, you can skip this step—just know the chili might be a bit less rich and the meat softer.
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How do I thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
If your chili ends up on the watery side, try cooking it uncovered on the slow cooker’s high setting for 30 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. Adding a small slurry of cornstarch and water at the end also helps thicken quickly.
Final Thoughts
Honestly, this Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe has been my go-to comfort food for years, especially during chilly evenings when you want something cozy and effortless. It’s become a reliable favorite that never fails to bring smiles to the dinner table. I hope you’ll give it a try—you’ll love how hands-free it is and how rich the flavors become after a few hours of slow cooking. Trust me, once you taste this chili, it’ll become a staple in your meal rotation just like it did in mine!
Print
Easy Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe features lean ground beef simmered with beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of hearty spices, resulting in a rich and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a comforting meal. Prepared with simple ingredients and cooked low and slow, this chili delivers tender beef and deep, well-rounded flavors without much hands-on time.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans (two 15 oz cans), drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Sauté Ground Beef: Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and cook the ground beef for 4-5 minutes, stirring and breaking it apart with a spatula until it releases its fat and is no longer pink.
- Add Onion and Garlic: Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté for another 4-5 minutes until the onion becomes tender. Stir in the minced garlic along with cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 30 seconds while stirring constantly to bloom the spices and release their aromas.
- Transfer to Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef and onion mixture into a 6-quart slow cooker, spreading it out evenly.
- Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice, and tomato sauce to the slow cooker. Stir everything together to combine well.
- Cook the Chili: Cover and cook on high for 3 to 4 hours or on low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing all flavors to meld together and the beef to become tender and juicy.
- Season and Serve: Taste the chili and adjust salt or seasoning if necessary. Serve warm with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
Notes
- This slow cooker chili is easy to prepare and perfect for busy days since most of the cooking time is hands-off.
- Using lean ground beef keeps the chili hearty but not greasy, while the slow cooking process ensures tender, flavorful meat.
- The combination of black beans, kidney beans, and tomatoes creates a rich texture and depth of flavor.
- Adjust the chili powder amount based on your preferred spice level.
- Great recipe for meal prep or feeding a crowd, and leftovers taste even better the next day.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340 kcal
- Sugar: 7 g
- Sodium: 889 mg
- Fat: 6 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 41 g
- Fiber: 13 g
- Protein: 33 g
- Cholesterol: 56 mg
