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A rich, tasty crockpot chili that is easy to prepare and slow cooked all day. No long list of ingredients, you probably have them all in your pantry already!
Step by step photos and instructions below!
The Best Crockpot Chili
Hey! need chili? (of course you do, or you wouldn’t be here!!)
This recipe is my favorite! The best part is, it really NEEDS a good long stay in the crockpot, in order to blend all the flavors properly. I LOVE making this crockpot chili recipe! it’s so easy, makes a LOT so plenty to freeze for later for chili dogs or a quick lunch.
Serve with some sour cream, sharp cheddar cheese and a little cilantro (or cornbread, homemade corn tortillas). This is a hearty dinner ready for when you walk in the door!
DID YOU KNOW? Whenever “chili powder” appears in a recipe, it refers to a chili powder BLEND, not pure ground chilies.
If you’re looking for a healthier crock pot chili, switch out the ground beef for ground turkey. Add a tablespoon of cocoa powder to the mix. The cocoa powder makes it taste richer and meatier – I challenge your family to tell the difference between this version and the turkey!
I hope you love this classic!
What to serve with this slow cooker chili recipe?
I like to serve this thick chili over baked potatoes, with hot dogs or with some cornbread, in a tortilla or using tortilla chips to scoop.
Want more chili? I have something for everyone! Try my Instant Pot Chicken Chili, my Turkey Chili or my Vegetarian Chili!
I have included step by step photos and instructions, as well as tips and tricks in the post. If you’d rather skip all that, scoot right on down to the recipe card located at the bottom of the post.
Ingredients
The full list of ingredients and quantities is found in the printable recipe card below.
- Ground Beef. I use 93/7 blend, but 80/20 is good, too! Just be sure to drain the extra fat before adding to the crockpot.
- Onion. Chop this fairly roughly.
- Diced Tomatoes. We want the juice! don’t drain it off! These can be diced or crushed tomatoes.
- Pinto Beans, Black Beans & Kidney Beans. Drain, then rinse.
- Salsa. Your favorite, be it spicy or mild.
- Chili Powder, Cumin, Onion Powder, Garlic Powder, Salt & Pepper
How to make this recipe
Scroll for Recipe
The full list of ingredients, quantities and instructions can be found in the printable recipe card below.
- Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned, and onion is tender.
- Drain and discard fat.
- Open all the cans – drain and rinse the beans, but leave the juices in with the diced tomatoes.
- Place beef and onions, and all remaining ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir, cover and cook (stirring occasionally) on for 6-8 hours or until flavors are well blended.
- Serve with cornbread, in a tortilla, or in a bowl topped with cheese, sour cream. Add a little hot sauce if you are so inclined.
Kylee’s Notes
Whenever “chili powder” appears in a recipe, it refers to a chili powder BLEND, not pure ground chilies.
You can skip the browning step of the ground beef, but I think it adds a better flavor to the finished dish.
What to do with leftovers
Store in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat until it is piping hot!
Substitutions/Additions
- Stir some fresh cilantro through it at the end of cooking for a fresh burst of flavor!
- Looking for more color? Add some green onions before serving, too!
- Add some chopped red or green bell peppers to the onions for some extra flavor or color
- Mix up the types of beans used. I use kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, and even garbanzo beans. Whatever you have!
- Want to dial up the heat? Add some crushed chili flakes with the other spices
Freezing instructions
This recipe can be frozen after cooking. Ladle into freezer safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. You can safely freeze this up to 6 months.
MORE SLOWCOOKER/CROCKPOT RECIPES
- Crockpot Cowboy Casserole. Quick to prep, this is a real family pleaser!
- 15 Bean Soup. Packed with flavor and goodness – this meal is a great one to set and forget!
- Beef Stew with Herbed Dumplings. This one makes the family run to the table, with the addition of Herbed Dumplings – it’s a total winter warmer!
- Cheesy Chicken Tater Tot Casserole. A family-friendly easy prep and clean up meal that you can set and forget. This yummy tater tot casserole recipe has allll the good stuff – you can’t go wrong!
ALL SLOW COOKER/CROCKPOT RECIPES
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The Best Crockpot Chili (Beef)
Suggested Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped (about a cup)
- 28 oz diced tomatoes 2 regular sized cans
- 14 oz pinto beans drained and rinsed (or kidney beans)
- 14 oz black beans drained and rinsed
- 1/2 cup salsa
- 1 Tablespoon prepared chili powder
- 1 1/2 Tablespoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon cracked pepper
Instructions
- Brown the beef and onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat until beef is browned, and onion is tender. Drain and discard fat
- Open all the cans – drain and rinse the beans, but leave the juices in with the diced tomatoes.
- Place beef and onions, and all remaining ingredients in the crockpot.
- Stir, cover and cook (stirring occasionally) on for 6-8 hours or until flavors are well blended.
- Devour.
Tips & Notes:
Freezing instructions
This recipe can be frozen after cooking. Ladle into freezer safe containers, leaving a little room at the top for expansion. You can safely freeze this up to 6 months.nutrition facts
Nutritional Disclaimer
Recipes written and produced on Kylee Cooks are for informational purposes only. Kylee is not a certified nutritionist. Nutritional data provided on Kylee Cooks has not been evaluated or approved by a nutritionist or the Food and Drug Administration.
Update: This was originally posted in November of 2014, and has been updated with new photos and a video.
SHANIKA says
This Chili really is super chunky! Looks amazing! I’m loving all the flavor in just one bowl and the addition of pinto beans. I need to try this!
Elaine says
Slow cooking this chili all day must give it so much flavor that it will be hard (almost impossible) not to finish the whole pot in one go 🙂
Sean@Diversivore says
I’m with you on the extra lean beef. I like the texture and the way that it keeps the chili from becoming oily. Love the cocoa powder too – I’ve been making a few different chilies with cocoa in them for a while now and they’ve all been hits.
Great recipe! Cheers!
Jacqui Debono says
I don’t know why, but I have never made chili in the crockpot before! I think I need to try it with the turkey too for a lower fat option!
Leslie says
I love a good, simple, chili recipe. This looks so perfect! Just in time too because it’s finally starting to cool off here where I live!
Kelly Anthony says
I love your idea of adding cocoa powder to make it richer in flavor if using ground turkey. I can’t wait to try this out!
Colleen says
I can’t believe I’ve never made chili in the slow cooker. I always use the stove top, but I’m giving the slow cooker a try next time. And you are so right about the cocoa powder. It brings the chili to a new level!
Michelle says
This is chili perfection. I love EVERYTHING about it. Yum!
Tamara Andersen says
YUM! I haven’t made a good pot of chili in my slow cooker in years, and your recipe is calling my name! BTW, good job on the updated photos!
Kate says
Yay chili!
Rachael DeBruin says
Perfect! Looks so good for a cold wintery day 🙂
Miranda Couse says
This looks like a big bowl of comfort food! Yummy!!
Cheri Savory Spoon says
This looks delicious Kylee!