This Slow Cooker Chili is the easiest and most flavorful recipe for a classic beef and bean chili. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a homemade blend of chili seasonings, this Crockpot Chili develops incredible flavors with minimal effort.
For the most flavorful chili, I always turn to my Chili Seasoning Blend. It takes a few humble ingredients and turns them into perfectly seasoned Chili. Serve with a side of Cornbread Muffins and top with cheese, this recipe will be your go-to when you are craving homemade chili.
This is a no-frills, no-fuss recipe for Classic Beef and Bean Chili.
It is made with simple ingredients, but yet is perfectly seasoned and simmered low and slow in the crockpot to develop the best flavor.
In fact, I stand to argue that making chili in the slow cooker is the BEST way to make Chilli. Period. It simmers for hours, completely hands-off to develop the richest flavor.
Key Ingredients
- Beef: Use good quality, 85/15 ground meat for this recipe.
- Beans: Use dark or light kidney beans or a combination of both.
- Chili Seasoning: My homemade chili seasoning is the perfect ratio of spices for the most flavorful chili. Be sure to this blend of dried spices for the best results.
- Tomatoes: I recommend a mixture of crushed tomatoes and diced tomatoes for flavor and texture.
How to Make Crockpot Chili
- In a large non-stick skillet, brown beef with onions over medium-high heat, breaking up as the meat browns.
- Once the meat is browned, add in the garlic and saute 1-2 minutes longer.
- Drain off any excess grease.
- Add browned beef mixture to the slow cooker.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning.
- Place lid on crockpot and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Dish out the chili and serve with toppings as desired.
Chili FAQs
What is the best type of ground meat is best for chili?
Use any ground meat you like. I have made this chili with ground beef, ground bison, ground turkey, and ground chicken with delicious results. I do find that the most flavorful chili is made with ground meat with an 85/15 fat ratio.
What is the best way to serve chili?
The options for serving chili are endless. I serve with a side of corn chips, chopped onions, pickled jalapenos, diced avocado, shredded cheese, and sour cream and let people dish out the toppings as desired. Some people enjoy chili served over cooked pasta or rice, while others enjoy chili served over a baked potato or baked sweet potato. This chili also makes a delicious base for Tamale Pie.
How long does leftover Chili last?
Chili is one of those dishes that tastes better leftover than served immediately. You can store leftover, cooked, cooled chili in an air-tight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can you make this Chili on the stove-top?
If you don’t have a slow cooker, you can also prepare this recipe on the stovetop. Use a large dutch oven and brown the beef with onion and garlic. Drain off the beef and add in the chili seasonings, crushed tomatoes, and diced tomatoes, along with ½ cup water or beer. Simmer for 2 to 3 hours over low heat and then stir in beans and heat for 30 minutes.
What's the best way to reheat Chili?
To reheat, place the refrigerated or defrosted frozen chili in a slow cooker and heat on low for 2-3 hours until heated through.
More Delicious Chili Recipes
I hope that you enjoy this recipe for Slow Cooker Chili and would love for you to leave a comment and review below.
Slow Cooker Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds ground beef
- 1 small onion diced
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 29 ounces crushed tomatoes
- 16 ounces diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili seasoning see note for recipe
- 2 cups dark red kidney beans 16 ounce cans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups light red kidney beans 16 ounce can, rinsed and drained
Instructions
- In a large non-stick skillet, brown beef with onions over medium-high heat, breaking up as the meat browns.
- Once the meat is browned, add in the garlic and saute 1-2 minutes longer.
- Drain off any excess grease and then add to slow cooker.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beans, and chili seasoning, mixing to combine well.
- Place lid on slow cooker and cook on low for 8-10 hours or high for 4-5 hours.
- Serve with cheese, sour cream, chips, cornbread, etc
Equipment Needed
Notes
Nutrition
This post was originally published in 2017 but updated in 2021 with a video and tips.
Jane Saunders
Your rendition is just the way I like my chilli. Thanks for sharing.
Carrie
Great recipe. Hard to resist a good bowl of chili. Thank you for sharing.