The first time I walked into my kitchen on a snowy October morning, the smell of cumin and tomatoes bubbling away in the slow cooker felt like a warm hug. This slow cooker chili recipe is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that delivers big flavor with hardly any effort. It’s been trending for good reasonit’s hearty, comforting, and perfect for feeding a hungry family after a long day.

This one’s built with tender ground beef, two kinds of beans, and fire-roasted tomatoes that deepen as they simmer. You’ll love how the flavors meld all day without babysitting the stove. It’s like your old-school chili but made even easier with pantry staples and a crockpot. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and easy to adapt for lighter, leaner versions if you need them.

I first made this after my third son left for college in 2018quiet house, chilly weekend, and I needed something soul-soothing. When my neighbor popped by for a cup of tea, she ended up staying for two bowls. I learned then that adding cocoa powder (just a little!) brings surprising depth without making it “chocolatey.” After years of blogging and growing up around ranch-style pots of chili, I can say: this one’s a keeper.

Yesica Andrews

Slow Cooker Chili Recipe for a Delicious Feast

This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is the perfect combination of easy slow cooker chili and hearty slow cooker chili for a flavorful, satisfying meal. Made with lean ground beef, beans, and a blend of homemade chili seasonings, this recipe simmers slowly to develop rich depth and juiciness. Ideal for a comforting family dinner or a festive gathering, this easy slow cooker chili is sure to become a favorite in your kitchen.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 3 hours hrs 30 minutes mins

Total Time 3 hours hrs 40 minutes mins

Servings: 10 people

Calories: 340

Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 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
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 30 oz kidney beans, two 15oz 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

Method

 

1. Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat (4-5 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula.
2. Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender (4-5 minutes).
3. Add minced garlic and seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper.
4. Cook another 30 seconds stirring constantly.
5. Transfer mixture to a 6 Qt slow cooker.
6. Add rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker.
7. Stir to combine.
8. Cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours.
9. Season to taste if desired and serve warm.

Notes

• For best results, use lean ground beef and adjust salt to taste. This chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.

Cozy & Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Get ready for the ultimate comfort food! This slow cooker chili recipe is a true game-changer for busy weeknights or cozy weekends. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s designed to bring warmth and deliciousness to your table without a fuss. Expect a rich, deeply flavored chili that practically cooks itself, making it perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd.

Prep time: 20 minutes | Cook time: 3-8 hours | Yields: 6-8 servings

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

This slow cooker chili recipe isn’t just a meal; it’s a comforting experience that simplifies your day. Here’s why it’s destined to become a family favorite:

• Effortless cooking: Truly a “set it and forget it” meal. Your slow cooker handles the long, gentle simmer, allowing you to focus on other things while dinner practically makes itself.
• Deep, satisfying flavors: Hours of slow simmering allow the spices, tomatoes, and savory beef to meld into a rich, complex, and incredibly comforting bowl of chili.
• A crowd-pleaser: Loaded with hearty beans, savory ground beef, and a balanced seasoning that appeals to all ages, this meal is a guaranteed hit at any gathering.
• Infinitely customizable: Easily adjust the spice level to your preference, and offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or fresh scallions to let everyone create their perfect bowl.

Key Ingredients and How They Elevate Your Chili

Each ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to contribute to that classic, hearty, and deeply satisfying chili flavor:

• Lean ground beef: The foundation of our chili, providing rich flavor and a substantial texture. Opting for lean ground beef keeps it hearty without being overly greasy.
• A dynamic bean duo: Black beans and kidney beans deliver a wonderful contrast in texturecreamy black beans meet firm, earthy kidney beansall while boosting fiber and protein.
• Fire-roasted tomatoes and green chilis: These aren’t just filler; they infuse the chili with a fantastic smoky depth and a subtle, pleasant kick that’s hard to achieve otherwise.
• The essential seasoning blend: Our homemade mix of chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a touch of garlic powder is the secret to a robust, authentic chili flavor that develops beautifully over time.
• Rich tomato sauce: This creates a luscious, tangy base that blankets all the other ingredients, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with comfort.
• Fresh garlic and onion: Sautéing these aromatic staples at the start builds a fundamental layer of savory flavor that deepens throughout the slow cooking process.

Pro Tip for Unlocking Maximum Flavor:

While the slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, taking a few minutes to brown the ground beef, sauté the onions and fresh garlic, and toast the spices in a skillet before adding them to the slow cooker will genuinely transform your chili. This quick step creates a rich depth of flavor you simply can’t achieve by skipping it.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

This recipe comes together with minimal fuss, letting your slow cooker do the bulk of the work. Follow these easy steps for a delicious, hearty meal:

1. Brown the beef and aromatics: In a large skillet, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any excess fat. Add the diced onion and minced fresh garlic, cooking until the onion softens and becomes translucent, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Bloom the spices: Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, dried oregano, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Cook for just 1 minute more, stirring constantly, until the spices become wonderfully fragrant. This step “blooms” the spices, intensifying their flavor.
3. Combine and slow cook: Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes (undrained), tomato sauce, and diced green chilis (undrained). Stir everything together thoroughly. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or on LOW for 6–8 hours, until the chili is hot, bubbling, and the flavors have fully melded.

Easy Swaps and Simple Tweaks for Your Perfect Chili

This recipe is incredibly versatile! Feel free to adapt it to your dietary needs or taste preferences with these easy ideas:

• Crank up the heat: For those who love a spicy kick, stir in a pinch of cayenne pepper, add a diced jalapeño (seeds removed for less heat, left in for more), or a dash of your favorite hot sauce.
• For a lighter touch: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, ensuring you still brown it well for flavor. Use low-sodium canned beans and tomatoes to reduce sodium content.
• Go vegetarian: Easily omit the meat and double up on the beans (pinto, cannellini, or extra black/kidney beans work great). You can also add diced bell peppers or zucchini for more veggies.
• Spice blend alternatives: If you don’t have chili powder, a blend of smoked paprika and extra cumin can offer a similar warm, earthy depth.

Serving and Storing Your Delicious ChiliOnce your slow cooker chili has simmered to perfection, it’s time to customize and enjoy!

• Top it your way: Essential toppings include a generous sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a cooling dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and some crunchy crushed tortilla chips. Fresh cilantro, diced red onion, or sliced avocado also make fantastic additions.
• Perfect pairings: This chili is a meal in itself, but it pairs wonderfully with warm, buttery cornbread, a crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette, or even spooned over a fluffy baked potato.
• Freezer-friendly gold: This chili freezes beautifully, making it an ideal make-ahead meal. Let it cool completely before portioning into airtight freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating gently on the stovetop or in the microwave.
• Fridge storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors often deepen and improve overnight!

For more delicious recipes and cooking inspiration, follow me on Facebook, Pinterest and Reddit!Expert Insight: The Art of Slow Cooker ChiliAs a seasoned home cook, I’ve learned that the true magic of slow cooker chili lies in patience. The extended simmering time isn’t just about cooking the ingredients; it’s about transforming them. This process allows the tougher proteins in the beef to break down, becoming incredibly tender, while the spices gradually bloom and intertwine with the tomatoes and beans, creating a harmonious and complex flavor profile that’s simply impossible to rush. Layering flavors from the start, especially by sautéing and toasting spices, is key to this depth.Slow Cooker Chili Recipe That Took Time to Get Just RightOh, this chili! It’s been quite a journey to get this slow cooker chili recipe exactly how I envisioned it. I honestly lost count of the number of batches I made, each one a lesson. There were the “too much spice, need a fire extinguisher” mishaps, the “forgot the key ingredient” moments, and plenty of times it just didn’t quite hit that perfect balance of warmth and heartiness. Every single attempt, though, taught me something new about balancing flavors, textures, and the magic of a long, slow simmer. This recipe, right here, is the culmination of all those trials and errorsa truly cozy, wholesome meal that I’m so proud to share, and one I know your family will absolutely adore.FAQs ( Slow Cooker Chili Recipe )

Conclusion: Your New Favorite Slow Cooker ChiliThis slow cooker chili recipe truly delivers comfort in a bowlrich, hearty, and incredibly simple to pull together. With just a few staple ingredients and the dependable magic of your slow cooker, you’ll have a deeply satisfying dinner ready while your kitchen fills with the most welcoming aromas. It’s truly the kind of meal that warms the soul and feeds the entire family without any unnecessary fuss.Remember, this recipe is a fantastic canvas for your own creativity. Feel free to switch up the beans, experiment with different chili powders, or add a splash of your favorite smoky hot sauce for an extra kick. And here’s a little secret I picked up over years of perfecting chili: stir in a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder along with your spices. It adds an unexpected depth and richness without making the chili taste sweetit just makes the savory notes sing!I’d absolutely love to see your versions and hear how this cozy chili fits into your family traditions. Did someone in your family grow up with a cherished chili recipe like this? Share your stories, savor this meal together, and make some wonderful new memoriesbecause truly, meals like these are made for sharing and bringing people closer.