Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef & Beans Recipe (Print Version)

Crockpot chili with ground beef and beans that's hearty, comforting, and perfect for busy weeknights. Easy slow cooker recipe ready in 6 hours.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 6 Hours minutes
Total Time: 21 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free

# Ingredients:

→ Base Ingredients

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef
02 - 1 large onion, diced
03 - 1 red bell pepper, chopped
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced

→ Beans & Tomatoes

05 - 2 cans kidney beans, drained
06 - 1 can black beans, drained
07 - 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
08 - 2 cups beef broth

→ Seasonings & Spices

09 - 2 tbsp chili powder
10 - 1 tbsp cumin
11 - 1 tsp paprika
12 - Salt and pepper to taste

→ Optional Toppings

13 - Shredded cheese
14 - Sour cream
15 - Green onions
16 - Tortilla chips

# Instructions:

01 - Start by dicing that onion and chopping the bell pepper—I always do this first because once I start cooking, I forget everything else. Mince the garlic too, and don't worry if the pieces aren't perfectly uniform. This isn't a cooking show, it's real life! The smell of fresh garlic always makes me feel like I'm actually adulting properly, even when everything else is chaos.
02 - Okay, I know I said you don't have to do this, but if you have the energy, browning the ground beef for 5-6 minutes adds amazing depth. Break it up with a wooden spoon and let it get some color. If you're having one of those days where even this feels like too much, just throw it in raw—I promise it'll still be delicious!
03 - This is where the magic happens! Toss the beef, beans, crushed tomatoes, onions, bell pepper, and garlic into your slow cooker. Don't worry about the order—I've tried layering it "properly" and honestly, it all ends up mixed together anyway. Pour in that beef broth and give it a gentle stir. The anticipation starts building right here.
04 - Add your chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. I always taste the mixture at this point even though it's raw—don't judge me! Start with less seasoning than you think you need because the flavors intensify during the long cooking process. I learned this the hard way when my first batch was basically inedible from too much salt.
05 - Cover that baby up and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This is the hardest part honestly—waiting while your house fills with the most incredible smells. I usually make this on Sunday mornings so it's ready for dinner, but I've definitely started it at midnight for the next day's meal too.
06 - About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings. The ground beef should be tender, the beans creamy, and everything should smell like pure comfort. If it's too thick, add more broth; too thin, remove the lid and let it cook uncovered for the last hour. Serve with your favorite toppings and watch everyone get cozy.

# Notes:

01 - Don't lift the crockpot lid during cooking-every peek adds 15 minutes to the total time.
02 - This chili tastes even better the next day, so make it ahead for maximum flavor development.
03 - Ground turkey works as a lighter substitute, just add extra oil since it's leaner than beef.
04 - Serve over baked potatoes or with cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal experience.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Slow cooker/crockpot
02 - cutting board
03 - knife
04 - measuring spoons

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 285
Total Fat: 12g
Total Carbohydrate: 22g
Protein: 24g

Back