There’s something about a chilly evening that makes a pot of chili feel like home. The smell of simmering spices fills the kitchen, and bowls of hearty stew invite everyone to gather around the table. This slow cooker chili recipe delivers comfort with minimal effort, perfect for busy nights or relaxed weekends when you crave warmth in every bite.
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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili
This slow cooker chili recipe is rich, filling, and loaded with flavor. It’s easy to make, with just a few steps before your slow cooker does the rest. Because it’s family-friendly, freezer-friendly, and perfect for gatherings, you can enjoy it for dinner and still have plenty left for lunches or a potluck dish.
You’ll love how flexible it is too. You can keep it mild for kids, or add more heat for spice lovers.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe come alive:
- Lean ground beef
- Onion and garlic
- Kidney beans and black beans
- Diced tomatoes and tomato sauce
- A homemade chili seasoning blend of chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper
This homemade seasoning blend gives the chili a warm, balanced flavor. It’s simple yet tastes like it simmered all day.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili (Step-by-Step)
Step 1 – Brown the Beef and Onions
Heat a skillet over medium-high. Cook the beef for 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it apart as it browns. Add diced onion and cook another 4 to 5 minutes until softened.
Step 2 – Add Garlic and Seasonings
Stir in garlic and the spices. Let them cook for about 30 seconds to release their flavor.
Step 3 – Transfer to Slow Cooker
Move the beef mixture into your slow cooker.
Step 4 – Add Beans, Tomatoes, and Sauce
Pour in the beans, diced tomatoes, tomatoes with green chilis, and tomato sauce. Stir everything together.
Step 5 – Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours, or LOW for 6 to 8 hours. The longer it simmers, the deeper the flavor.
Step 6 – Taste and Serve
Season to taste, then ladle into bowls and serve with toppings.
Spice and Heat Adjustments
This chili is mild as written. If you like heat, add an extra tablespoon of chili powder and a pinch of cayenne. Fresh jalapeños or hot peppers also bring more fire.
If cooking for kids or spice-sensitive guests, keep it as is for a cozy, balanced bowl.
Favorite Chili Toppings
This slow cooker chili recipe shines with toppings. Try:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped onions
- Avocado slices
- Fresh cilantro
- Sour cream
- Jalapeños for extra kick
These toppings let everyone customize their own bowl.
Serving Ideas
You can enjoy this chili in so many ways:
- In bowls with chips on the side
- Poured over baked potatoes for a gluten-free option
- As chili dogs with shredded cheese
- As a hearty chili cheese dip with tortilla chips
Each serving feels like a new meal, so leftovers never get boring.
Tips, Variations, and Make-Ahead Options
This recipe is forgiving and flexible. Try venison or ground turkey instead of beef. Add bell peppers for color or swap beans for variety.
You can use a multicooker to sauté and slow cook in the same pot, which makes cleanup easier. Chili also freezes beautifully, so you can portion and store it for up to three months.
It’s also a great recipe to teach kids basic kitchen skills since it has simple steps and safe stovetop cooking.
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe Card (Mandatory)
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Slow Cooker Chili Recipe | Easy & Amazing Comfort Food
- Total Time: 3 hours 40 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings 1x
Description
Hearty and rich, this Slow Cooker Chili Recipe brings cozy flavor with almost no effort. Brown the beef, add everything to the pot, and let it simmer until thick and fragrant. It feeds a crowd, freezes well, and tastes even better the next day.
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 15 oz cans drained and rinsed
30 oz diced tomatoes with juice
10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice
30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
1. Sauté beef in a skillet over medium high heat for 4 to 5 minutes breaking it up with a spatula
2. Add diced onion and sauté another 4 to 5 minutes until softened
3. Stir in minced garlic cumin chili powder garlic powder oregano salt and pepper then cook 30 seconds
4. Transfer beef mixture to a 6 quart slow cooker
5. Add black beans kidney beans diced tomatoes diced tomatoes with green chilis and tomato sauce then stir to combine
6. Cover and cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours or on LOW for 6 to 8 hours
7. Taste then adjust salt and pepper before serving
Notes
Mild as written add 1 extra Tbsp chili powder plus 1 4 to 1 2 tsp cayenne for more heat
Top with shredded cheese onions avocado cilantro sour cream or jalapeños
Serve in bowls with tortilla or pita chips over baked potatoes as chili dogs or as chili cheese dip
Great for meal prep and potlucks cool completely then refrigerate up to 4 days or freeze up to 3 months
Multicooker option sauté and slow cook in the same pot for easier cleanup
Try swaps like venison or ground turkey add bell peppers or use different beans
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours 30 minutes or 6 to 8 hours on low
- Category: Slow Cooker Recipes
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American, Tex Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 6
- Carbohydrates: 41
- Protein: 33
More Such Recipes (Mandatory)
If you loved this hearty chili, you’ll also enjoy:
- hearty Slow Cooker Beef Stew for winter nights
- easy Mississippi Pot Roast in a Crock-Pot
- Slow Cooker Chicken Taco Soup with bold flavors
- comforting White Chicken Chili with a creamy twist
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare the beef and onion mixture a day ahead. Store it in the fridge, then add the rest of the ingredients to the slow cooker the next day.
How can I store and freeze leftovers?
Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.
What size slow cooker works best?
A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe. It fits all the ingredients and leaves room for stirring.
Final Thoughts
This slow cooker chili recipe is the kind of meal that makes everyone happy. It’s hearty, easy, and adaptable to your taste. Whether you’re serving a crowd or just feeding your family, it’s a recipe worth saving.
If you’d like to save more recipes like this, connect with me on Pinterest and Facebook. And don’t forget to share or rate this recipe if it made your night a little cozier.