Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Incredibly flavorful and packed with protein, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is the perfect dish for chilly evenings. Not only is it easy to prepare, but it also makes a large batch, making it ideal for family dinners or game day gatherings. With its rich blend of spices and hearty ingredients, this chili is sure to impress everyone at the table.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: With just 5 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and enjoy the wonderful aroma wafting through your home.
- Flavorful: The combination of spices and fresh ingredients creates a delightful taste that warms you from the inside out.
- Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste preferences.
- Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for easy meals throughout the week.
- Nutrient-Packed: Loaded with protein and fiber, this chili keeps you full and satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
To make this delicious Crock Pot Chili Recipe, you’ll need some essential tools in your kitchen. Having the right equipment simplifies the cooking process and enhances your experience.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over several hours.
- Large skillet: Perfect for sautéing vegetables and browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
- Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients, ensuring efficiency in preparation.
Ingredients
For this hearty Crock Pot Chili Recipe, gather the following ingredients:
Fresh Produce
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
Meat
- 2 pounds ground beef (I use 80/20)
Canned Goods
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
Spices & Seasonings
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (divided)
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Ingredients
- Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic finely. This will help them cook evenly and enhance their flavors in the chili.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
- Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and garlic.
- Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until they are softened.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
- Add 2 pounds of ground beef to the skillet. Cook until it is almost browned.
- Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over the beef and continue cooking until fully browned.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Transfer the cooked meat mixture along with all remaining ingredients into your slow cooker. Stir well to combine everything evenly.
Step 5: Cook Your Chili
- Set your slow cooker on low heat and allow it to cook for approximately 4 hours. This slow cooking process lets all flavors develop beautifully.
Now you’re ready to enjoy a warm bowl of this comforting Crock Pot Chili Recipe!
How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Crock Pot chili is a hearty dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a game day or looking for a cozy family dinner, these serving suggestions will elevate your meal.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop adds creaminess and balances the spices.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack melts beautifully on top.
- Chopped Green Onions: Freshness and crunch enhance flavor and presentation.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with the chili’s heat.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make for an excellent scoopable option.
- Rice: Serve over rice for a more filling meal.
Garnishes
- Fresh Cilantro: Adds a burst of freshness and color.
- Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado complements the spicy flavors well.

How to Perfect Crock Pot Chili Recipe
To achieve the best flavor and texture in your crock pot chili, consider these helpful tips.
- seasoning: Don’t be afraid to adjust the spices; taste as you go to find your perfect balance.
- Layering ingredients: Sautéing the onion, bell pepper, and garlic first enhances their flavors before adding them to the slow cooker.
- Meat choices matter: For a leaner option, use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef.
- Let it rest: Allowing the chili to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together.
Best Side Dishes for Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Complement your crock pot chili with these delightful side dishes that add variety to your meal.
- Cornbread: This sweet bread is a classic pairing, perfect for soaking up chili.
- Coleslaw: The crunch and tanginess provide a refreshing contrast.
- Guacamole: Creamy and rich, it adds an extra layer of flavor.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy potatoes serve as an excellent base for chili toppings.
- Garden Salad: Crisp greens offer freshness and balance to the rich chili.
- Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: These cheesy sandwiches are perfect for dipping into your bowl of chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making your Crock Pot Chili Recipe, it’s easy to overlook a few key details that can affect the outcome. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
-
Skipping the Sautéing: Not sautéing the onions, peppers, and garlic can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always take a few minutes to sauté these ingredients before adding them to the slow cooker.
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Overloading the Slow Cooker: Adding too many ingredients can prevent proper cooking. Make sure your crockpot is not more than two-thirds full for best results.
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Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasonings throughout the cooking process can leave your chili bland. Always taste before serving and adjust spices as needed.
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Using Low-Quality Meat: Poor-quality ground beef can result in greasy chili. Opt for good quality meat for a better flavor and texture.
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Not Letting It Rest: Serving chili immediately after cooking can miss out on enhanced flavors. Allow it to rest for 10-15 minutes before serving for a richer taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your leftover crock pot chili in an airtight container.
- It will last for about 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
Freezing Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Allow the chili to cool completely before freezing.
- Use freezer-safe containers or bags, ensuring you remove excess air.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Reheating Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
- Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
- Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about the Crock Pot Chili Recipe:
Can I make this Crock Pot Chili Recipe vegetarian?
Yes! You can replace the ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based meat substitute for a delicious vegetarian version.
How do I spice up my Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
You can add jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to increase the heat level. Taste as you go!
What can I serve with this Crock Pot Chili Recipe?
This chili pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also top it with cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
How long does this Crock Pot Chili Recipe take to cook?
The total cook time is about 4 hours on low heat in your slow cooker.
Final Thoughts
This Crock Pot Chili Recipe is not only incredibly flavorful but also versatile and easy to customize. Whether you want it spicy or mild, with beans or without, this recipe fits all preferences. Give it a try next time you’re craving warmth and comfort on a chilly day!

Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Total Time: 4 hours 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Warm up your chilly evenings with this irresistible Crock Pot Chili Recipe, a hearty and satisfying dish that comes together effortlessly. This flavorful chili is packed with protein and fiber, making it not only delicious but also nourishing. With just five minutes of prep time, you can throw all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax. Perfect for family dinners, game days, or cozy nights in, this chili is fully customizable—add your favorite toppings or adjust the spice level to suit your taste. Enjoy the comforting aroma wafting through your home as it simmers to perfection.
Ingredients
- 1 onion
- 1 green bell pepper
- 3 cloves garlic
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
Instructions
- Dice onion, bell pepper, and garlic.
- Sauté vegetables in olive oil for 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Brown ground beef in the skillet and add 2 tablespoons of chili powder.
- Transfer meat mixture and remaining ingredients to the slow cooker; stir to combine.
- Cook on low for approximately 4 hours.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 240 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 80mg