Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

Introduction

Few dishes embody comfort food as perfectly as a warm bowl of chili. Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying—a dish that warms you from the inside out. Made with browned ground beef, tender beans, tomatoes, and a rich blend of spices, this chili develops incredible depth of flavor as it simmers low and slow in your crockpot.

The beauty of this recipe lies not just in the bold, savory flavors but also in the simplicity of preparation. After a few minutes of browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, you simply let the slow cooker work its magic. Hours later, you’ll have a thick, hearty chili perfect for feeding a crowd, enjoying on game day, or serving as a cozy family dinner.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it combines convenience with big, bold flavor. With minimal hands-on cooking, you get a dish that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stovetop all day. The slow cooker allows the spices to meld together beautifully, resulting in a chili that’s robust, slightly smoky, and deeply comforting.

Another reason I adore this recipe is its versatility. It’s just as perfect served with cornbread on a cold winter night as it is ladled into bowls at a summer cookout. Leftovers taste even better the next day, and the dish freezes beautifully, making it a fantastic meal-prep option.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

This chili is a must-try because:

• It’s a one-pot wonder – protein, fiber, and veggies all in one meal.
• Crowd-pleasing flavor – everyone loves a hearty, well-spiced chili.
• Customizable – you can adjust the spice level, beans, or toppings to suit your taste.
• Perfect for any occasion – from weeknight dinners to potlucks and game days.
• Effortless cooking – the crockpot does the hard work for you.

Recipe Information

• Preparation Time: 20 minutes
• Cooking Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
• Total Time: About 6.5–8.5 hours
• Servings: 6–8 servings
• Calories: ~360 per serving
• Course: Main Course
• Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex Inspired

Ingredients

Meat & Vegetables

• 2 lbs (900g) ground beef (85% lean recommended)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced

Beans & Tomatoes

• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth (or water)

Spices & Seasonings

• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro
• Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Brown the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Sauté aromatics: Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Cook until softened (about 5 minutes).
3. Transfer to slow cooker: Add beef mixture to the crockpot.
4. Add beans and tomatoes: Stir in kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
5. Season: Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir to combine.
6. Cook:
   • On low heat: 6–8 hours.
   • On high heat: 3–4 hours.
7. Adjust seasoning: Taste and add more salt, pepper, or spice as needed.
8. Serve: Ladle into bowls and add desired toppings.

How to Serve

• Serve hot in deep bowls with your favorite toppings (cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or tortilla chips).
• Pair with cornbread, rice, or baked potatoes for a more filling meal.
• Perfect as a dip with tortilla chips for parties or game-day spreads.

Recipe Tips

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess grease.
• Don’t skip sautéing the aromatics—it builds flavor.
• For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
• For a spicier chili, add extra cayenne or fresh chopped jalapeños.

Variations

1. Turkey Chili: Swap beef for ground turkey for a lighter version.
2. Vegetarian Chili: Skip the beef and add an extra can of beans, plus corn and zucchini.
3. Spicy Chili: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for smoky heat.
4. Sweet & Savory: Stir in 1–2 tablespoons of brown sugar or cocoa powder to deepen flavor.
5. Beer Chili: Replace 1 cup of broth with dark beer for richness.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Freezer: Cool completely, then freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
• Reheat: On the stovetop over medium heat, or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if too thick.

Special Equipment Needed

• Slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
• Large skillet (for browning meat)
• Wooden spoon or spatula
• Cutting board and sharp knife

Conclusion

Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is the ultimate comfort dish: hearty, flavorful, and effortless to prepare. With tender beans, savory beef, and bold spices, it’s a meal that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or game-day gatherings, this chili is guaranteed to satisfy and impress. Once you try this recipe, it will quickly become a staple in your kitchen—easy, versatile, and delicious every time.