There is nothing quite like a bowl of hearty, flavorful chili to warm you up and satisfy your craving for something comforting and filling. The Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe is the perfect blend of tender ground beef, a zesty mix of spices, and a variety of beans and tomatoes that simmer together to create a rich and scrumptious meal. This recipe is ideal for busy days when you want to come home to something delicious and ready to enjoy without spending forever in the kitchen. Trust me, once you try this chili, it will quickly become a staple in your weekly dinner rotation.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are simple, pantry-friendly, and come together effortlessly to build the perfect balance of flavors and textures in your chili. Each add their own important touch—beef for richness, beans for creaminess and bite, and spices for that signature chili warmth.
- 2 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey): Provides the hearty base with plenty of savory flavor and protein.
- 1 large onion (diced): Adds sweetness and depth once sautéed, softening beautifully in the slow cooker.
- 3 garlic cloves (minced): Brings aromatic warmth essential for that classic chili character.
- 2 tsp cumin: Offers an earthy, smoky undertone that’s key to chili’s signature taste.
- 2 Tbsp chili powder: Gives the chili its iconic spicy kick and rich color.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Enhances the garlic flavor for an extra punch without overpowering.
- 1 tsp dried oregano: Adds a fragrant herbaceous note that balances the spices.
- 1 ½ tsp salt: Essential for highlighting all the flavors harmoniously.
- ½ tsp black pepper: Provides just the right amount of subtle heat and sharpness.
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed: Creamy texture that’s perfect for chili, helping to thicken the stew.
- 2 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed: Adds color, texture, and hearty bursts of flavor.
- 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes, with juice: Brings brightness and juiciness to keep the chili from feeling too dense.
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, with juice: A subtle heat and extra flavorful punch with a bit of smoky complexity.
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce: Creates a luscious, thick base that ties all the ingredients together.
- Optional toppings – shredded cheese (sour cream, chives, or parsley): Adds creaminess and fresh garnish that elevate the eating experience.
How to Make Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and add your ground beef. Cook it for about 4 to 5 minutes, breaking it up with your spatula so it cooks evenly and browns nicely. This first step builds the foundation of flavor, giving you that satisfying caramelized goodness that slow cooking alone can’t achieve.
Step 2: Add Onions and Spices
Once the beef is mostly cooked through, toss in the diced onion. Cook everything together for another 4 to 5 minutes until the onion softens and becomes fragrant. Then stir in the garlic, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Let those spices toast gently with the beef and onions for about 30 seconds to really awaken their aromas. This quick step before slow cooking ensures your chili is intensely flavorful from start to finish.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Remaining Ingredients
Now it’s time to transfer your beef and spice mixture into the crock pot. Add the drained and rinsed pinto and kidney beans, the diced tomatoes with their juices, the diced tomatoes with green chiles, and the tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir so all the ingredients are well combined. Set your slow cooker to High and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or set it to Low and let it simmer for 6 to 8 hours. The longer cook time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become incredibly tender.
How to Serve Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe
Garnishes
A bowl of this chili just begs for the right garnishes. Sprinkle some shredded cheese on top to add a melty, creamy texture that’s pure indulgence. A dollop of sour cream will offer a cool contrast to the warm, spicy chili. Fresh chives or parsley brighten each bite and add a pop of color that makes the dish feel fresh and vibrant.
Side Dishes
While this chili can stand happily on its own, pairing it with some sides makes the meal even more satisfying. Crusty bread or warm cornbread is fantastic for mopping up every last drop. A crisp green salad or some roasted vegetables can bring a refreshing balance to the rich chili. If you want to keep it casual, simple tortilla chips work perfectly for dipping.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling festive or want to impress your guests? Serve your Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe in small bowls accompanied by an assortment of toppings on a chili bar setup. Let everyone customize their own bowl with avocado slices, jalapeños, diced onions, or different cheeses. Another fun way is to use the chili as a hearty topping for baked potatoes or even loaded nachos for a delightfully messy, flavor-packed treat.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili tastes even better the next day once the flavors have had more time to marry. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator and enjoy within 3 to 4 days. It’s perfect for quick lunches or dinners when you want comfort food without any fuss.
Freezing
If you want to keep your chili around for longer, freezing is your best friend. Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months, making it a great option for meal prep or busy days ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Warm your chili gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also use the microwave for faster reheating, but stir halfway through for even temperature. If the chili thickened too much, add a splash of water or broth to loosen it up.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef in this recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey is a great lean alternative and works well with the spices and beans to make a flavorful chili. Just brown it the same way you would beef.
Do I need to soak the beans before adding them to the crock pot?
No need to soak! Since this recipe uses canned beans that are already cooked, just drain and rinse them before adding to the chili.
How spicy is the Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe?
This chili has a mild to medium heat level, thanks to the chili powder and green chiles. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or fresh jalapeños if you like it hotter.
Can I prepare this chili in advance and freeze it?
Yes, you can make this chili ahead of time and freeze it. It tastes even better when reheated because the flavors further develop in storage.
What are some good toppings for this chili?
Classic toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions or parsley, diced avocado, and even a squeeze of fresh lime juice for brightness.
Final Thoughts
If you’ve been searching for a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dinner that requires minimal effort but delivers maximum flavor, the Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe is your new best friend. Whether it’s a busy weeknight, a casual gathering, or game day at home, this chili promises comfort and satisfaction with every spoonful. I can’t wait for you to make it, enjoy it, and watch it quickly become a family favorite.
Print
Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 to 8 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili recipe combines lean ground beef, beans, and tomatoes with flavorful spices for a hearty, comforting meal. Perfect for slow cooking to develop rich flavors with minimal effort, this chili is ideal for busy days or cozy gatherings.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 2 lb lean ground beef (or ground turkey)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Spices
- 2 tsp cumin
- 2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 ½ tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
Beans and Tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 15 oz cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 15 oz cans diced tomatoes, with juice
- 1 10 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles, with juice
- 2 15 oz cans tomato sauce
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Chives or parsley
Instructions
- Sauté the beef: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef for 4–5 minutes, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks until browned and no longer pink.
- Cook the aromatics and spices: Add the diced onion to the skillet and cook for 4–5 minutes until it softens and becomes tender. Stir in minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Cook the mixture for about 30 seconds to toast the spices and enhance the flavors.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Pour the beef and spice mixture into a slow cooker. Add the drained and rinsed pinto and kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juice), and tomato sauce. Stir everything thoroughly to combine.
- Slow cook the chili: Cook the chili on High for 3 to 4 hours or on Low for 6 to 8 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Serve with toppings: Once cooked, serve the chili hot and add optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chives, or parsley as desired.
Notes
- Using lean ground turkey instead of beef reduces fat content.
- For a spicier chili, consider adding cayenne pepper or fresh jalapeños.
- Beans can be substituted or combined with black beans or navy beans if preferred.
- Chili can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to enhance flavor development.
- Leftovers freeze well for up to 3 months.
