This Crockpot Chili is simple to prepare and will make everyone happy at dinner time. It’s a family favorite!
Crockpot Chili is one of those hearty and delicious recipes that is perfect for nearly any occasion. Prepared with just six basic ingredients and spices, you’ll definitely want to add this simple chili recipe to your weekly meal plan.
The beauty of crock pot recipes is that it lets you prep everything in the morning, pop it in the slow cooker (or slow cooker setting on your electric pressure cooker) and come home to a ready-to-go dinner. I love my chili with some sweet cornbread, and peanut butter cookies for dessert!
Crock Pot Chili
Crockpot Chili, ingredients
- Ground Beef – You’ll be pouring off the fat, so using lean ground beef will save you some time. In a pinch, any type of ground beef will work.
- Onion – We use a sweet yellow onion for this post. I like my chili with lots so I go big with the onion!
- Green Bell Pepper – The pepper adds a nice pop of color. Dice it small so that it’s flavor blends in.
- Red Kidney Beans – I know some people leave the beans out, but we love that these add great flavor and fiber to the recipes.
- Canned Tomatoes with Chili – Ro*Tel Original Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies is the brand I use, but most stores will carry a home brand as well.
- Spices -Chili powder, cayenne powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. It’s just not chili without bringing in some heat!
- Garlic Powder – using garlic powder is such a time saver, but you can add some fresh for about a minute before your onions are done if you’d prefer.
- Sugar – Sugar in chili? Yes! The sugar helps temper the bitterness of the chili for a nice, warm mouth feel.
- Panko Breadcrumbs – You can substitute some crushed crackers if you don’t have the panko.
How do you make Crockpot Chili?
⭐ First, cook the beef and drain off the fat.
⭐ Next, saute the onion in the same pan.
⭐ Then, add all ingredients to you slow cooker or electric pressure cooker.
⭐ Finally, cook for the prescribed time and come home to some warm and homey slow cooker chili!
What is Crockpot Chili?
Crock pot chili is a traditional chili, which is basically a thick sauce of meat and chili peppers or spices. There are debates about adding beans (I’m pro-bean) and what types of meats, but I say just fix it like you like it! Here are some answers to your most frequently asked questions about slow cooker chili recipes.
What is Texas Chili?
Texas chili is a chili stew that traditionally has only meat and spices, no tomatoes or beans. Texan’s call it a “Bowl O’ Red!”
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you adapt a Slow Cooker Chili recipe to an electronic pressure cooker?
You can adapt your slow cooker chili to an electronic pressure cooker, like an Instant Pot! Brown the beef and onions on the saute’ function as directed, add the ingredients, and cook on high pressure for 30 minutes!
Can I change the meat in the slow cooker chili?
You change the meat in slow cooker chili. One of the great things about chili is that it’s super versatile. You can sub the beef for ground chicken, turkey, pork, or more beans.
If you like it spicier, add some chipotle powder or a second can of Ro*Tel. We love our veggies so sometimes I’ll toss in extra green peppers and tomatoes.
We always keep Ro*Tel on hand for chili, dips, soups, and so much more!
Preparation
To cook Crock Pot Chili in a slow cooker, you’ll need 4-6 hours. Use your electric pressure cooker and have it done in 30 minutes!
Can you put raw meat in Crockpot Chili?
You can put raw meat in your Crockpot Chili, but it will not have that caramelized taste that browning brings. If you’re really pushed for time, you should use the high setting to make sure your meat doesn’t sit at a low temperature for too long.
Do you add water to Crockpot Chili?
You do not need to add water to Crockpot Chili. Ideally your slow cooker chili will blend the flavors into a thick stew.
Do you drain kidney beans for chili?
Yes, you drain kidney beans for chili. I do recommended rinsing and draining kidney beans when making your chili. Again, I like my chili to be a thick stew and I have heard that the bean liquid may increase gassiness.
Is it safe to leave the slow cooker on overnight?
It is safe to leave the slow cooker on overnight, as it is designed to be left on for long periods. However, always make sure you are following the manufacturer’s guidelines! Cooking it overnight means you can package it up for everyone’s lunch that day!
How long should chili cook in a slow cooker?
Slow cooker chili should cook around 4 hours on high, or 6 hours on low.
Serving Suggestions
You can serve your Crock Pot Chili as a dish and add some sides (linked below). You could also serve it spooned over baked potatoes, rice, pasta, or a hot dog!
More Chili Recipes!
Still feeling that chili urge? Try some of the variations below!
- Chili Mac
- Turkey Chili
- Pumpkin Chili
- Chili Recipe (no beans)
- Wendy’s Chili recipe
- Chicken Chili
- See all our easy chili recipes!
Crockpot Chili Making Tools
- Santuko knife – My favorite knife for cutting vegetables! This knife is the perfect size and shape, handles great, and is super reasonably priced. Also, I just love that it’s fun and colorful!
- Calphalon everyday pan – This is a 12″ two handled pan that you will use pretty much every day. Which, of course is why it’s called an everyday pan. I have this one and the Le Creuset version. I use a whole lot of pots and pans in my line of work (apologies to my husband, the dishwasher!) and these are by far my most frequently used pans.
- Instant Pot electric pressure cooker – Hey there working parent! It’s me! Also a working parent! Can we talk about how hard it is to get a healthy dinner on the table during the week? So. Hard. Well, Imma tell you – this electric pressure cooker, and my gas grill are the saving graces in our home. A delicious roast with carrots and potatoes in 45 minutes? Yes, please! You’re seriously going to love this one!
- End grain cutting board – This is my absolute favorite cutting board and the one that I get the most compliments on. And p.s. I have a lot of cutting boards.
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How to Make Crockpot Chili
Crockpot Chili
Ingredients
- 1 1/2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 yellow onion chopped
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 2 cans red kidney beans rinsed and drained
- 2 cans Rotel Tomatoes with Chili
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1 teaspoon pepper
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/4 cup panko breadcrumbs or crushed crackers
Instructions
SLOW COOKER
- Cook the beef in a large skillet on high heat until crumbled and browned.
- Drain most of the fat off, cook the onion in the pan until slightly browned and translucent.
- Add to the slow cooker with the rest of the ingredients.
- Cook on high for 4 hours or on low for 6 hours.
INSTANT POT MODIFICATION
- Brown the beef on saute function, then drain most of fat off. Add onion and continue to saute until translucent and fragrant.
- Add remaining ingredients PLUS 1 CUP OF WATER OR STOCK. Stir, then cover and set to 'sealing'.
- Cook on manual (high pressure) for 30 minutes, then natural pressure release 15 minutes.
Video
Notes
Nutrition
If you like slow cooker recipes, you’ll definitely want to try our crock pot ham next!
We originally partnered with Mirum on this post, and you’ll be glad we did! Opinions are 100% my own.
3.16.17
Ernesto says
Hello I like your chili recipe, as a chef I see in your recipe that you have a well balance of ingredients especially the cumin this I know can over power any dish,many cooks seem to think this is important, more chili power then anything, I just wanted to compliment you here and this is a basic recipe that works and you put your own touch,I will make a batch. but I prefer pinto beans well done.
Chef Ernie
Martha Bailey says
I am going to try your slow cooker chili recipe. It looks so delicious. Also, the black bean soup sounds great also. Thanks for the recipes that you send. Have an awesome day!
Smith says
Nice
Tayler Ross says
This was so comforting and delicious! I know this will be a recipe that I make again and again!
Krissy Allori says
This looks so healthy and perfect for the cold weather!
Deborah H. says
I made this chili in my crockpot for family members that don’t like chili. Believe me this recipe won them over and everyone loved it so much they asked when I was going to make it again! The only thing I did was add 1/2 bottle of Mariano tomato sauce. This is delicious and a keeper!
Liz says
Loved it but I only used half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper!
Ann Bennett says
Making this today! Already in the crock pot; will cook til I get home from church!
Love making new recipes for chili.
This seems like it will be one I love!!!
Thank you!!!!
April Woods says
yay!
Kimberly says
Here is my secret ingredient. Skip the sugar and put 2 cubes of baking chocolate. It makes the chili the best ever! 🙂