Looking for the ultimate comfort food that’s easy, flavorful, and perfect for busy nights? This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is everything you need — hearty ground meat, tender beans, and rich spices that simmer all day in your crockpot until the flavors meld beautifully.
Whether you’re meal prepping for the week, feeding a crowd, or cozying up on a chilly night, this slow cooker chili is a make-ahead classic you’ll come back to again and again.
⭐ Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili
- Hands-off cooking – set it and forget it.
- Family-friendly & customizable – adjust the spice level and toppings.
- Meal prep ready – tastes even better the next day.
- Freezer-friendly – make a big batch and save portions for later.
🥘 Ingredients You’ll Need
Here’s what goes into this classic crockpot chili:
- Ground meat (500g / 1 lb) – Beef is traditional, but turkey, chicken, or sausage also work.
- Onion (1 medium, chopped) – Adds sweetness and depth.
- Garlic (2 cloves, minced) – Boosts savory flavor.
- Green bell pepper (1, chopped) – Mild flavor with a little crunch.
- Canned diced tomatoes (1 can / 400g) – Provides acidity and body.
- Kidney beans (1 can / 400g, drained & rinsed) – Hearty texture and protein.
- Chili powder (2 tbsp) – The signature spice blend.
- Cumin (1 tsp) – Earthy warmth.
- Salt (1 tsp) & black pepper (½ tsp) – Balance and seasoning.
- Tomato paste (1 tbsp) – Rich, concentrated tomato flavor.
- Water (1 cup / 240 ml) – Keeps the chili from getting too thick.
Optional Flavor Boosters:
- A pinch of cinnamon or unsweetened cocoa powder for depth.
- A splash of lime juice or vinegar before serving for brightness.
- Jalapeños or chipotle peppers for smoky heat.
🔪 Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Brown the Meat
In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef (or turkey) until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat.
👉 Pro Tip: Browning first creates the Maillard reaction, giving chili a richer, deeper flavor.
2. Add Aromatics
Stir in chopped onion and garlic. Cook for 2 minutes until softened.
3. Transfer to Slow Cooker
Add meat mixture to the slow cooker along with bell pepper, tomatoes (with juice), beans, spices, tomato paste, and water. Stir to combine.
4. Slow Cook
- Low: 6–8 hours
- High: 3–4 hours
👉 The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld.
5. Taste & Adjust
Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add more chili powder, salt, or a squeeze of lime if needed. If too thin, uncover and cook for 20 minutes.
🍽️ How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili
This chili is endlessly versatile! Try it:
- With toppings: Shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or avocado.
- Over carbs: Rice, cornbread, baked potatoes, or pasta (chili mac!).
- Party style: Serve with tortilla chips or as a nacho topping.
- Family meal: Pair with a fresh salad or roasted veggies.
💡 Variations & Expert Tips
- Vegetarian chili: Skip the meat and add more beans, lentils, or diced sweet potatoes.
- Spicier chili: Add chipotle peppers in adobo, cayenne, or extra jalapeños.
- Smoky chili: A dash of smoked paprika or liquid smoke adds depth.
- Keto-friendly: Skip beans and bulk it up with zucchini, mushrooms, or cauliflower.
- Freezer meal: Portion into freezer bags or containers, label, and freeze up to 3 months.
🧊 Storage & Meal Prep
- Fridge: Store in airtight containers for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze cooled chili in portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheat: Warm on the stove or microwave. Add a splash of water or broth if too thick.
👉 Pro Tip: Chili always tastes better the next day because the flavors deepen overnight.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I make this without beans?
Yes! For bean-free chili, just increase the meat or add extra veggies.
Q: How do I thicken chili naturally?
Simmer uncovered for 20 minutes, or mash some beans into the pot.
Q: What’s the best meat for chili?
Ground beef (80/20) adds richness, but turkey or chicken makes it lighter.
Q: Can I double the recipe?
Absolutely! Just use a large slow cooker (at least 6 quarts).
Q: Why use a slow cooker instead of stovetop?
The low-and-slow method develops deeper flavors and frees you up while it cooks.
📊 Nutrition (per serving, without toppings)
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Protein: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 8g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 780mg
📝 Printable Recipe Card
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Course: Dinner | Cuisine: American | Servings: 6 | Prep: 15 mins | Cook: 6 hrs | Total: 6 hrs 15 mins
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef or turkey
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 green bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup water
Directions
- Brown meat in a skillet; drain fat.
- Add onion & garlic; cook 2 minutes.
- Transfer to slow cooker with remaining ingredients. Stir.
- Cook LOW 6–8 hrs or HIGH 3–4 hrs.
- Adjust seasoning; serve with toppings.
🌟 Final Thoughts
This Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is warm, filling, and foolproof. Whether you’re cooking for family dinner, prepping for a busy week, or hosting game day, this chili will deliver every time.
👉 Make it once, and you’ll understand why slow cooker chili is the ultimate comfort food that only gets better the next day.
