Crock Pot Chili is the perfect cozy meal that fills your kitchen with the hearty smell of simmering spices, beans, and tender meat. This dish is all about slow-cooked goodness, where each ingredient has time to blend together into a rich and flavorful chili. With chunks of beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a touch of warmth from chili powder, it’s a classic comfort food staple.
I love making this chili in my crock pot because it lets me set it and forget it. There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a pot full of thick, spicy chili ready to eat without having to watch the stove. Plus, it’s super forgiving—you can add extra veggies or adjust the heat to your taste, and it still turns out great every time.
One of my favorite ways to enjoy crock pot chili is with a sprinkle of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top, alongside some crunchy tortilla chips or warm cornbread. It’s a simple, filling meal that’s perfect for chilly evenings or casual get-togethers with friends and family. I always find myself making a bit extra so there’s enough for leftovers the next day!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: This adds rich flavor and texture. You can swap it for ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option. For a vegetarian twist, try using plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
Kidney Beans: Classic for chili, kidney beans add creaminess and protein. Pinto or black beans also work well and may suit your taste or pantry better.
Tomatoes & Tomato Paste: They create the sauce base. If fresh tomatoes are in season, you can blend them instead. Tomato paste deepens the flavor, but you can substitute with tomato sauce if needed.
Chili Powder and Spices: These give chili its warming, spicy character. Adjust heat with cayenne pepper or omit it for milder flavor. Experiment with smoked paprika for a subtle smoky note.
How Can I Ensure My Crock Pot Chili Has Deep, Rich Flavor?
Slow cookers don’t brown ingredients well, so starting on the stove helps. Here’s how:
- Brown the beef before adding to the crock pot. This step brings out more flavor and reduces fat.
- Sauté onions and garlic until soft to unlock their sweetness and aroma.
- Add spices after mixing all ingredients to let them infuse during cooking.
- Cook low and slow for 6-8 hours to meld flavors and thicken the sauce.
Patience here rewards you with chili that’s rich and deeply flavored, even with simple ingredients.
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crock Pot / Slow Cooker – It cooks everything evenly and keeps your chili warm until serving.
- Skillet – For browning the beef and sautéing onions and garlic, which builds flavor.
- Slotted Spoon – To drain excess fat from the cooked beef before adding it to the crock pot.
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula – For stirring ingredients and mixing everything together.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons – To get the exact amounts of spices and liquids right.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or veggie crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
- Add chopped bell peppers or corn for extra sweetness and texture.
- Adjust spice level: include extra cayenne or hot sauce if you like it spicy, or omit for milder chili.
- Stir in a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of smoked paprika for deeper, smoky flavor.
How to Make Crock Pot Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 1 cup beef broth
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
- ½ tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For Serving:
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- ½ cup sour cream
- 2 green onions, sliced
- Fresh cilantro (optional)
- Lime wedges (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
Prepare this delicious chili with just 15 minutes of active prep time. Then, let your crock pot do the work for 6 to 8 hours on low heat, or 3 to 4 hours on high. Perfect for a busy day when you want a tasty meal waiting for you!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Browning the Beef and Sautéing Aromatics:
Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, stirring and breaking it apart with a spoon, until it’s fully browned. Drain any extra fat to keep the chili from feeling greasy. Then, add the chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet and cook for about 2 to 3 minutes until they soften and smell fragrant.
2. Combining Ingredients in the Crock Pot:
Transfer the cooked beef, onions, and garlic into your crock pot. Add the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes (including their juice), tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir everything gently to combine well.
3. Adding Spices and Slow Cooking:
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, optional cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir again so the spices mix evenly. Cover your crock pot and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking lets all the flavors come together into a hearty, rich chili.
4. Serving Your Chili:
Once cooked, give your chili a taste and add more salt or spices if you like. Serve it hot in bowls. Top each serving with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some sliced green onions. You can also add fresh cilantro and a squeeze of lime for a fresh finish.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Crock Pot Chili?
It’s best to thaw the ground beef completely before cooking to ensure even browning and safe temperature throughout. Thaw it overnight in the fridge or use the defrost setting on your microwave.
Can I Make This Chili Vegetarian?
Absolutely! Simply skip the ground beef and add extra beans or plant-based meat substitutes. You can also add more veggies like bell peppers or mushrooms for additional texture and flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Crock Pot Chili?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. To freeze, transfer chili to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
What’s the Best Way to Reheat Crock Pot Chili?
Reheat chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally. You can also reheat in the microwave in short bursts, stirring in between to heat evenly.
