Crockpot Chili with Beef and Beans: Slow Cooked Hearty Meal (Print Version)

Whip up a comforting Crockpot Chili with Beef and Beans for an easy, flavorful dinner. My family's favorite, simmered all day for a rich, satisfying taste.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 20 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 8 Hours minutes
Total Time: 28 minutes
Servings: 6 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: High Protein, Dairy-Free (if omitting toppings), Gluten-Free (check broth)

# Ingredients:

→ Chili Foundation

01 - 1.5 lbs ground beef (85/15 or 80/20)
02 - 1 large yellow onion, diced
03 - 1 green bell pepper, diced
04 - 4 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
06 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste

→ Beans & Broth

07 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
08 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, rinsed and drained
09 - 4 cups beef broth (low sodium)

→ Spice & Flavor

10 - 3 tablespoons chili powder
11 - 2 teaspoons ground cumin
12 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
13 - 1 teaspoon dried oregano
14 - 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
15 - ½ teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
16 - ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

→ Finishing Touches (for serving)

17 - Shredded cheddar cheese
18 - Sour cream
19 - Sliced green onions
20 - Corn chips or crackers

# Instructions:

01 - Grab a large skillet and get it nice and hot over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and break it up with a spoon. You want it browned and crumbled, not gray and sad, honestly. This step builds so much flavor, trust me. Drain any excess fat – a little messy, but totally worth it. I once skipped this, and the chili just wasn't the same; it lacked that rich depth. Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker.
02 - In the same skillet (don't even bother washing it, those browned bits are flavor!), add a tiny drizzle of oil if needed, then toss in your diced onion and bell pepper. Sauté them until they start to soften, about 5-7 minutes. Then, stir in the minced garlic and tomato paste, letting it cook for just a minute until fragrant. Oh, the smell at this point is just incredible! Scrape these fragrant veggies into the slow cooker with the beef.
03 - Now, dump those fragrant veggies into the crockpot with the beef. Add the diced tomatoes (undrained), rinsed kidney and black beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper. If you're feeling brave, toss in that cayenne pepper too! Give it a good stir to combine everything really well. It'll look a little watery now, but don't worry, it'll transform into something amazing.
04 - Pop the lid on your crockpot. You've got options here: cook on low for 7-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. I usually go for low if I'm heading out for the day; it just develops deeper flavors, I swear. Resist the urge to lift the lid too much, every peek lets out precious heat and cooking time. I've been guilty of too many peeks, adding an extra hour to my cook time, oops, but it eventually gets there.
05 - Once the cooking time is up, give your chili a good stir. The sauce should be thickened, the flavors melded, and the beef super tender. Taste it! This is your moment to adjust the seasonings. Does it need more salt? A little more chili powder? Maybe another pinch of cayenne if you like a kick? Don't be afraid to make it yours. I always add a bit more salt than I think it needs at this stage, and sometimes a dash of hot sauce.
06 - Ladle this glorious chili into bowls. Top it generously with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of green onions. Grab some corn chips or crackers for dipping. Honestly, seeing that steam rise from a bowl, smelling all those rich aromas, it just feels like home. Enjoy every spoonful, it’s truly satisfying!

# Notes:

01 - Browning the beef really makes a difference for flavor depth, don't skip it!
02 - Chili tastes even better the next day, so making it ahead is always a win in my kitchen.
03 - If you're out of kidney beans, pinto beans work wonderfully; I've used them in a pinch.
04 - A dollop of sour cream and some fresh cilantro really brightens up each bowl.

# Equipment Needed:

01 - Large crockpot/slow cooker (6-quart recommended)
02 - large skillet
03 - wooden spoon
04 - measuring cups and spoons.

# Nutrition (Per Serving):

Calories: 410
Total Fat: 22g
Total Carbohydrate: 35g
Protein: 30g

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