There’s something downright magical about coming home to the scent of hearty chili simmering away, and the Best Slow Cooker Chili delivers soul-warming comfort every single time. Packed with three types of beans, savory ground beef, and just the right mix of spices, this easy slow cooker recipe turns simple ingredients into a rich, robust meal that tastes like it’s been tended to all day — because it has! Whether you’re serving up game day grub, feeding a hungry crowd, or just crave a cozy dinner, you’ll love how effortless and delicious this dish is.

Best Slow Cooker Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

When it comes to making the Best Slow Cooker Chili, don’t be fooled by the simplicity — each ingredient brings something special to the table. These basics build incredible depth, texture, and flavor for a chili everyone will want seconds of!

Ground beef (2 pounds): Hearty and filling, look for 80/20 ground beef for rich flavor and just enough fat to keep things tender.
Olive oil (1 tablespoon): Adding a bit of olive oil helps sauté the onions and garlic for a sweet, slightly caramelized base.
Yellow onion (1 medium, diced): A good onion gives the Best Slow Cooker Chili that subtle sweetness and depth you crave.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Don’t skimp here—fresh garlic adds fantastic aroma and bite.
Kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): These bring color, texture, and a bit of earthiness to the bowl.
Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Super creamy and satisfying, black beans bulk up the chili beautifully.
Pinto beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Pintos are soft and mild, giving chili its classic “down-home” feel.
Crushed tomatoes (1 can, 28 oz): Their thickness helps the chili cook down into perfection.
Diced tomatoes with green chiles (1 can, 15 oz): These bring brightness and a gentle heat—so much better than plain tomatoes alone.
Tomato paste (3 tablespoons): Tomato paste amps up the richness and body of the chili.
Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The backbone of our spice blend—use a good-quality chili powder for the best flavor.
Ground cumin (2 teaspoons): A must: cumin adds a smoky, earthy warmth that instantly says “chili.”
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): This spice brings subtle smokiness that takes your chili from good to great.
Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Oregano delivers a wonderful herbal note, rounding out the flavors.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Essential to bring all the flavors to life—don’t forget to taste at the end for seasoning.
Black pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough kick to highlight the warming spices.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Love it spicy? Add cayenne for a gentle (or bold!) heat.
Beef broth (1 cup): This gives a deep savory base and melds everything together.

How to Make Best Slow Cooker Chili

Step 1: Sauté the Onion and Garlic

Start by warming a skillet over medium heat and adding your olive oil. Toss in the diced onion and let it cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring occasionally, until it turns soft and fragrant. Add your minced garlic next, letting it mingle with the onion for just a minute. You’ll smell the magic starting already!

Step 2: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef right into the skillet with your sautéed onions and garlic. Stir and break up the meat as it browns, making sure it cooks evenly. Depending on your beef, you may want to drain any excess fat for a chili that’s not too greasy—totally up to your preference!

Step 3: Transfer Everything to the Slow Cooker

Scrape the cooked beef mixture right into your slow cooker. It’s already smelling like pure comfort at this point!

Step 4: Add the Remaining Ingredients

Dump in all the beans, both the crushed and diced tomatoes (including their juices), tomato paste, all of your spices, and the beef broth. Give everything a thorough stir so the flavors blend and every bean is soaked in spicy, tomatoey goodness.

Step 5: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Pop the lid on your slow cooker and set it to low for 6–8 hours, or high for 3–4 hours if you’re in a hurry. The longer, slower cook gives you deeper flavor and thicker chili. Stir once or twice, if you’re around, just for a little taste test sneak peek!

Step 6: Taste and Serve

When your Best Slow Cooker Chili is bubbly and rich, give it a final stir and taste for seasoning—add a pinch more salt or spice if needed. Now comes the fun part: ladle it up, pile on your favorite toppings, and dig in!

How to Serve Best Slow Cooker Chili

Garnishes

When it comes to the Best Slow Cooker Chili, toppings are half the excitement! Classic choices include shredded cheddar cheese—melted to gooey perfection—plus a generous spoonful of sour cream, sliced green onions, or jalapeño rings for a little bite. Chopped cilantro, avocado, or even a squeeze of lime can add zing and freshness to every bowl. Don’t be afraid to let everyone build their dream chili masterpiece!

Side Dishes

This chili is so satisfying on its own, but it absolutely sings when paired with warm cornbread, buttery biscuits, or a crusty baguette for dunking. You can also serve it over a bed of steamed rice, scoop it up with tortilla chips, or offer a fresh green salad on the side for some balance. However you choose, it’s a crowd-pleaser through and through.

Creative Ways to Present

Turn your Best Slow Cooker Chili into a dinner party centerpiece by ladling it into bread bowls, serving it “walking taco” style over corn chips, or even stuffing it into baked potatoes. Try a chili bar at your next get-together: set out toppings and sides so everyone gets their own customized experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Chili only gets better with time, and the Best Slow Cooker Chili is no exception! Let leftovers cool, then transfer them to airtight containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days—it’s perfect for easy lunches and quick weeknight dinners.

Freezing

This chili is a freezer’s best friend. Spoon individual portions or family-sized amounts into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags. Lay the bags flat to save space, and you’ll have a homemade chili fix ready for up to 3 months. Just remember to label with the date for best results.

Reheating

To reheat, thaw frozen servings overnight in the fridge for best texture. Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it seems thick. Alternatively, microwave single portions in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I make the Best Slow Cooker Chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and chopped veggies like bell peppers and zucchini. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The result is just as hearty and flavorful.

Is this chili very spicy?

The base recipe for Best Slow Cooker Chili is mildly spicy, thanks to the chili powder and smoked paprika. If you prefer heat, add the optional cayenne pepper or extra jalapeños. If you’re sensitive to spice, leave out the cayenne completely.

Can I cook this chili on the stovetop if I don’t have a slow cooker?

Definitely! Use a large Dutch oven or heavy pot and simmer the chili over low heat, covered, for at least 1–2 hours (stirring occasionally), so the flavors develop. The result is still fantastic, though you lose a little set-and-forget convenience.

Will the Best Slow Cooker Chili thicken as it cooks?

Yes, it thickens beautifully as it simmers. If you want it even thicker, simply cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes or mash some of the beans with a spoon before serving.

Can I double the recipe for a crowd?

You sure can! As long as your slow cooker is big enough, just double every ingredient. Cooking time may be slightly longer if your slow cooker is very full, but taste-testing is half the fun!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for that go-to, stick-to-your-ribs chili recipe, the Best Slow Cooker Chili is it. From busy weeknights to lazy weekends, this dish is always a hit—so gather your ingredients, fire up the slow cooker, and let comfort fill your kitchen. Give it a try and get ready for rave reviews at your table!

Best Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.5 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 8 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Best Slow Cooker Chili recipe is a hearty and flavorful dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. With a blend of ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, this chili is easy to make and full of comforting flavors.

Ingredients

Scale

Ground Beef Mixture:

2 pounds ground beef
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 medium yellow onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Beans & Tomatoes:

1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15-ounce) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chiles

Seasonings:

3 tablespoons tomato paste
2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

1 cup beef broth

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Instructions

Sauté Onion: In a skillet over medium heat, sauté the onion in olive oil until softened, about 3–4 minutes.
Cook Ground Beef: Add garlic to the skillet and cook for 1 minute. Add ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. Drain excess fat if needed.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add all remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to combine.
Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours.
Final Touches: Stir well before serving and adjust seasoning to taste. Serve with favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or jalapeños.