Chef Emma here, and I’m about to share the recipe that has saved every single game day, potluck, and busy weeknight at my house for years.
This slow cooker chili with ground beef is the kind of recipe that makes you look like a kitchen superstar while requiring minimal effort. It’s hearty, flavorful, feeds a crowd, and fills your home with the most incredible aroma as it simmers away all day.
I’ll never forget the first time I made this for a Super Bowl party. I was nervous about hosting, worried about the food, and overwhelmed with all the prep. Then I remembered the beauty of a slow cooker—just brown the beef, toss everything in, and let it work its magic.
When guests arrived and smelled that rich, spicy chili bubbling away, I instantly became the hero of the party. The best part? I had spent most of the day relaxing instead of stressing in the kitchen.
This crockpot recipe is incredibly versatile and forgiving. You can adjust the spice level for your family, add extra vegetables for nutrition, or load it up with all your favorite toppings. It’s one of those easy dinner recipes that actually gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prep or feeding a hungry crowd on game day.
What makes this chili truly special is how the long, slow cooking time allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully. The beef becomes incredibly tender, the beans absorb all those delicious spices, and the tomatoes break down into a rich, thick sauce.
Whether you’re feeding your family on a cold winter evening or hosting friends for the big game, this is the ultimate comfort food that everyone loves.
For more inspiration on crowd-pleasing slow cooker meals, check out Natasha’s Kitchen for her collection of easy crockpot recipes, or explore Preppy Kitchen’s guide to make-ahead comfort food dinners that feed a crowd.
Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef (Game Day Easy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Heat large skillet over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and cook 6-7 minutes, breaking up with spoon until browned. Drain excess grease, leaving 1 tablespoon.
- Add diced onion and bell pepper to beef. Cook 3-4 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Transfer beef and vegetable mixture to slow cooker, scraping up any brown bits from pan.
- Add both types of beans (drained and rinsed), crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir together.
- Add all seasonings: chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar. Stir well to distribute evenly. Add cayenne if using.
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. Low and slow develops the best flavor.
- About 30 minutes before serving, stir and taste. Adjust seasonings as needed.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, and corn chips.
Notes
310 PROTEIN:
26g RECIPEYIELD:
10-12 servings
Summary
This Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef is a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself.
With seasoned ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and the perfect blend of spices, it’s everything you want in a classic chili. This is one of the best recipes with ground beef for busy days when you need a delicious, satisfying meal without the fuss.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Total Time: 6-8 hours
Servings: 10-12 servings
Difficulty: Beginner-friendly
Equipment
You’ll need these basic tools to make this crowd-pleasing chili:
- Large skillet – For browning the beef
- 6-7 quart slow cooker – Essential for this crockpot recipe
- Wooden spoon or spatula – For stirring and breaking up meat
- Sharp knife and cutting board – For chopping vegetables
- Can opener – For the canned ingredients
- Measuring spoons – For accurate seasoning
- Ladle – For serving
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (90/10 recommended) – The hearty protein base
- 1 large onion, diced – Adds sweetness and depth
- 1 green bell pepper, diced – Classic chili flavor
- 4 cloves garlic, minced – Fresh garlic is essential
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes – Creates the tomato base
- 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste – Thickens and concentrates flavor
- 1 cup beef broth – Adds richness and depth
- 3 tablespoons chili powder – The star seasoning
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin – Warm, earthy flavor
- 1½ teaspoons dried oregano – Classic chili herb
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika – Adds smoky depth
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder – Extra garlic flavor
- 1 teaspoon onion powder – Enhances the onion
- 1½ teaspoons salt – Plus more to taste
- ½ teaspoon black pepper – Freshly ground
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar – Balances the acidity
- Optional: 1-2 teaspoons cayenne pepper – For extra heat
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Sliced green onions
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Diced red onion
- Sliced jalapeños
- Corn chips or tortilla chips
- Diced avocado
- Lime wedges
- Hot sauce
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat.
Add the ground beef and cook for 6-7 minutes, breaking it up with your wooden spoon until it’s browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease, leaving about 1 tablespoon for flavor.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion and bell pepper to the beef.
Cook for 3-4 minutes until the vegetables begin to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant. This step builds incredible depth of flavor.
Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to your slow cooker.
Use a wooden spoon to scrape up any flavorful brown bits from the bottom of the skillet—that’s pure flavor!
Step 4: Add Beans and Tomatoes
Add both types of beans (drained and rinsed), crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes with their juices, and tomato paste to the slow cooker.
Pour in the beef broth and stir everything together.
Step 5: Add All Seasonings
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, and brown sugar.
Stir well to ensure all the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the chili. If you like heat, add cayenne pepper now.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Cover the slow cooker with the lid.
Cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours. The longer cooking time on low develops the best flavor as all the ingredients meld together beautifully.
Step 7: Final Taste and Adjust
About 30 minutes before serving, give the chili a good stir.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed—you might want more salt, chili powder, or heat. The chili should be thick and rich.
Step 8: Serve
Ladle the hot chili into bowls.
Set out all your favorite toppings and let everyone customize their bowl. Serve with cornbread, crackers, or corn chips on the side.
Tips and Variations
Chef Emma’s Pro Tips
- Don’t skip browning the beef: This step adds incredible depth and richness to your chili. The browned bits (fond) on the pan bottom contribute major flavor.
- Layer your seasonings: Adding spices to the hot pan with the garlic helps bloom their flavors before slow cooking.
- Low and slow wins: While the high setting works in a pinch, cooking on low for 6-8 hours produces the most tender beef and well-developed flavors.
- Make it thicker: If your chili is too thin, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let excess liquid evaporate.
- Make it thinner: Add more beef broth or water if you prefer a soupier consistency.
- Taste before serving: Chili always needs a final seasoning adjustment. Add more salt, chili powder, or a splash of vinegar to brighten flavors.
Delicious Variations
- Three-Bean Chili: Add a can of pinto beans or white beans for extra heartiness
- Vegetable-Loaded: Add diced zucchini, corn, or carrots for extra nutrition
- Smoky Chipotle: Add 1-2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (chopped) for smoky heat
- Cincinnati Style: Add cinnamon, cocoa powder, and serve over spaghetti
- White Chicken Chili: Swap beef for chicken, use white beans, and add green chilies
- Turkey Chili: Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option
- Spicy Jalapeño: Add 2-3 diced jalapeños with the bell pepper for serious heat
Make It Your Own
Adjust the Heat: This recipe is moderately spiced. For mild chili, reduce chili powder to 2 tablespoons and skip the cayenne. For spicy chili, double the cayenne and add diced jalapeños.
Bean Options: Use any combination of beans you prefer—pinto, navy, great northern, or cannellini all work beautifully.
Add Corn: A cup of frozen corn adds sweetness and texture that kids love.
Serving Suggestions
This hearty slow cooker chili is a meal in itself, but pairs wonderfully with:
- Homemade cornbread or corn muffins
- Saltine crackers or oyster crackers
- Warm flour tortillas
- Mexican rice or cilantro-lime rice
- Simple green salad
- Tortilla chips for scooping
- Garlic bread
- Baked sweet potatoes topped with chili
Storage Instructions
Refrigerator: Store cooled chili in an airtight container for up to 5 days. The flavors actually improve overnight, making this perfect for meal prep!
Freezer: Freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Remove as much air as possible to prevent freezer burn. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
Reheating: Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth if needed. Microwave individual portions for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving (1½ cups) |
|---|---|
| Calories | 310 |
| Protein | 26g |
| Total Fat | 10g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fiber | 9g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Sodium | 780mg |
| Cholesterol | 55mg |
| Iron | 5mg |
| Potassium | 890mg |
Nutrition information is approximate and based on 12 servings without toppings. Values may vary depending on specific ingredients used.
Nutritional Highlights
This ground beef chili is a nutritional powerhouse!
With 26 grams of protein and 9 grams of fiber per serving, it keeps you full and satisfied for hours. The combination of beans and beef provides complete protein along with essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and B vitamins.
The beans contribute significant fiber, which supports digestive health and helps regulate blood sugar. The tomatoes provide lycopene, a powerful antioxidant, along with vitamins C and A. The spices not only add flavor but also contain anti-inflammatory compounds.
This is one of those rare comfort foods that’s actually good for you! It’s naturally high in protein, loaded with vegetables, and relatively low in calories for such a hearty, filling meal.
Dietitian Tips
- Boost fiber even more: Add an extra can of beans or a cup of diced carrots and celery
- Reduce sodium: Use no-salt-added tomatoes and beans, then season to taste at the end
- Increase vegetables: Double the bell peppers and add diced zucchini or mushrooms
- Make it leaner: Use 93% lean ground beef or ground turkey for less fat
- Add more nutrients: Stir in a handful of fresh spinach or kale during the last 30 minutes of cooking
- Watch the toppings: Keep portions of cheese and sour cream reasonable, or use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for extra protein
See Also in NUTRIENTSRECIPES.COM: Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef (Game Day Easy)
FAQs
Do I have to brown the ground beef first?
While technically optional, I strongly recommend it!
Browning the beef adds incredible depth of flavor through the Maillard reaction. It also allows you to drain excess fat, resulting in a less greasy chili. The extra 10 minutes is absolutely worth it.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, but you’ll need to cook them first.
Soak dried beans overnight, then simmer until tender before adding to the slow cooker. One pound of dried beans equals about three 15-oz cans. Alternatively, you can cook dried beans right in the slow cooker, but add 2-3 hours to the cooking time.
How do I make this in an Instant Pot?
Brown the beef using the sauté function, then add all remaining ingredients.
Cook on high pressure for 25 minutes with natural release for 10 minutes. The flavor won’t be as developed as slow cooking, but it’s still delicious when you’re short on time.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Absolutely! After browning the beef and sautéing vegetables, add all ingredients to a large pot or Dutch oven.
Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the better the flavor.
Why is my chili too watery?
This can happen if you use high-water-content tomatoes or don’t drain the beans.
To fix watery chili, remove the lid and cook on high for the last 30-60 minutes to evaporate excess liquid. You can also stir in a tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina to thicken it.
Can I make this chili ahead for game day?
Yes! This is actually one of the best make-ahead lazy dinners.
Make it 1-2 days before and store in the refrigerator. Reheat in the slow cooker on low for 2-3 hours, or on the stovetop. The flavors will be even better after resting!
Conclusion
This Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef is everything a family meal should be—easy, delicious, nutritious, and incredibly satisfying.
It’s the kind of recipe you’ll make again and again, whether you’re feeding your family on a Tuesday night or entertaining a crowd on game day.
What I love most about this chili is how it brings people together. There’s something special about gathering around a big pot of steaming chili, everyone customizing their bowl with their favorite toppings, sharing stories and laughter.
It’s comfort food that creates comfort memories.
This recipe has been a lifesaver for me countless times—busy weeknights when I needed dinner handled, potlucks where I wanted to impress, cold winter days when nothing but chili would do. The best part? It requires so little hands-on time that you’re free to actually enjoy your day instead of being stuck in the kitchen.
I encourage you to make this recipe your own. Adjust the spice level, add your favorite vegetables, experiment with different beans—chili is incredibly forgiving and welcomes creativity. Just remember the golden rule: low and slow for the best flavor!
So grab your slow cooker, brown that beef, and get ready for the easiest, most delicious chili you’ve ever made. Whether it’s game day, a regular weeknight, or meal prep Sunday, this crockpot chili has you covered. Your family will love you for it!
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