Nothing says comfort quite like a slow cooker chili recipe that simmers all day and fills your home with warm, spicy goodness. Whether you’re curled up on a cold night or feeding a hungry crowd, this chili is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili
This chili’s rich, meaty base and smoky depth come from a slow cook that lets the flavors really shine. It’s thick, satisfying, and easy to tweak to your spice level. Plus, it reheats like a dream—hello leftovers!
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili
- Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the extra fat.
- Stir in the diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to soften and release the flavor.
- Pour the beef mixture into your slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, all the beans, broth, and the spices.
- Stir everything together gently until it’s well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Before serving, give it a final stir and taste for salt or spice. Adjust if needed.
Kitchen Notes
Spice it up with a dash of chipotle powder or hot sauce if you’re feeling bold
You can swap in turkey or spicy sausage instead of ground beef
Let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes if you’d like a thicker chili
Toppings & Variations
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onion, avocado, or even crushed tortilla chips
Make it low-carb by leaving out the beans
Try serving it over baked potatoes, rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a full-on chili feast
Cozy Pairings You’ll Love
Serve it alongside this creamy chicken lasagna soup for the ultimate comfort combo
Craving something bolder? This cowboy soup is packed with smoky, beefy flavor
Or give your slow cooker another spin with our German potato soup with sausages
FAQ
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Absolutely. Let it cool completely, then store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months
Can I make this vegetarian?
Totally! Just skip the meat and double up on beans or toss in lentils
What’s the best bean combo?
Kidney, black, and pinto beans give the best texture mix, but feel free to use what you’ve got
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Slow Cooker Chili Recipe for the Coziest Bowl of Your Life
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
Description
Nothing says comfort quite like a slow cooker chili recipe that simmers all day and fills your home with warm, spicy goodness. Whether you’re curled up on a cold night or feeding a hungry crowd, this chili is the kind of meal that hugs you from the inside out.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 (15 oz) cans diced tomatoes
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1½ cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp cayenne (adjust to taste)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- Brown the meat in a skillet over medium heat until it’s no longer pink. Drain the extra fat.
- Stir in the diced onions, peppers, and garlic. Cook for another 3–4 minutes to soften and release the flavor.
- Pour the beef mixture into your slow cooker.
- Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, all the beans, broth, and the spices.
- Stir everything together gently until it’s well mixed.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Before serving, give it a final stir and taste for salt or spice. Adjust if needed.
Notes
Spice it up with a dash of chipotle powder or hot sauce if you’re feeling bold. You can swap in turkey or spicy sausage instead of ground beef. Let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes if you’d like a thicker chili.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 980mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 9g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 95mg