Description
Nothing beats the comforting aroma of chili simmering on a chilly day. This Crock Pot Chili combines tender meat, beans, vegetables, and bold spices, all slow-cooked to perfection for a rich, satisfying flavor that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or meal prep.
Ingredients
Meat and Beans:
2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) black beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (15 oz / 425 g) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
Vegetables:
1 large onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) diced tomatoes
1 can (6 oz / 170 g) tomato paste
1 cup (240 ml) beef broth or water
Spices and Seasonings:
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon black pepper
Optional Toppings:
Shredded cheddar cheese
Sour cream
Chopped green onions
Fresh cilantro
Sliced jalapeños
Instructions
Brown the Meat – In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned. Break into small pieces and cook 5–7 minutes. Drain excess fat.
Sauté Aromatics – Add onion, green and red bell peppers, and garlic. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
Combine Ingredients – Transfer meat and vegetables to the slow cooker. Add black beans, kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
Add Spices – Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Slow Cook – Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until flavors meld and beans soften.
Adjust Seasoning – Taste and add salt, pepper, or cayenne as needed. Thin with beef broth or water if too thick.
Serve – Spoon into bowls and garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños.
Notes
Browning meat first enhances flavor.
Add canned beans halfway through if you prefer firmer beans.
To thicken, cook uncovered for 30 minutes or stir in extra tomato paste.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)
- Category: Main Dish, Comfort Food
- Method: Slow Cooker / Crock Pot
- Cuisine: American / Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 700 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 28 g
- Fiber: 7 g
- Protein: 22 g
- Cholesterol: 55 mg
Keywords: Crock Pot Chili, Slow Cooker Chili, Hearty Chili, Easy Chili Recipe
