Crockpot Chili (Slow Cooker Chili) – Hearty, Flavor-Packed, and Comforting

A good pot of chili has a way of transforming an ordinary day into something warm, comforting, and deeply satisfying. But when you make it in the slow cooker, everything changes in the best possible way. This Crockpot Chili (Slow Cooker Chili) is rich, bold, hearty, and unbelievably easy — a true “set it and forget it” meal that simmers all day to develop layers of deep chili flavor with almost no effort from you.

What makes slow cooker chili so special is the way it develops flavor over time. The spices bloom, the tomatoes break down into a savory base, the beans absorb the seasoning, and the beef becomes tender while still keeping its hearty texture. It’s the kind of chili that tastes even better the next day — thick, robust, and loaded with everything you expect from a cozy bowl of comfort food.

This recipe strikes the perfect balance: spicy but not overwhelming, rich but not heavy, thick but still spoonable, and filled with classic chili ingredients that taste like home. You get tender ground beef, aromatic onions and garlic, warm chili powder, earthy cumin, sweet smoked paprika, and a touch of tomato paste to deepen the flavor. Add beans, diced tomatoes, and broth, and you have the kind of chili that simmers itself into perfection by dinnertime.

One of the greatest things about crockpot chili is how customizable it is. Want it spicier? Add jalapeños or chipotle. Want it thicker? Use less broth. Prefer a smoky chili? Add smoked paprika or charred peppers. Want extra richness? Stir in a bit of cocoa powder or a splash of beer. You can make it your own every single time.

This chili is ideal for busy weekdays, game day gatherings, winter comfort meals, and meal prep. It freezes beautifully, reheats like a dream, and makes big servings that keep everyone happy. Serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, baked potatoes, or even over pasta for a Midwest-style chili bowl. No matter how you serve it, this Slow Cooker Chili delivers cozy, bold, unforgettable flavor every time.

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Ingredients:

Chili Base

• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp oregano
• ½ tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ¼ tsp cayenne (optional)

Optional Toppings

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Green onions
• Avocado slices
• Jalapeño slices
• Tortilla chips

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Instructions:

1. Brown the beef.
   In a skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
2. Add aromatics.
   Stir in diced onion and garlic; cook 2–3 minutes until softened.
3. Transfer to crockpot.
   Add beef mixture to slow cooker.
4. Add remaining ingredients.
   Add beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
5. Stir to combine.
   Mix everything well to ensure even seasoning.
6. Cook.
   Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
7. Adjust seasoning.
   Taste and add more salt, chili powder, or broth as needed.
8. Serve hot.
   Top with cheese, green onions, or your favorite garnishes.

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Tips & Tricks

• Brown the beef first — it adds big flavor.
• Add a splash of beer for depth.
• Stir in cocoa powder (½ tsp) for richness.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for smoky flavor.
• Add jalapeños for more heat.

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Variations

• Turkey Chili: Replace beef with ground turkey.
• Vegetarian Chili: Add extra beans, corn, and bell peppers.
• White Chili: Use chicken, white beans, and green chiles.
• Sweet Potato Chili: Add cubed sweet potatoes for natural sweetness.

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Serving Suggestions

• Serve with warm cornbread.
• Spoon over baked potatoes.
• Serve with rice or noodles.
• Add tortilla chips for crunch.
• Top with avocado or cilantro.

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Storage Information

• Refrigerator: Up to 5 days.
• Freezer: Up to 3 months.
• Reheat: Microwave or stovetop, adding broth if needed.

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FAQ

Can I skip browning the beef?
You can, but the flavor is much better browned first.

Can I use different beans?
Yes — pinto beans or chili beans work great.

Can I make it spicy?
Add jalapeños, chipotle peppers, or extra cayenne.

Why is my chili thin?
Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken.

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History / Fun Facts

Chili has deep roots in American Southwest cooking, inspired by Mexican flavors and cowboy-style one-pot meals. Over time, chili evolved into countless regional variations — Texas chili, Midwest chili, bean chili, white chili — and eventually became a beloved slow-cooker staple for its simplicity and rich flavor. Today, crockpot chili remains one of the most popular comfort dishes in the U.S.