This Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is pure comfort in a bowl—hearty, robust, and packed with bold flavors that simmer together beautifully as you go about your day. Imagine spoonfuls of tender ground beef, creamy beans, and vibrant tomatoes, all mingling with just the right kick of spice. It’s the kind of meal you’ll want to make again and again, whether you’re gathering friends for game day or just craving a cozy weeknight dinner.

Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering your ingredients for this Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe couldn’t be easier, and every single one has a starring role. From the rich taste of beef to the pop of beans and the warmth of spices, each component brings depth, texture, and color that make this chili irresistible.

Lean Ground Beef: Opt for 90/10 or 93/7 ground beef for a chili with plenty of flavor and less grease.
Large Onion (diced): This adds natural sweetness and a lovely base of flavor as it cooks down with the beef.
Garlic Cloves (minced): Fresh garlic always elevates the savoriness—don’t be shy about tossing in those cloves.
Cumin Powder: Its earthy warmth is essential to give that unmistakable chili taste.
Chili Powder: The heart of any classic chili, offering just the right balance of mild heat and bold aroma.
Garlic Powder: Doubles down on the garlic flavor and blends seamlessly with the other spices.
Dried Oregano: Offers a subtle herbal note to brighten the stew’s richness.
Salt: Crucial for amplifying all the other lovely flavors.
Black Pepper: Adds another layer of gentle heat—you can tweak for personal taste.
Black Beans (15 oz can, drained and rinsed): These add creaminess and protein, making each spoonful heartier.
Kidney Beans (two 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed): Their color and texture are classic for chili; they hold up well and soak up the flavors.
Diced Tomatoes (30 oz, with their juice): The base for your sauce—go for fire-roasted if you want smoky depth.
Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilis (10 oz, with juice): This combo brings acidity, extra color, and a garlicky zing.
Tomato Sauce (30 oz): Gives the chili its hearty, luscious body and ties everything together.

How to Make Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Start by placing a large skillet over medium-high heat. Toss in the ground beef and break it up with a spatula as it cooks. In just 4-5 minutes, you’ll see the beef beginning to brown while releasing its juices and flavor. This step sets the foundation—taking the time to get a bit of color on your beef makes all the difference in richness and depth.

Step 2: Add Onion, Garlic, and Spices

Add the diced onion to the skillet and sauté together with the beef for another 4-5 minutes. The onion softens, becomes fragrant, and starts to caramelize. Next, stir in the minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Let everything cook together for about 30 seconds, stirring constantly to bloom those spices and create a fragrant, mouthwatering base.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker and Add Remaining Ingredients

Carefully transfer your seasoned beef-onion mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Pour in the drained black beans, kidney beans, both types of tomatoes (with their juices), diced tomatoes and green chilis, and all the tomato sauce. Give it a thorough stir so all of the goodness blends evenly—this is where the magic really starts happening.

Step 4: Let the Slow Cooker Work Its Magic

Set your slow cooker to high for 3-4 hours or low for 6-8 hours, depending on your schedule. As the Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe simmers away, all those ingredients meld into a rich, full-bodied chili. Take a moment mid-way to give it a taste and adjust the seasoning if you like. When your kitchen smells incredible and the flavors have come together, you’ll know it’s ready to serve.

How to Serve Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Garnishes

This is where you can truly make your bowl of Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe your own. Top each serving with shredded cheddar, chopped green onions, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Crushed tortilla chips, jalapeño slices, or even avocado cubes add great contrast in flavor and texture—don’t be afraid to get creative!

Side Dishes

Chili is so robust it can stand alone, but it’s even better alongside a fluffy wedge of cornbread, a bowl of steamed rice, or a simple green salad. If you’re feeling ambitious, serve it with baked potatoes or crunchy garlic toast to soak up every delicious bite.

Creative Ways to Present

Consider setting up a chili bar for gatherings, where friends and family can ladle the Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe into bowls and dress it up with their favorite fixings. For a fun twist, serve chili in baked bread bowls or pour over loaded nachos. It’s just as perfect for a cozy solo meal as it is for a lively party spread!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe keeps wonderfully in the fridge. Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It’ll stay fresh and tasty for up to 4 days—if anything, the flavors only deepen and improve after a night in the fridge!

Freezing

This chili freezes like a charm. Spoon cooled chili into freezer-safe zip bags or containers (portion sizes make life easier). Label them with the date, then freeze for up to 3 months. When a chili craving strikes, just pull a batch out for an instant homemade meal.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze. Thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge if you can, then warm it gently in a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For quicker reheating, zap individual servings in the microwave until bubbling hot. Add a splash of broth if it thickens up too much.

FAQs

Can I make Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe with ground turkey or chicken?

Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken are excellent lean substitutes for beef, giving the chili a lighter flavor. Just swap them in at a 1:1 ratio and follow the same browning steps for best results.

How spicy is this chili, and can I adjust the heat?

This recipe has a pleasant, moderate warmth thanks to the chili powder and green chilis, but it’s definitely family-friendly. For more heat, toss in a dash of cayenne or some extra jalapeños; for less, simply choose mild tomatoes and cut back on the chili powder.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes, but dried beans need to be soaked overnight and cooked separately before adding them to the slow cooker. Using canned beans saves time and ensures creamy, tender results every time.

What size slow cooker is best for this recipe?

A 6-quart slow cooker is the perfect size for this batch, giving everything room to bubble without overflowing. If you have a smaller slow cooker, consider halving the recipe for best results.

Can I make Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe ahead of time?

Definitely! This dish is ideal for making ahead—simply cook as directed, cool, and store. The flavors meld even more overnight, so your next-day bowl will be seriously delicious.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a cozy, fuss-free meal that wins over everyone at the table, give this Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe a try. There’s nothing like coming home to a kitchen filled with the aroma of bubbling chili, ready to serve with all your favorite fixings. I hope it becomes a staple in your home as it has in mine—happy slow cooking!

Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe