Cozy, hearty, and absolutely packed with bold flavor, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is my go-to for cold nights or laid-back gatherings with friends. With its rich medley of beans, savory ground beef, and punches of spice, you get everything you love about classic chili, only better—because your slow cooker does the work! It’s a fuss-free way to fill the kitchen with delicious aromas and keep everyone coming back for seconds. Whether you’re meal prepping or feeding a crowd, this Crock Pot Chili Recipe promises both comfort and taste in every spoonful.

Ingredients You’ll Need

One of the best things about this Crock Pot Chili Recipe is how easy it is to pull together. Each ingredient plays a starring role for depth, texture, and vibrant color, so don’t be tempted to skip anything. It’s the magic combo of fresh veggies, savory spices, and time that gives this chili its irresistible kick.

Onion: Adds sweet and savory undertones that melt into the chili as it simmers for hours.
Green Bell Pepper: Offers a pop of color and gentle crunch, brightening up the overall flavor profile.
Garlic: Gives the whole pot a punchy aromatic base—jarred or fresh works equally well here.
Olive Oil (or other cooking oil): Just enough to soften the veggies and bring everything together at the start.
Ground Beef (2 lbs, 80/20): The hearty backbone of the chili, bringing flavor and richness to every bite.
Chili Powder (3 tbsp, divided): The true essence of chili—layered in for nuanced spice that builds slowly.
Kidney Beans (15.5 oz): Creamy and familiar, these add body and soak up all those delicious juices.
Chili Hot Beans (15.5 oz): Bring an extra punch of flavor with seasoned, savory goodness. Easily swapped for more kidney beans if needed.
Diced Tomatoes (29 oz): These break down to create the chili’s juicy, hearty backbone.
Tomato Sauce (8 oz): Lends a silky, rich texture and balances the spice with a touch of sweetness.
Cumin (2 tbsp): Earthy and warm, it gives depth and that classic “chili” flavor we crave.
Onion Powder (1 tbsp): Reinforces the savory notes with a hint of concentrated oniony goodness.
Brown Sugar (1 tbsp): Just a spoonful rounds out acidity and brings a subtle complexity to the chili.
Garlic Powder (½ tbsp): Backups the fresh garlic, adding another layer of aromatic kick.
Salt (½ tbsp): Essential to pull all the flavors together—taste and adjust before serving.

How to Make Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Begin by dicing your onion, green bell pepper, and garlic. Don’t rush this step—smaller diced veggies not only blend beautifully into the chili, but also provide a boost of color and flavor. If using jarred minced garlic, it’s totally fine and will save you a couple of minutes.

Step 2: Sauté for Maximum Flavor

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add your diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, and sauté for roughly 2–3 minutes. This gentle sauté unlocks those sweet, fragrant notes that will perfume your Crock Pot Chili Recipe from the very start.

Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef

Add the ground beef to the skillet with your softened veggies. Break it apart as it cooks until it’s almost fully browned—the little bit of remaining pink will finish cooking in the slow cooker. At this stage, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the chili powder right over the beef, stirring to let the spice infuse each crumbled bit.

Step 4: Combine Everything in the Slow Cooker

Transfer the beef and veggie mixture into your slow cooker. Pour in the kidney beans, chili hot beans (or extra kidney beans if you prefer), diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all remaining spices: the rest of the chili powder, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Give everything a thorough stir so the flavors distribute evenly.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid onto your slow cooker and set it to low for 4 hours. That’s where the magic happens! Over time, the flavors meld together and the beef becomes meltingly tender. Stir once or twice, if you think of it, but otherwise, relax and enjoy the tantalizing aroma that fills your kitchen.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chili Recipe

Garnishes

The right garnishes can take your Crock Pot Chili Recipe from comforting to completely crave-worthy. I love a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and a scatter of chopped fresh onions. You can also toss on sliced jalapeños or fresh cilantro for a pop of freshness and heat.

Side Dishes

Chili is famously versatile, so pair yours with classic cornbread for a sweet contrast, fluffy rice for a heartier plate, or crispy tortilla chips for delightful crunch. If you want to keep things light, a simple green salad or roasted veggies round out the meal beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Try spooning your Crock Pot Chili Recipe over baked potatoes for a fun twist, or serve in bread bowls for extra coziness. Little ramekins turn it into a classy appetizer at parties, and mini “chili bar” setups let guests top their own bowls with their favorite fixings.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, stash any leftover chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavors deepen overnight, making tomorrow’s lunch even better than tonight’s dinner—a true win-win!

Freezing

The Crock Pot Chili Recipe freezes like a dream. Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers (remember to label and date them) and lay them flat in your freezer for easy stacking. You’ll have homemade comfort food ready for up to 3 months.

Reheating

Reheating is a breeze: just transfer your leftover chili to a saucepan and warm it gently over medium heat, stirring occasionally. For frozen portions, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating, or use your microwave in short bursts until piping hot all the way through.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of meat in this Crock Pot Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! While ground beef is classic, you can easily swap in ground turkey, chicken, or even a plant-based crumble if you prefer a lighter or vegetarian option. Just keep an eye on the fat content, as leaner meats may need a splash of extra oil for juiciness.

How can I make my chili spicier?

For more heat, toss in extra chili powder or add chopped fresh jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo, or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce. You’re in control of the fire level, so adjust until it’s perfect for you!

What can I use if I can’t find chili hot beans?

No worries if your store doesn’t carry chili hot beans—simply use an additional can of kidney beans or even black beans. You might want to boost the spices a little to compensate for the missing kick from chili beans.

Can I prepare this Crock Pot Chili Recipe ahead of time?

Yes! Prep and cook your chili, then let it cool and refrigerate. The flavors only improve overnight. Give it a good reheat before serving, add your fresh garnishes, and you’re all set for a stress-free mealtime.

Is this Crock Pot Chili Recipe gluten-free?

It sure can be! Just double-check that your canned beans and tomato sauce don’t have added gluten-containing ingredients. Otherwise, this recipe is naturally gluten-free and perfect for sharing with a wide range of guests.

Final Thoughts

If you’ve been searching for a hearty, low-fuss dinner that everyone will rave about, you have to give this Crock Pot Chili Recipe a spot on your table. It’s easy to prep, deeply comforting, and packed with flavor. Set it, forget it, and get ready for bowl after bowl of cozy, delicious goodness—your family and friends are going to love it!

Crock Pot Chili Recipe