Nothing says comfort food like a bowl of warm, hearty chili — and when it’s made in the slow cooker, the flavors deepen beautifully while you barely lift a finger. Crockpot Chili (Slow Cooker Chili) is everything you want on a cool night: rich, meaty, thick, and loaded with spices that slow-simmer into perfection.

This recipe requires almost no effort. Brown your beef, toss everything into the crockpot, set it, walk away, and return to the best bowl of chili you’ve had in ages. It’s ideal for game days, busy days, potlucks, weekends, cold weather, meal prep, or freeze-ahead portions.

Let’s dive into what makes this slow cooker chili the BEST version you’ll ever make.

Why Crockpot Chili Works So Well

1. Slow Cooking Deepens Flavor

Chili tastes better the longer it simmers, and a crockpot allows all the spices, aromatics, and tomatoes to meld slowly.

2. Hands-Off Convenience

Once you combine everything, the crockpot does 99% of the work.

3. Thick, Rich Texture

No watery chili here—this recipe is perfectly hearty with the ideal balance of beef, beans, and tomatoes.

4. Customizable Heat & Flavor

Add jalapeños, chipotle, or hot sauce to adjust spice levels.

5. Perfect for Meal Prep

Chili stores and reheats beautifully, often tasting even better the next day.

Ingredients

Meat & Aromatics

1 lb ground beef
1 onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Chili Base

1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
1 cup beef broth

Spices

2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
½ tsp oregano
Salt + pepper to taste

Optional Add-Ons

1 diced jalapeño
1 tbsp brown sugar (to balance acidity)
½ tsp cayenne
Corn, bell peppers, or chipotle peppers

Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a skillet. Drain excess fat.
Add onions and garlic, cooking for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
Transfer beef mixture to the crockpot.
Add beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices.
Stir well to combine everything.
Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Adjust seasoning to taste.
Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, or green onions.