Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe

There’s nothing quite like the comforting aroma of a hearty bowl of chili simmering away in your kitchen. Whether it’s a chilly winter evening, a relaxed game day gathering, or a simple weeknight dinner, Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili has a way of bringing people together around the table. It’s the kind of recipe that warms you from the inside out, offering bold flavors, tender beans, and perfectly seasoned beef all in one satisfying bite.

This recipe is inspired by the classic American tradition of slow-cooked chili, where each ingredient has time to meld together into a rich, flavorful dish. My love for chili began with family gatherings on Sunday afternoons, where a big pot of chili would sit simmering while everyone went about their day. Hours later, we’d all gather with bowls in hand, topping our chili with cheese, sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips. This recipe carries that same spirit of comfort and community, but with the convenience of a slow cooker.

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Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

• Effortless Cooking: The slow cooker does most of the work for you. Simply brown the beef, toss everything in, and let the magic happen.

• Perfectly Seasoned: A blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, and other spices ensures a bold, flavorful base.

• Meal-Prep Friendly: Chili tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for leftovers or batch cooking.

• Family-Friendly: With simple ingredients and customizable toppings, this dish appeals to both kids and adults.

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Ingredients

For the Chili

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 1 large onion, diced

• 1 red bell pepper, diced

• 1 green bell pepper, diced

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed

• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes with juices

• 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste

• 1 cup beef broth

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon garlic powder

• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, adjust to taste)

• Salt and black pepper to taste

For Serving

• Shredded cheddar cheese

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Chopped green onions

• Fresh cilantro

• Tortilla chips or warm cornbread

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Directions

1. Brown the Ground Beef

Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once the skillet is hot, add the ground beef, breaking it up gently with a wooden spoon or spatula as it cooks. Browning the beef is a crucial step because it develops rich, savory flavors that form the base of the chili. As the meat cooks, it will release juices and fat—season lightly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to enhance the natural flavors. Stir occasionally to ensure the beef cooks evenly and doesn’t clump together.

Pay attention to the texture: the goal is fully cooked, browned crumbles that are firm but not dry. Once the meat is no longer pink and starts to take on a golden hue, carefully drain any excess fat. Removing the fat helps prevent the chili from becoming greasy while still maintaining a satisfying richness. This step may seem simple, but it lays the foundation for a perfectly balanced chili that isn’t too heavy or oily.

2. Sauté the Aromatics

After the beef is browned and drained, it’s time to enhance the flavor with aromatics. In the same skillet, add the diced onion along with the red and green bell peppers. Cooking them in the residual beef juices ensures maximum flavor transfer and minimizes waste. Sauté the vegetables over medium heat for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until they are softened and slightly caramelized. This caramelization adds a subtle sweetness that balances the heat of the chili spices later on.

Next, stir in the minced garlic. Garlic releases its full aroma and flavor when cooked briefly, about one minute, so avoid overcooking it to prevent a bitter taste. The combination of onions, peppers, and garlic forms the aromatic base that transforms simple chili ingredients into a deeply flavorful dish. At this stage, your kitchen will start to smell inviting, hinting at the rich, slow-cooked flavors to come.

3. Transfer to the Slow Cooker

Once your beef and vegetables are ready, transfer them carefully to your slow cooker. This is where the magic of slow cooking begins. Pour in the diced tomatoes with their juices, which will add moisture and a tangy depth to the chili. Add the tomato paste to give the chili a thicker, richer texture, and pour in the beef broth to create a flavorful cooking liquid that will allow all the ingredients to meld together over several hours.

Finally, add the kidney beans and black beans. Beans not only add protein and fiber but also help thicken the chili as they cook. Stir everything gently to combine the ingredients evenly before seasoning. Ensuring everything is distributed properly will help the flavors infuse uniformly during the slow cooking process.

4. Season the Chili

It’s time to transform your base into a classic chili by adding a carefully balanced blend of spices. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, onion powder, and garlic powder. If you prefer a bit of heat, add cayenne pepper to taste. Stir the mixture thoroughly to coat the beef, vegetables, and beans evenly with the seasonings.

Take a moment to enjoy the aroma at this stage—the combination of spices is what gives chili its signature warmth and depth. Well-distributed spices ensure every bite has a balanced flavor, with the chili developing complexity as it cooks slowly.

5. Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover your slow cooker with the lid and set it to low heat for 6–8 hours, or high heat for 3–4 hours if you’re short on time. During this slow cooking process, the flavors of the beef, beans, vegetables, and spices meld together, creating a hearty and deeply satisfying chili. The long, gentle heat allows the beans to soften fully, the beef to remain tender, and the seasoning to penetrate every ingredient.

Avoid lifting the lid frequently, as this can slow down the cooking process and let heat escape. The slow cooker does the work for you, making it an ideal hands-off recipe for busy days or when entertaining guests.

6. Taste and Adjust

Approximately 30 minutes before serving, remove the lid and give the chili a good stir. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed. Add extra salt, pepper, or spices to suit your personal preference. This final taste test is important because slow-cooked dishes sometimes require a final tweak after the flavors have fully developed. At this stage, you can also adjust the consistency by adding a little more broth if it’s too thick, or letting it simmer uncovered if it’s thinner than desired.

7. Serve with Toppings

Finally, ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes. Shredded cheddar cheese adds a creamy, indulgent layer, while a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a cooling contrast. Sprinkle with chopped green onions or fresh cilantro for freshness and color. For added texture, serve with crunchy tortilla chips or a slice of warm cornbread. The combination of toppings makes each bite exciting and allows each person to customize their bowl to their liking.

This simple yet detailed approach ensures that your Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili is flavorful, satisfying, and perfect for sharing with family and friends, making it a recipe you’ll return to again and again.

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Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time, Yield

• Prep Time: 20 minutes

• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 3–4 hours (high)

• Total Time: About 6.5 to 8.5 hours

• Yield: 6–8 servings

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Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

1. Brown the Meat First: While it might be tempting to skip browning, this step adds depth of flavor and prevents excess grease from floating in your chili.

2. Don’t Skip the Garlic: Fresh garlic elevates the dish with a bold, aromatic punch.

3. Adjust the Spice: Make it mild for kids or crank up the cayenne and chili powder if you love heat.

4. Thicker Chili: If you prefer a thicker consistency, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to let some liquid evaporate.

5. Freezer-Friendly: This chili freezes beautifully. Cool completely, portion into freezer-safe containers, and store for up to 3 months.

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Variations to Try

• Turkey Chili: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.

• Vegetarian Chili: Skip the beef and double the beans or add lentils. You can also toss in extra veggies like zucchini or corn.

• Spicy Chili: Add diced jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo (if you enjoy smoky spice), or extra cayenne.

• White Bean Chili: Use ground chicken, cannellini beans, and white corn for a lighter twist.

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What to Serve with Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili

Chili pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides and toppings. Here are some serving ideas to elevate your meal:

• Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread is a traditional companion that soaks up the rich flavors.

• Baked Potatoes: Top a fluffy baked potato with chili for a hearty, filling dinner.

• Rice: Serve chili over white or brown rice to stretch it into more servings.

• Salad: A crisp green salad balances out the richness of the chili.

• Nachos: Use chili as a topping over tortilla chips, add cheese, and broil for quick and delicious chili nachos.

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Nutritional Benefits of Ground Beef Chili

Not only is this recipe comforting, but it also offers a balance of protein, fiber, and essential nutrients.

• Ground Beef provides high-quality protein and iron, both vital for energy and muscle health.

• Beans add fiber, plant-based protein, and slow-digesting carbs to keep you full longer.

• Tomatoes and Peppers are rich in vitamins A and C, supporting immune health.

When topped with fresh herbs and paired with nutrient-rich sides, this meal becomes both delicious and nourishing.

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Storing and Reheating Instructions

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days.

• Freezer: Freeze in portions for easy weeknight meals.

• Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until hot. You can also reheat in the microwave in short intervals.

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Why This Recipe Works

The magic of Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili lies in its simplicity and adaptability. The slow cooker allows the flavors to meld over hours of gentle cooking, giving you a dish that tastes like it took all day to make—because it did, without demanding constant attention.

The combination of beans and beef provides heartiness, while the spices create a rich, layered flavor profile that isn’t overwhelming. Whether you enjoy it mild or fiery hot, this recipe is a perfect foundation that you can adjust to your taste.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Simply store in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I freeze chili?
Yes. Let the chili cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags. It will keep for up to 3 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Do I have to use both types of beans?
Not at all. You can stick to one type of bean or experiment with pinto, navy, or great northern beans.

What size slow cooker works best?
A 6-quart slow cooker is ideal for this recipe, as it gives enough space for all the ingredients to cook evenly.

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