The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe (2024) (2024)

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That’s it. You’ve arrived here, and now your search for the best chili recipe is over!

This Crockpot Chili is simply amazing – perfectly seasoned, perfect texture, perfect heat – and SOOO easy.

Easy as in “throw the ingredients in the crockpot and push a button” easy.

I’ve had a wildly popular chili recipe on this website for years, but I never thought to convert it into a slow cooker meal chili until now.

And you know what?Maybe I am crazy, but even though it has the same ratio of spices, this version actually tastes better.

Key Takeaways

• Cook Time: Low – 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
• Main Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, onion, crushed or diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), and more
• Servings: 6
• Extras:For a heartier chili, consider adding veggies like potatoes, carrots, and others
• Tip:Add peanut butter to your chili for a nutty sweetness that works with the chili powder and makes the sauce creamy

The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe

There are the ingredients – except the beans are missing from the photo. But you don’t add them until the chili is just about ready anyway.

Oh, you noticed that cocoa powder and cinnamon, didn’t you? Just trust me on this.

The other thing I need to mention is that you will want to use lean ground beef with this recipe (90%+ lean).

Since you won’t be precooking and draining the meat, you want to make sure you won’t have all of that excess grease in your slow cooker chili.

I used 90%, and there was no grease on top of the chili at all. It turned out perfect.

Simply place the meat in the bottom of the crockpot, top with spices and then liquids. Cook on high for 4 hours, medium for 6 or low for 8.

Want to skip the crock pot? Here is my similar stovetop Homemade ChiliRecipe that can be ready to eat in about an hour and a half, including prep!

When it’s done, you might have a mass of ground beef at the bottom if you haven’t stirred it at all.

This isn’t a problem – just use a potato masher, and the meat with break apart with very little effort.

You could also premix everything before adding your new meat mixture to the crock pot for cooking, which evens things out well.

Add half a can of rinsed red kidney beans and mix into the chili. Cook for another 20 minutes or so.

Serve with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top, cornbread on the side, or whatever favorite chili toppings your family digs!

I like adding some corn chips on top or for scooping, while more of our family likes dipping for tortilla chips.

This also makes a GREAT chili for chili dogs (my son’s absolute favorite meal).

Recipe Substitutions

For those looking to personalize this slow cooker Chili recipe or simply use what you have in your pantry, there are plenty of swaps and additions that can be made.

The Meat

For those looking to have a leaner chili, consider incorporating ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.

If you still want that beef flavor but without the meat, you can add beef broth to the crock pot to give it a more typical chili taste.

If you’re aiming for a vegetarian version, consider substituting the ground beef with meat alternatives like firm tofu or tempeh.

You can also add a mix of quinoa and additional canned beans like black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas to maintain that hearty chili texture.

The Veggies

For those looking for more veggies in their diet, diced bell peppers, carrots, and celery make great additions that meld well with the existing flavors.

If you’re leaning towards a heartier meal, chunks of sweet potato or butternut squash not only thicken the chili but also infuse it with a subtle, natural sweetness.

The Flavor

To make a spicy chili in the slow cooker, you can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. You could also just add more chili powder to the tomato sauce if you want.

Want a smokier flavor? Try incorporating a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some liquid smoke (but only a little!).

For an extra layer of flavor and texture, adding corn kernels can introduce a delightful sweetness that complements the savory depth of chili.

Cheese lovers can mix in cubes of pepper jack cheese towards the end of the cooking time for creamy, melty pockets that add a spicy kick.

Lastly, for an unconventional twist, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter to achieve a rich, complex flavor that balances the heat with a creamy finish.

Other Slow Cooker Recipes

And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!

FAQS

Can I use a different type of meat in this chili recipe?

Yes, absolutely! Most slow cooker recipes can work with a variety of meat.

While lean ground beef is recommended, feel free to experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.

Just keep the fat content in mind to avoid greasiness.

How do I store leftovers and how long will they keep?

Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?

Definitely! Chili is a versatile dish.

Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or any of your favorite veggies to the mix. Just chop them up and throw them in with the rest of the ingredients.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?

For this specific recipe, there’s no need to brown the meat beforehand since we’re using a high lean percentage of beef.

However, browning meat can add depth to the flavor profile if you’re using a fattier cut or just prefer that method.

What if I don’t have a crockpot?

No worries! Check out the provided link for a stove-top version of this chili recipe.

It requires a bit more hands-on time but yields a delicious result in about an hour and a half.

Alternatively, you can make this chili in even less time using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking times and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

Final Thoughts

Crafting the perfect bowl of crockpot chili is an art form that allows for endless creativity and personalization.

Whether you stick closely to this tried-and-true recipe or venture out with substitutions and additions, the key is in embracing the simplicity and heartiness that make chili a beloved comfort food.

This recipe aims to bridge traditional flavors with a touch of the unexpected, ensuring that each spoonful is a delightful experience.

Remember, the beauty of slow cooker chili is that it tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal planning or feeding a crowd.

Happy cooking, and may your chili nights be warm, satisfying, and full of flavor.

Have you grabbed my Chaos to Control Starter Guide, yet? I might be biased but I think it’s pretty amazing! Check it out!