Finding the best easy crockpot chili recipe has been a mission for me.

Crockpot chili is a fall and winter favorite in my house. Chili is the ultimate comfort food, and thanks to crockpots, this recipe is so easy to throw together on your way out the door in the morning! 

The tangy, as-spicy-as-you-want bean and beef chili taste will warm your soul. It is that good.

Easy Crockpot Chili recipe

Busy weeknights make getting dinner on the table sometimes an impossible task, but kids have to eat!  It is one of the reasons why I adore the slow cooker. 

Just a few minutes in the morning and you can literally set it and forget it. 

With this chili recipe, you are not giving up anything by using this convenience…in fact, I think the flavors blend together even better because it is cooked in the slow cooker!

How to Make Chili in the Slow Cooker

This is by far the best crockpot chili recipe. While chili always makes for a quick dinner idea, crockpot chili takes it to a whole other level of easiness!

The best part is, you don’t have to mess with the stove top, your whole family will love it, AND it tastes even better the next day once all the seasoning really sits. It’s a great recipe. (This post contains affiliate links.)

Ingredients Needed to Make This Crockpot Chili Recipe

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large (about 2 cups) onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 can (15.5 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 2 cans (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 4-5 tablespoons chili powder, more or less depending on taste
• 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 can (15.5 oz) chili beans, mild or hot
• 1 can (15.5 oz) pinto beans, drained
• 2 teaspoons cumin, more or less depending on taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt

Directions to Make Crockpot Chili Recipe

Double check that you have all of your supplies and ingredients, before you start! And don’t be afraid to make substitutions that make sense to you…the last thing you have time for is a trip to the grocery store.

Step 1

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef until almost done.

Step 2

Next, add chopped onions and garlic and cook until no pink remains in beef and onions are soft, about 3-5 minutes.

Step 3

Drain well, and then add to the crockpot.

Step 4

Then, add remaining ingredients, and stir until well combined.

Step 5

Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.

Step 6

Serve with your favorite toppings.

Step 7

Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Crockpot Chili Recipe Notes

This recipe makes enough for a crowd. It can easily be cut in half (leave out pinto beans), or serve and freeze leftovers for another meal.

Make Ahead Tip: Cook the ground beef, onions and garlic and store in refrigerator in covered
container for 1-2 days prior to making chili.

Want a spicy chili?

Add your favorite hot sauce to the mix or chop up your favorite peppers like habanero peppers for high heat. Or if you want medium heat a jalapeno or poblano pepper will work.

Want leaner homemade chili? instead of using ground beef use ground turkey. Ground chicken is also an option for slow cooker chili recipe.

Want more flavor? Try ground pork!

The Best Crock Pot Chili Toppings

Not sure what to put on top of your chili? The options are endless, you can put all of your favorite things on top of your chili whether it’s fresh or leftover chili.

You can add stuff like:

• cheddar cheese
• green onions
• fresh diced green peppers or any bell pepper
• crushed up crackers
• sour cream

Vegetarian and Vegan Crockpot Chili Variations

Chili is so easily adapted to fit different dietary requirements! In order to make vegetarian chili, simply omit the beef. You can use more beans, like black beans, and/ or add a vegetarian or vegan “beef crumble” substitute.

In order to make vegan chili, omit the meat, and be sure you aren’t adding any dairy products. For toppings, you can use vegan sour cream, and shredded vegan cheese.

Cook Time
15 minutes

Total Time
15 minutes

Ingredients

• 2 pounds lean ground beef
• 1 large (about 2 cups) onions, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 cans (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
• 2 cans (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 2 can (15.5 oz) chili beans, mild or hot
• 1 can (15.5 oz) kidney beans, drained
• 1 can (15.5 oz) pinto beans, drained
• 4-5 tablespoons chili powder, more or less depending on taste
• 2 teaspoons cumin, more or less depending on taste
• 1 tablespoon garlic salt
• 3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook ground beef until almost done.
2. Add chopped onions and garlic and cook until no pink remains in beef and onions are soft, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Drain well and add to Crockpot.
4. Add remaining ingredients and stir until well combined.
5. Cook on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-3 hours.
6. Serve with your favorite toppings.
7. Store leftovers in refrigerator.

Notes

This recipe makes enough for a crowd. It can easily be cut in half (leave out pinto beans), or serve and freeze leftovers for another meal.

Make Ahead: Cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic, and store in the refrigerator in a covered container for 1-2 days prior to making chili.

More Chili and Cornbread Recipes We Love at Kids Activities Blog

Chili is a fall and winter favorite for a reason! Check out all of these amazing recipes: 

What did you think of the Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe?