There’s something quietly satisfying about coming home to a warm, bubbling pot of chili after a long day. This Ground Beef Crockpot Chili is exactly that kind of meal—simple enough to throw together without much fuss, but rich in flavor and hearty enough to fill you up. It’s the kind of dish you want to dive into while the evening light fades, maybe with a crusty piece of bread or a sprinkle of cheese melting on top.
One evening, I was juggling a few things in the kitchen and honestly, I wasn’t sure if I’d remembered to add the beans until the chili was nearly done. Turns out, it was fine with the beans a little later than usual—sometimes these recipes have a way of forgiving little slips, which is a relief when your mind is elsewhere. The aroma of the spices mingled with the beef and tomato sauce made the whole kitchen feel cozy, and even though the timing was a bit off, the end result was comforting in a way that only slow-cooked meals can be.
- This chili requires minimal hands-on time—mostly just a quick browning and then letting the crockpot do its thing.
- The blend of spices isn’t overpowering, so it’s approachable but still layered with warmth and depth.
- It’s a dish that invites variation—maybe you like it with extra beans or a bit more smoky paprika, but the base recipe keeps things straightforward.
- It’s simple—and that’s kind of the point. Sometimes dinner doesn’t need to be complicated.
Don’t worry if you’re new to slow cooker meals; this recipe is forgiving and easy to adapt. Plus, leftovers reheat well, making it a reliable option for busy days or unexpected guests.
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Ground Beef Crockpot Chili
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 1x
Description
A hearty and flavorful ground beef chili made effortlessly in the crockpot. Perfect for a comforting meal with minimal prep.
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is softened, about 3 minutes.
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the crockpot.
Add the diced tomatoes (with juice), kidney beans, black beans, tomato sauce, and beef broth to the crockpot.
Stir in chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper until well combined.
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours, stirring occasionally if possible.
After cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
Using a sturdy crockpot or slow cooker that holds heat evenly helps the chili cook through without any hotspots. I usually serve this chili with a handful of toppings—sour cream, shredded cheese, or chopped green onions—just to add a fresh contrast. If you want to switch things up, you could try swapping black beans for pinto beans or adding a splash of hot sauce for extra kick. Sometimes I even toss in a diced bell pepper before cooking, though I haven’t tested that one with this exact recipe.
FAQ
Can I make this chili on the stovetop?
Yes, you can brown the beef and then simmer everything in a pot for about an hour, but the slow cooker really helps develop those deep flavors.
How spicy is this chili?
It’s mildly spiced, but you can always add more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne if you like it hotter.
Can I freeze leftovers?
Definitely. Store the chili in airtight containers and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight before reheating.
There’s something about chili made slow and low that makes even the simplest evenings feel special. So next time you want a warm, satisfying meal without the stress, this Ground Beef Crockpot Chili has your back.