Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe

If you’re craving a hearty, comforting meal that practically cooks itself, then you’re in for a treat with this Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe. I absolutely love how the flavors deepen while everything simmers low and slow — it’s like magic happens overnight! Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want easy leftovers for the week, this chili hits all the right spots with tender beef, flavorful spices, and a rich tomato base. Stick around, and I’ll share the tips that make this recipe foolproof and downright delicious.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

This recipe calls for classic, pantry-friendly ingredients that combine beautifully. It’s comforting and straightforward — perfect for when you want something simple but packed with cozy flavors. Let me tell you a bit about the key players before we dive in!

• Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef (90/10 or 93/7) keeps the chili rich without being too greasy—plus, it browns really nicely for flavor.
• Onion: Adds natural sweetness and depth when sautéed with the beef.
• Garlic: Essential for that warm, aromatic base. Fresh minced is the way to go.
• Spices (Cumin, Chili Powder, Garlic Powder, Oregano): This blend creates a classic chili flavor profile — I learned that skipping any of these dims the overall taste.
• Beans (Black and Kidney): Drained and rinsed, they add body, protein, and texture—feel free to adjust the ratio if you prefer more or less beans.
• Diced Tomatoes and Green Chilis: Bring acidity and a gentle heat to the dish — tip: choose the tomatoes packed with juice to keep the chili nice and saucy.
• Tomato Sauce: Rounds out the base sauce and keeps everything melding together beautifully.

Variations

One of my favorite things about this Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe is how easy it is to customize. Over time, I’ve played around with different beans, spice levels, and add-ins — and you should too! Feel free to make it your own.

• Spicy Kick: I sometimes toss in a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne if I want more heat — just be cautious if you’re serving kids or sensitive palates.
• Vegetarian Swap: You can skip the beef and throw in more beans or lentils for a meatless version; just brown the aromatics first for flavor depth.
• Smoky Flavor: A dash of smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce adds a wonderful smoky twist I discovered on a chilly fall evening.
• Slow Cooker Size: I usually use my 6-quart slow cooker, but this scales nicely — just adjust cooking time accordingly.

How to Make Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Step 1: Sear the Ground Beef and Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add your ground beef and cook until it just begins to brown — about 4 to 5 minutes — breaking it up with your spatula as you go. To keep the chili from becoming greasy, I like to use lean beef and drain off excess fat if needed. Then add diced onion to the pan, cooking until softened and translucent, which usually takes another 4 to 5 minutes. Toss in the minced garlic and sprinkle in your cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together and cook for just 30 seconds to release those aromatic spices before transferring this flavorful mix into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Combine Beans, Tomatoes, and Sauce in Slow Cooker

Next, add your drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans right into the slow cooker, followed by both cans of diced tomatoes (including the one with green chilis) and the tomato sauce. Give everything a good stir to make sure all the ingredients are nicely blended. This is where the magic really starts happening as all those layers come together.

Step 3: Slow Cook for Deep Flavor

Cover the slow cooker and set it on LOW for about 6 to 8 hours, or if you’re in a bit more of a hurry, HIGH for 3 to 4 hours works too. The longer you cook it on low, the more tender the beef becomes and the flavors deepen. I’ve learned that rushing chili on HIGH sometimes sacrifices that rich depth, so if you have the time, low and slow is the way to go.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust Before Serving

I always take a few spoons to taste just before serving, adjusting salt or sprinkle in extra chili powder if I want more heat. Letting the chili sit for 10 minutes after cooking also helps thicken it up a bit – it’s a little trick that makes a big difference!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe

Garnishes

I personally love topping this chili with shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a generous dollop of sour cream, and some freshly chopped green onions — it adds so much creaminess and a little bite that contrasts perfectly with the deep, spicy chili. Sometimes I sprinkle on crushed tortilla chips for a delightful crunch that my family goes crazy for.

Side Dishes

For sides, I often serve warm cornbread or tortilla chips to scoop up every bit of chili. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette provides a refreshing balance, especially if your chili is on the spicier side.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this chili in mini bread bowls — it’s such a fun presentation that also doubles as an edible container! You could also layer chili over nachos with plenty of cheese melted on top for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or game day treat.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

This chili keeps beautifully for up to 4 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I like to cool it completely before refrigerating to keep the texture intact, then just reheat portions as needed during the week.

Freezing

It freezes wonderfully, which is perfect for meal prepping! I portion out leftovers into freezer-safe containers or bags, label with the date, and it keeps well for up to 3 months. When you’re ready, thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating gently on the stove.

Reheating

To maintain the best flavor and texture, I reheat chili slowly over low-medium heat on the stovetop, stirring occasionally. This helps meld the flavors again and keeps the meat tender without drying out the sauce.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili Recipe has become one of my go-to comforts on busy days or chilly evenings. There’s something so satisfying about coming home to a warm pot filled with rich, tender beef and cozy spices. I hope you enjoy making it as much as I do — with a few handy tips and personal tweaks, it’s a dish that can really become your family favorite. Don’t be shy to make it your own, and trust me, once you try this method, you’ll want to keep it in your slow cooker rotation forever!

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