Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe​

Need a low-effort, high-reward dinner that practically makes itself? This easy chili recipe in the slow cooker is my go-to on busy nights when I want something hearty, flavorful, and totally hands-off. Made with simple ingredients and big flavor, it’s a crowd-pleasing meal that never disappoints.

This chili is one of those recipes I come back to again and again. It uses basic pantry staples, a few fresh veggies, and lean ground beef to create a meal that’s cozy, filling, and husband-approved. Just a little prep and the slow cooker does the rest.

Why This is the Best Slow Cooker Chili

• Everything simmers together for rich, developed flavor
• Perfect for meal prepping or feeding a crowd
• No standing over the stove—just dump and go
• Totally customizable with toppings or swaps

If slow cooker meals make your weeknights easier (they definitely do for me), check out some of my other favorites: Slow Cooker Mongolian Beef, Beef Stew in the Slow Cooker, or browse all slow cooker recipes.

Why Chili in the Slow Cooker Just Works

There’s something magical about letting chili cook low and slow for hours. Here’s why it works so well:

• Deep flavor. Long cook time helps all those spices, beans, and tomatoes blend into one bold, flavorful pot.
• Low maintenance. No stirring, no checking—just let it go.
• Tender texture. The beans and beef hold up perfectly in the crockpot.
• Better next-day leftovers. The flavor continues to develop overnight.

Trust me, once you taste it, you’ll never want to make chili any other way.

What You’ll Need for This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

This recipe keeps it simple with ingredients you might already have at home:

• Ground beef – Go for lean (90/10 or 93/7) for less grease.
• Oil – Just a little for browning the meat.
• Onion and bell pepper – Adds a subtle sweetness and depth.
• Garlic – Because more garlic = more flavor.
• Beans – Use any variety you like; I usually grab white beans and black beans.
• Diced tomatoes and green chiles – Canned is totally fine and adds great texture and flavor.
• Spices – Chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.

Toppings to Take It Over the Top

This chili is great on its own, but toppings make it next-level. Try:

• A scoop of sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or whatever you love)
• Fresh cilantro or green onions
• Diced avocado or sliced jalapeños
• Crushed tortilla chips or warm cornbread on the side

Let everyone build their own bowl for a fun, personalized dinner.

How to Make This Easy Ground Beef Chili in the Slow Cooker

1. Brown the ground beef. Heat oil in a skillet and cook the beef until no longer pink, about 5 minutes. Drain any excess grease.
2. Cook the veggies. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the pan and sauté until softened.
3. Add everything to the slow cooker. Combine the beef, cooked veggies, beans, tomatoes (with juices), and spices.
4. Let it simmer. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
5. Top and serve. Spoon into bowls and pile on your favorite toppings.

FAQs

Easy Chili Recipe Slow Cooker

Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe

Taylor Svetlichny

This easy crockpot chili recipe is a hearty, no-fuss dinner perfect for busy weeknights. Packed with flavor and husband-approved, it's a go-to meal the whole family will love!

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 4 hours hrs

Total Time 4 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 6 servings

Calories 370 kcal

Equipment

• 1 Slow Cooker

Ingredients

  

• 2 lb lean ground beef
• 1 tbsp cooking oil
• 1 large onion diced
• 1 bell pepper diced
• 5 garlic cloves minced
• 1 tbsp cumin powder
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp garlic powder
• 1.5 tsp dried oregano
• 2 tsp salt or to taste
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 14.5 oz cans beans of choice (drained and rinsed)
• 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes (with juice)
• 1 28 oz can diced tomatoes with green chiles (with juice)

Instructions

 

• In a skillet, heat oil over medium heat. Add ground beef and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Strain excess oil.
• Add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet. Sauté for about 5 minutes until softened.
• Transfer cooked beef and veggies to the slow cooker. Add all spices, beans, and tomatoes (with juices).
• Stir everything to combine. Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or high for 4 hours.
• Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onions.

Notes

• Feel free to swap in ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Want it spicier? Add diced jalapeño or a few dashes of hot sauce.
• This chili gets even better the next day, perfect for leftovers or meal prep!

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This easy chili recipe slow cooker style is everything I love in a dinner: flavorful, flexible, and completely low-effort. Whether you’re meal prepping or just trying to get dinner on the table without fuss, this recipe is one you’ll come back to again and again.

Try it out, and let me know your favorite chili toppings!