Easy Crockpot Chili
There is nothing better than a bowl of Easy Crockpot Chili on winter or fall days. But this family favourite is perfect all year long. Hearty, spicy, filling and cooks while you are out and about… the perfect meal for busy on-the-go people!
Save This Recipe!
Enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox. Plus, you get more tasty recipes every week!
Imagine this: a bowl of hearty, soul-warming chili that’s been simmering all day long, filling your kitchen with the cozy scent of spices and pure comfort. This Easy Crockpot Chili is here to make your dinner (or lunch!) plans downright delicious without you lifting a finger. Toss everything in the crockpot, let it work its magic, and you’ll end up with a rich, meaty chili that’s loaded with flavors. Perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal but have zero time to fuss in the kitchen!
Not only is this chili super easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser! Whether you’re looking for a filling lunch or a simple yet satisfying dinner, this chili has got your back. Top it with all the good stuff—cheese, sour cream, fresh herbs, maybe even few diced or sliced jalapenos if you are feeling spicy!
The best part? It gets even better as leftovers, so you can keep the cozy vibes going all week long. This one-pot wonder is about to become your new favorite comfort food!
How To Make Chili in a Slow Cooker or Crockpot
Preparing the Beef
I prefer to make this Easy Crockpot Chili with extra lean ground beef but it can also be made with lean ground turkey. If turkey chili is your preference you might also want to check out this Turkey Chili Recipe.
- In a large pan on medium-high heat add 2 lbs of extra lean ground beef. Using a wooden spoon or spatula break up the meat while it is cooking. I like to cover the meat while it is cooking lifting the lid and breaking up the meat once in a while so that it cooks a little faster.
- Cook until the beef is no longer pink. Drain the fat from the pan and put the meat in the slow cooker.
Preparing the Veggies!
- Finely chop the onions, garlic, jalapenos and green peppers. Add them into the pan on medium heat and sauteé until the peppers soften and the onions begin to turn translucent.
- There is no need to add oil to the pan because there will be leftover fat from the beef to prevent the veggies from sticking. Remove from heat and add the veggie mixture to the ground beef in the crockpot. If you aren’t a fan of spice or have little ones you can omit the jalapenos altogether or use less to taste.
- Add one can of crushed tomatoes and 1 can of kidney beans that are well-drained and rinsed to remove the starch.
Preparing the Seasoning
I prefer not to use pre-packaged seasonings because they usually contain too much salt and additives I can’t pronounce. In this recipe, I have included the recipe for homemade chili seasoning. Makes double what you need and when done store it in an airtight container and use it for the next time!
- In a small bowl add 4 tbsp of chili powder, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp onion powder, 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper, 1 tsp dried oregano, 2 tsp paprika, 2 tbsp ground cumin, 3 tsp sea salt, 2 tsp black pepper and stir to mix well. Adjust the spiciness by adding in more cayenne or chili powder to your liking.
- Add half of this spice mixture to the beef and veggie mixture in the crockpot.
- Then add 2 cups of low-sodium beef broth and mix well. It may look very thick to start but that is ok because I find that as the chili cooks in the slow cooker the steam adds more liquid to the chili along the way.
- If your crockpot is different feel free to add more beef broth to create the consistency you prefer but do this when it almost is done cooking. You don’t want to add too much liquid at the beginning and then it ends up too runny in the end.
- Cover and turn crockpot on to medium and allow to cook for about 2-3 hours stirring occasionally if possible. If you are going to be on the run longer simply turn the temperature down. The chili is cooked at this point this cooking time is more about heating up the beans and tomatoes and allowing the flavours to come together.
Can I Make This Chili On The Stove?
For sure! You just can’t leave the house while the stove is on. Follow the same instructions but instead place all the ingredients in a large stockpot with a heavy bottom over low heat and let simmer for 2 hours.
What To Serve Chili With?
Chili is a whole meal in itself but if you want a little more nacho chips, garlic bread or toast go really well with chili. You may also like to have a side lettuce salad for some extra veggies.
Toppings
- Sour Cream
- Sliced Green Onions
- Sliced Avocado
- Crumbled Tortilla Chips
- Shredded Cheese
- All of the Above
More Easy Dinner Recipes
- Crunchy Chinese Chicken Salad
- Baja Fish Tacos with Mexican Lime Crema
- Coconut Vanilla Shakeology Balls
- Gluten-Free Carrot Cake Breakfast Loaf
Easy Crockpot Chili
Equipment
- 2-quart slow cooker
- Sautee Pan
- Wooden Spoon
- Knife
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Mixing Spoon
- Small Bowl
- Large Soup or Serving Spoon
Ingredients
- 2 lb extra lean ground beef or turkey
- 15 oz can low sodium kidney beans rinsed
- 1 green pepper finely chopped seeds removed
- 1 medium onion finely chopped
- 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 jalapeno pepper finely chopped, use half if sensitive to spicy foods
- 2 tbsp of chili powder
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 ½ tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- ½ cup shredded cheese optional
Instructions
- Add ground beef or turkey to frying pan on medium-high heat. Cook until all beef is browned breaking up the meat into small pieces with the end of a wooden spoon. Drain fat from the pan and add the beef to a 2-quart slow cooker.
- Using the same pan; add chopped onion, jalapeno and green peppers and minced garlic cloves. Sautee on medium heat until onions start to look translucent in colour. Add sautéed ingredients to the crockpot.
- Add kidney beans, crushed tomatoes and beef broth to crockpot and stir to combine.
- In a small bowl add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, oregano, paprika, ground cumin, salt and pepper.
- Add 1 1/2 tbsp of chili seasoning mixture to crockpot and mix well.
- Simmer covered on low for 3-4 hours stirring occasionally. Serve.
Nutrition
Notes
The information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.
What are the containers for this recipe. I use the 21 day fix but haven’t gotten the containers fully down
Hi Andrea, I updated the recipe recently and just went in to updated the container count. This recipe is for 8 servings. Each serving would be approximately 1 red, 1/2 yellow, 3/4 green.