Name: Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 6 h
Total time: 6 h 25 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20); 1 large onion, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained; 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce; 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat); 1 tsp salt; 1/2 tsp black pepper; Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, cilantro

This Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili is a comforting, flavorful dish that simmers all day, filling your home with warm, savory aromas. Packed with tender beef, beans, and bold spices, it’s perfect for cozy nights, game days, or feeding a crowd with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili is a crowd-pleaser, delivering rich, robust flavors with minimal hands-on time. The slow cooker does all the work, melding spices, tender beef, and hearty beans into a soul-warming dish. It’s versatile, customizable, and perfect for meal prep, making it ideal for busy weeknights or gatherings. Whether you’re a spice enthusiast or prefer milder flavors, this recipe adapts to your taste, ensuring everyone leaves the table satisfied.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown the Beef: Searing the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances flavor through caramelization.
Layer Flavors: Add spices early to let them bloom, but reserve a pinch for the last hour for a fresh kick.
Adjust Consistency: If the chili is too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, leave the lid off for the last 30 minutes.
Taste as You Go: Check seasoning halfway through cooking, as slow cookers can mute flavors over time.
Use Fresh Spices: Freshly ground cumin or chili powder makes a noticeable difference in depth of flavor.

Yield: Serves 6

Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili

Hearty Crockpot Beef Chili: a savory, slow-cooked blend of beef, beans, and spices for cozy, effortless comfort food.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 6 hours

Additional Time 10 minutes

Total Time 6 hours 25 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20)
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes, undrained
1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
1 cup beef broth, low-sodium
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tsp salt
1/2 tsp black pepper
Optional toppings: shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, cilantro

Instructions

Brown the Beef: Hey there, chili lover! Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat to keep things light and flavorful.
Sauté Aromatics: In the same skillet, toss in the diced onion and cook for 3-4 minutes until soft and golden. Add minced garlic and cook for another minute, letting that irresistible aroma fill your kitchen.
Load the Slow Cooker: Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to your slow cooker. This is where the magic begins! Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth.
Season It Up: Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if you’re feeling spicy), salt, and black pepper. Give it a good stir to make sure every ingredient gets cozy with the spices.
Set and Forget: Cover the slow cooker and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The low setting gives the flavors more time to mingle, but high works if you’re in a hurry.
Check the Consistency: About 30 minutes before serving, give your chili a taste. If it’s too thick, stir in a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, leave the lid off to let it thicken up.
Taste and Adjust: This is your moment to shine! Taste the chili and adjust salt, pepper, or spices to your liking. A pinch of chili powder at this stage can brighten things up.
Let It Rest: Once done, let the chili sit for 10 minutes with the lid off. This helps the flavors settle and makes it easier to serve without burning your tongue!
Serve with Flair: Ladle the chili into bowls and get creative with toppings! A dollop of sour cream, a sprinkle of cheddar, or some chopped green onions add the perfect finishing touch.
Enjoy the Leftovers: This chili gets even better the next day, so store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for a quick, delicious meal later.

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash some of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
Double the recipe for a larger crowd, but ensure your slow cooker is big enough (6-quart minimum).
Serve with cornbread or tortilla chips for a classic pairing.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per ServingCalories 451Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 107mgSodium 1071mgCarbohydrates 25gFiber 6gSugar 10gProtein 38g

The recipes and nutritional information on Yum Tonight are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.

Ingredients Notes

Ground Beef: Opt for 80/20 lean beef for a balance of flavor and texture; drain excess fat after browning.
Kidney Beans: These add heartiness; rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
Diced Tomatoes: Fire-roasted tomatoes elevate flavor with a subtle smokiness; regular canned tomatoes work too.
Chili Powder: Choose a high-quality blend for bold flavor; adjust for heat preference.
Onion and Garlic: Freshly chopped provides the best aroma and taste, but pre-minced works in a pinch.
Beef Broth: Low-sodium broth lets you control saltiness while adding depth to the chili.

Variations and Substitutions

Meat Alternatives: Swap ground beef for turkey, chicken, or plant-based crumbles for a lighter or vegetarian version.
Bean Options: Try black beans, pinto beans, or a mix for varied texture and flavor.
Spice Level: Increase cayenne or add diced jalapeños for heat, or omit for a milder chili.
Vegetable Add-Ins: Include bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for extra color and nutrition.
Tomato Variations: Use crushed tomatoes or tomato sauce for a smoother consistency, or fresh tomatoes for a chunkier texture.

Storage Options

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days; reheat on the stove or microwave.
Freezer: Freeze in portioned containers for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating Tip: Add a splash of broth when reheating to restore consistency.