Classic slow cooker beef chili simmers beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices into a thick hearty chili. The flavor is even better the next day.
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Two Bite Tested
This classic slow cooker beef chili is a straightforward, crowd-friendly chili that cooks low and slow and stays warm for serving.
This slow cooker beef chili is popular because:
- It is easy to prep and lets the slow cooker do the work.
- It feeds a crowd and holds well for parties.
- It is simple to customize with beans, tomatoes, and toppings.
This recipe includes:
- Detailed ingredient notes
- Answers to frequently asked questions
- Serving and storage suggestions
- A recipe card with nutritional information
A Note From My Kitchen
I love chili. I also love slow cookers. It's no surprise that slow cooker chili is right up my alley. Load it up with all kinds of toppings and a side of Jalapeno Cheddar Biscuitsor JalapeƱo Cheddar Cornbread and I am one happy lady.
This recipe is super simple and as basic as it gets, but oh so delicious. Well, except for the addition of the cocoa powder. Just in case you were wondering, the cocoa adds a subtle richness and depth of flavor. Don't knock it til you try it!
One of my favorite things about chili, in general, is that it's so customizable. By substituting a different kind of beans, a different kind of tomatoes, or topping it with sour cream, cheese, scallions or, a family favorite of ours, Fritos corn chips, you can really make a bowl of chili your own.
Not only is this chili super party friendly, it's family friendly, too! It's not too beany, not too spicy, and even the kids love it. But, that's not all! It's just as good the next day and freezes well. If you're looking for a quick, easy, flavorful, family-pleasing meal, then you've found it. Bust out your slow cooker and take the stress out of "what's for dinner" tonight!
Happy cooking,
Ingredient Notes
- Ground beef: Use lean ground beef if you prefer less grease to drain.
- Sweet onion: A yellow onion works too if that is what you have.
- Garlic: Fresh minced garlic is always my choice! No jar-lic in my kitchen.
- Stewed tomatoes: Use canned stewed tomatoes and break them up with a spoon as you add them.
- Diced tomatoes: Use plain canned diced tomatoes or petite diced tomatoes with their juice.
- Diced tomatoes with green chilis: This adds mild heat.
- Tomato sauce: Use canned tomato sauce, not pasta sauce.
- Tomato paste: A standard 6-ounce can is what this recipe calls for, but you can also but it in a tube.
- Light kidney beans: Drain and rinse well before adding to the chili.
- Chili powder: This is what makes chili chili!
- Cumin: Ground cumin is the standard here.
- Dried oregano: Use dried oregano, not fresh.
- Salt: Start with the listed amount and adjust at the end if needed.
- Unsweetened cocoa powder: Use unsweetened cocoa powder, not hot cocoa mix.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I swap the beans?
Yes. Use another canned bean you like, and drain and rinse it before adding Try black beans, garbanzo beans, or cannellini beans.Can I make this crockpot chili ahead of time?
Yes. Chili holds well and tastes great the next day after the flavors have had time to mingle.How do I set up a chili bar?
Chili is perfect for parties, game day, and get-togethers! Keep the chili warm in the slow cooker and let everyone top their bowl to taste with one of these delish toppings:- Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced green onions
- Fritos corn chips
- Cilantro
- Sliced jalapeƱos
- Diced yellow onion
- Cilantro
- Lime wedges
- Sliced avocado
- Chopped bell pepper
Two Bite Take
"Don't skip the cocoa powder! It's my secret ingredient!"
- Becky
Serving Suggestions
What to Serve With Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Having a big pot of this easy slow cooker chili recipe ready for a party or game day spread is a no-brainer! Everything stays warm in the crock pot and your guests can top their bowl just how they like it. A typical portion is about 1 1/2 cups. You could also make two chili recipes and add this White Chicken Chili with Cream Cheese for the best chili bar ever! Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, fritos, and hot sauce on the side.Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili Variations
Use one of these ingredient changes to adjust spice level or beaniness while keeping the same slow cooker method.- Add a second can of beans.
- Substitute the plain diced tomatoes for another can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- Use a different canned bean you like.
- Use different canned tomatoes such as crushed tomatoes to change texture.
Got Leftovers?
What To Do With Leftover Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Use leftover chili as a base for quick hearty second meals.- Chili potato: Spoon it over baked potatoes and add cheese.
- Chili mac: Stir it into macaroni for chili mac.
- Chili dog: Use it as a topping for hot dogs.
- Chili nachos: Layer it into nachos.
- Chili fries: Serve it over fries with cheese.
How To Store Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Store chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. You can also freeze chili for up to three months.
Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Yield: 12 servings
Prep Time: 10 MIN
Cook time: 4 HOURS
Total time: 4 HOURS 10 MIN
Prep Time: 10 MIN
Cook time: 4 HOURS
Total time: 4 HOURS 10 MIN
Classic slow cooker beef chili simmers beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices into a thick hearty chili. The flavor is even better the next day.
INGREDIENTS
2 pounds ground beef
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 (15.5-ounce) can light kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
2 pounds ground beef
1 large sweet onion, chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 (14.5-ounce) cans stewed tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes with green chilies
2 (8-ounce) cans tomato sauce
1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
1 (15.5-ounce) can light kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
2 teaspoons cumin
2 teaspoons dried oregano
2 teaspoons salt
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
INSTRUCTIONS
- In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, and garlic until the ground beef is no longer pink. Drain. Transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add all of the cans of tomatoes, breaking up the stewed tomatoes with your spoon.
- Add the beans, chili powder, cumin, salt, oregano, and cocoa powder.
- Cook for 4 hours on low.
NOTES
You can wait to add the beans for the last hour of cooking, but we like ours mushy, so we add them at the beginning.
Looking for something a little lighter? Try this Easy Crock Pot Chicken Chili or a simple ground turkey chili.
Author: Becky Tarala
You can wait to add the beans for the last hour of cooking, but we like ours mushy, so we add them at the beginning.
Looking for something a little lighter? Try this Easy Crock Pot Chicken Chili or a simple ground turkey chili.
Author: Becky Tarala
Behind the Bites
Hi, I’m Becky, the creator of The Two Bite Club, where good food starts with two bites.
I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes here for years,
sharing the kinds of easy, dependable dishes that tend to become family favorites.
These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here!
I’ve been cooking and sharing recipes here for years,
sharing the kinds of easy, dependable dishes that tend to become family favorites.
These are the recipes I make in my own kitchen, and I hope you enjoy them as much as we do.
You can read more about me and The Two Bite Club here!
