That’s it. You’ve arrived here, and now your search for the best chili recipe is over!
This Crockpot Chili is simply amazing – perfectly seasoned, perfect texture, perfect heat – and SOOO easy.
Easy as in “throw the ingredients in the crockpot and push a button” easy.
I’ve had a wildly popular chili recipe on this website for years, but I never thought to convert it into a slow cooker meal chili until now.
And you know what? Maybe I am crazy, but even though it has the same ratio of spices, this version actually tastes better.
Key Takeaways
- Cook Time: Low – 8 hours; Medium – 6 hours; High – 4 hours
- Main Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, Worcestershire sauce, onion, crushed or diced tomatoes (or tomato sauce), and more
- Servings: 6
- Extras: For a heartier chili, consider adding veggies like potatoes, carrots, and others
- Tip: Add peanut butter to your chili for a nutty sweetness that works with the chili powder and makes the sauce creamy
The Best Crockpot Chili Recipe
There are the ingredients – except the beans are missing from the photo. But you don’t add them until the chili is just about ready anyway.
Oh, you noticed that cocoa powder and cinnamon, didn’t you? Just trust me on this.
The other thing I need to mention is that you will want to use lean ground beef with this recipe (90%+ lean).
Since you won’t be precooking and draining the meat, you want to make sure you won’t have all of that excess grease in your slow cooker chili.
I used 90%, and there was no grease on top of the chili at all. It turned out perfect.
Simply place the meat in the bottom of the crockpot, top with spices and then liquids. Cook on high for 4 hours, medium for 6 or low for 8.
Want to skip the crock pot? Here is my similar stovetop Homemade Chili Recipe that can be ready to eat in about an hour and a half, including prep!
When it’s done, you might have a mass of ground beef at the bottom if you haven’t stirred it at all.
This isn’t a problem – just use a potato masher, and the meat with break apart with very little effort.
You could also premix everything before adding your new meat mixture to the crock pot for cooking, which evens things out well.
Add half a can of rinsed red kidney beans and mix into the chili. Cook for another 20 minutes or so.
Serve with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese on top, cornbread on the side, or whatever favorite chili toppings your family digs!
I like adding some corn chips on top or for scooping, while more of our family likes dipping for tortilla chips.
This also makes a GREAT chili for chili dogs (my son’s absolute favorite meal).
Slow Cooker Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lbs. lean ground beef or turkey
- 1/2 can of red kidney beans rinsed (15 oz)
- 1/2 can crushed or diced tomatoes 28 oz (or tomato sauce)
- 1/2 can of water 28 oz
- 1/2 large onion minced
- 1 cloves of garlic minced or pressed
- 1 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cinnamon
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper optional - depends on how spicy you want it
- 2 tsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp chocolate chips or cocoa powder
- sour cream optional topping
- shredded cheese optional topping
Instructions
- Place the ground beef in the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Top with all spices.
- Add liquid ingredients.
- Cook on high for 4 hours, medium for 6, or low for 8.
- Add kidney beans and cook for another 20 minutes.
Recipe Substitutions
For those looking to personalize this slow cooker Chili recipe or simply use what you have in your pantry, there are plenty of swaps and additions that can be made.
The Meat
For those looking to have a leaner chili, consider incorporating ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative to beef.
If you still want that beef flavor but without the meat, you can add beef broth to the crock pot to give it a more typical chili taste.
If you’re aiming for a vegetarian version, consider substituting the ground beef with meat alternatives like firm tofu or tempeh.
You can also add a mix of quinoa and additional canned beans like black beans, pinto beans, or chickpeas to maintain that hearty chili texture.
The Veggies
For those looking for more veggies in their diet, diced bell peppers, carrots, and celery make great additions that meld well with the existing flavors.
If you’re leaning towards a heartier meal, chunks of sweet potato or butternut squash not only thicken the chili but also infuse it with a subtle, natural sweetness.
The Flavor
To make a spicy chili in the slow cooker, you can add diced jalapeños or hot sauce. You could also just add more chili powder to the tomato sauce if you want.
Want a smokier flavor? Try incorporating a teaspoon of smoked paprika or some liquid smoke (but only a little!).
For an extra layer of flavor and texture, adding corn kernels can introduce a delightful sweetness that complements the savory depth of chili.
Cheese lovers can mix in cubes of pepper jack cheese towards the end of the cooking time for creamy, melty pockets that add a spicy kick.
Lastly, for an unconventional twist, stir in a spoonful of peanut butter to achieve a rich, complex flavor that balances the heat with a creamy finish.
Other Slow Cooker Recipes
And if you like this one, you might be interested in 40 other slow cooker dump recipes that are AMAZING!
FAQS
Can I use a different type of meat in this chili recipe?
Yes, absolutely! Most slow cooker recipes can work with a variety of meat.
While lean ground beef is recommended, feel free to experiment with ground turkey, chicken, or even a meat substitute for a vegetarian version.
Just keep the fat content in mind to avoid greasiness.
How do I store leftovers and how long will they keep?
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.
When ready to eat, just thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Can I add more vegetables to the recipe?
Definitely! Chili is a versatile dish.
Feel free to add bell peppers, corn, zucchini, or any of your favorite veggies to the mix. Just chop them up and throw them in with the rest of the ingredients.
Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?
For this specific recipe, there’s no need to brown the meat beforehand since we’re using a high lean percentage of beef.
However, browning meat can add depth to the flavor profile if you’re using a fattier cut or just prefer that method.
What if I don’t have a crockpot?
No worries! Check out the provided link for a stove-top version of this chili recipe.
It requires a bit more hands-on time but yields a delicious result in about an hour and a half.
Alternatively, you can make this chili in even less time using a pressure cooker or Instant Pot. Adjust the cooking times and follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Final Thoughts
Crafting the perfect bowl of crockpot chili is an art form that allows for endless creativity and personalization.
Whether you stick closely to this tried-and-true recipe or venture out with substitutions and additions, the key is in embracing the simplicity and heartiness that make chili a beloved comfort food.
This recipe aims to bridge traditional flavors with a touch of the unexpected, ensuring that each spoonful is a delightful experience.
Remember, the beauty of slow cooker chili is that it tastes even better the next day, making it a perfect dish for meal planning or feeding a crowd.
Happy cooking, and may your chili nights be warm, satisfying, and full of flavor.
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Yes it works. I use lean ground beef or turkey when I make her meat sauce in the slow cooker. And it was most likely beans that gave everyone gas. You could just leave them out.
If you rinse the canned beans well, they shouldn’t give you gas. Most of the time I soak dry kidney beans overnight, rinse well then cook separately. Drain the liquid and add to the chili an hour before serving. No gas.
No gas? Thats half the fun of eating them!
I added the beans accidentally in the beginning…will this still turn out ok?
Yes, it should be fine.
When you say 1/2 can of water 28 oz, do you mean 14 oz ?
Yes
Sure. I do that all the time.
We just had this and it was amazing! I had just about given up on trying to make chili at home, because none of my prior efforts tasted good. (Honestly, they were awful!). I was afraid of the cinnamon, but it and the cocoa must have been the magic trick. This will go into our regular rotation!
I’ve been using cocoa for years. It is amazing. Last time I put in way too much and worried that it wasn’t going to be edible but by the time it finished cooking, it was amazing.
When do you add the onions?
My suggestion is not to alter this wonderful recipe at all. To me, the purpose of the onion is to add collectively to the seasoning flavor. But, lets be honest, with that length of cooking in the crock-pot…the onions will be softly cooked down. So, if it is the the fun of the onion crunch that you want (for that yummy, yum, yum crunch)…just simply add a little more onions towards the end of cooking process, (maybe, the last 15-30 minutes…depending on the amount of crunch that you like), or you can add some of the onions (1/2 – 3/4)… Read more »
[…] to use in my crockpot chili recipe or my Cincinnati chili […]
Loved this recipe but found it too watery… I will omit the 28 oz of water to the recipe next time. Thanks!!
I think she meant 1/2 the 28oz can.
Yes, she did
I did the same added whole can of beef stock instead of water and it was like soup
I always add smoked paprika powder, this tastes absolutely awesome. I highly recommend that 🙂
can you freeze the left overs`?
I froze mine in individual servings, and reheated it on the stovetop. it was just as good as it was before it was frozen. I did this on the stove because I don’t have the world’s best luck with beans in the microwave (they dry out and crack).
I have been making this almost every week since I found the recipe. For those using one of the new multi-cookers that pressure cook and slow cook, I have a hint. Be warned that the slow cooker function might not include a way for steam to escape, so the liquid won’t reduce. Depending on the brand of canned diced tomato I use, it’s necessary to either omit the water entirely or use about a quarter as much as the recipe recommends. Adding a bit of corn starch (or “corn flour” in Aussie-speak, which is not the same thing as corn… Read more »
When making as a freeze ahead dump meal, do you still leave the ground beef in a big chunk in the freezer bag?
I have this all set to cook for 8 hours on low, do I leave the lid on or off? I know this may sound silly but I normally do not use a slow cooker for chili
Lid on…that’s how slow cookers work
I want to double the recipe .. do i need to let it cook longer while on high or is the 4 hours enough?
Did you get an answer to this question? I was wondering the same thing.
Cook times should be the same for double in the crock pot.
Does anyone know if she is talking about 1/2 of 15 and and 28 ozs or the whole 15 and 28? Thanks
I would love to make this recipe, but I believe there’s an error. A 28 oz. can of water?
I do believe she means half that…if you end up using the whole 28oz can of tomatoes and the whole can of kidneys beans then you may want to use 28oz of water. Add 14oz at start and add more if needed during the cooking process
Thanks so much, Kim!
Way too watery , looks like soup.
I think that there’s confusion with the amounts. She means 1/2 of a 15 oz can and 1/2 of a 28 oz can.
So I am confused hopefully you can answer this for me. When it says 1/2 can and this says like 28 oz does it mean use 28 oz or half can of 28 oz. I did the full size on all her stuff that say half I followed the ounces instead and then in the water I did go 1/2 the can.
Thanks
I need to double this, but doubling a recipe is tricky and often not as good….has anyone doubled this successfully?
Use a bottle of beer as part of the liquid, it adds a great flavor.
Yes! I always put beer in my chili.
I was confused about the measurements. If she means half of a 28 oz can of tomatoes why not just use a 14 oz can?
This is delicious.. I did pre-cook the ground turkey, and used a smaller amount of water. I also added about 1/2 cup of cold coffee that was left over from the morning. I used black beans instead of kidney beans… well rinsed, added them about 2 hours before it was done.
Just made this. Smelled so good and kids couldn’t wait to eat it. Was so disappointed though. My kids and I think it tastes like pizza sauce. Wish I knew how to alter the taste to make it taste like chili. I doubled the recipe too.
Did you double the spices as well?
this is Cincinnati Chili, which is often served over pasta. It’s not Texas Chili, so I’m guessing that’s why your kids were disappointed. It’s really a great recipe but very different from the chili your kids expected. 🙂
Im confused. It says add meat, then spices, then liquids (which would be water, wine, worchesture sauce). Add kidney beans in last 20 minutes. At no time does it say to add onions, tomatoes, garlic. Also, part of cooking beans is letting them soak as well as cook long enough so as to not get gas. And to absorb the flavors of the seasonings. Can you taste any of the beans? I do not like the taste of beans but love beans in my chili; is 20 minutes long enough to absorb? Says it serves 4 but is that 1cup… Read more »
Canned kidney beans are already soaked…you only need to rinse them,,,once they are thoroughly rinsed, you shouldn’t have an issue with gas…when it says “add liquid ingredients”, the tomatoes, worcestershire sauce, any other ingredient with liquid in it, should be added…the onions can be added at ant point, depending on how strong you want the flavor to be & how crunchy you want them to be. You can even save them, & just use them as a topping after it’s finished cooking if that’s how you prefer them. Bon appetite’!!!
And, YES…they are 1 c. servings.
For what size crock pot is this? How would I adjust the recipe for a 4.5qt crock pot?
That. Was. Incredible. I mean, usually I make good chili, but this was GREAT chili. I used Bush’s chili kidney beans, roasted diced tomatoes, some crushed and some sauce for a great ratio. Might cut out the crushed next time because there was a bit too much liquid. I also added some paprika and a little Alabama white sauce because that makes everything better. Top it with cheese, sour cream, and some avocado and this was completely perfect.
This is the same way I have always made my chili other than the cinnamon and the vinegar. I have always used cocoa in mine. I tried this recipe and didn’t like it at all. The cinnamon gives it a very odd flavor. I won’t use this recipe again.
There are some very nice ingredients and methods here, especially the cocoa. I’ve used semi-seet chocolate before and it enhances as well. But what I just can’t understand for the life of me is why everyone seems to think beans adds to the taste of chili. If that’s what you want, go ahead, but I prefer tasting the actual chili flavors the meat has absorbed. Originally, beans were simply added to take up space and save on the expensive meat. There’s a reason that the International Chili Society which sponsors the National chili cookoffs each year, expressly forbids adding of… Read more »
Well…I belong to the “Best International Chili Society” and we have International chili cookoffs and we expressly forbid advice from the lowly International Chili Society.
Their advice is just not needed. Period.
I made this for a group of six friends last night. Risky trying a new chili recipe when you’re having friends over for dinner! I did not like it, and although nobody said anything bad about it obviously… nobody said it was good. It was very soupy as some of the other reviews said. If I had liked the flavor and was going to make it again, I would not add the water, or use much less…. but I wasn’t excited about the flavor either. Unfortunately two (maybe six) thumbs down. 🙁
The ingredient instructions need to be more clear. 28oz? Or half of it? When you write the measurement it should be what needs to be put in. Thanks for the watery chili
I agree with everyone who is confused about the measurements; they should be more clearly written. It should say the number of ounces needed; i.e.: 14 oz can of crushed tomatoes, as opposed to 1/2 can crushed tomatoes (28 oz). When it’s written the latter way you don’t know if she means 1/2 of a 28 oz can or 28 oz total. UGH! And if she does mean to use only 1/2 a can of kidney beans, my goodness, that is awfully stingy. How can 7.5 oz of beans and 14 oz of crushed tomatoes serve as enough of a… Read more »
Post has been updated now to be more clear.
I made this chili yesterday. Didn’t have red wine vinegar, so I used one Tablespoon Apple Cider Vinegar. Cooked on store top. Left out cinnamon and chocolate. Used pinto beans from day before. Used stewed tomatoes (28oz can) and 28oz water. The best chili ever.
This was a horrible batch of chili! I will never make it again. The consistenancy of the meat was disgusting and grainy. It had hardly any flavor. I added more seasoning before eating and finally resorted to adding some taco seasoning. It was an embarassming dinner.
Teresa, it sounds like the spices may have been off a bit. Every time I make it according to my recipe it turns out amazing. So sorry you didn’t have the same results.
Hi. This recipe looks fantastic! As a mom who cooks for a child with type 1 diabetes Im looking for recipes with the nutritional information so I can carb count for my son. Do you have the nutrtional information for this recipe? Thanks!!
The chili recipe says to put the beef in the bottom of the cooker. Should the beef be browned first in a separate pan or placed in the cooker “raw”.
The chili recipe says to put the beef in the bottom of the cooker. Should the beef be browned first in a separate pan or placed in the cooker “raw”.
Hi all! After reading the comments, I wanted to share my experience making this recipe. Firstly, the ingredients called for are PERFECT. Not underwhelming nor overwhelming. The only thing I omitted was the cheyenne as I like to add that to taste as it is cooking, if needed. This was my first time making chili and with a husband, who is an exceptional cook, I was nervous. Success! He absolutely loved it. I did not follow recipe ingredient amounts exactly. I do believe the amount needed for each ingredient is helpful, but I do not think you need to follow… Read more »
This chili was delicious and will be no go so recipe from now on. I did omit the cinnamon based on other comments, but other than that I followed the recipe to a T. I may add a little less water next time, but other than that it’s a keeper. For those that are confused about the measurements, I don’t think they make 14 ounce cans of crushed tomatoes because i looked. Husband is already requesting I make this again this weekend, and he doesn’t even really like chili!!
I made a double batch of this yesterday and it got thumbs up from everyone. I personally love a little more tomato flavor in mine, but added some ketchup to my bowl (which I think helps amp the flavors & heat anyway). One of my guests was able to pick up the cinnamon flavor immediately, but said it was a nice add. I used 85/15 meat and there wasn’t a ton of grease – what little pooled on top, I discarded. The consistency is a little more loose than I’m used to, but actually like it since I also like… Read more »
LOL! I didn’t know there was a difference between Cincinnati Chili and Texas Chili… I thought all Chili was like mine- Texas Chili, apparently!!! So… I’m super scared to try this recipe because everyone here loves Chili, but the different flavor would likely cause mutiny. The main thing I want to say thank you for is this- I always used to brown ground beef before adding to the crock pot for Chili, Pasta Sauce, etc. Now I don’t do that! Makes crock pot meals so much easier. I love it.
Holy Cow this is crazy good!! I am living in a quarantine world with all men, so I doubled the recipe. They still blew through this. It made the house smell amazing and we ate it outside by the fire with fresh grated cheese and Fritos on top. It was awesome. Great comfort food for a really weird time. Thank you!
I’m hoping to try this recipe out for a Friendsgiving dinner we are hosting. We are vegetarian – do you have any sense of whether using Beyond or Impossible meat would still work well for this? Thanks!
I love your blog because it’s not just about recipes. You also share your personal stories and experiences, which makes your blog feel more relatable.