Classic Beef Chili in the Crockpot combines savory ground beef, tender kidney beans, and zesty tomatoes with smoky spices. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty dish delivers rich, bold flavors—perfect for a comforting meal that fills your home with warm, inviting aromas, served with your favorite toppings.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Beef Browning: Cook beef in a skillet first—drains fat and boosts flavor; skip for a one-pot approach.
- Spice Layering: Toast spices with beef for 30 seconds—enhances depth; add raw if you’re keeping it simple.
- Bean Timing: Add beans early for softness or halfway for firmer texture—adjust to your liking.
- Heat Control: Taste and adjust chili powder or cayenne at the end—builds spice to your preference.
- Thicken Trick: Simmer lid-off for the last 30 minutes—or mash some beans—if it’s too watery.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
You’re going to absolutely adore this Classic Beef Chili Crockpot Recipe—it’s a hearty, soul-warming bowl of comfort that’ll make any day feel cozy and delicious! Imagine the rich, smoky scent of ground beef simmering all day with tender kidney beans, tangy tomatoes, and a perfect mix of spices like chili powder, cumin, and a hint of paprika, filling your home with that irresistible chili aroma that promises something amazing is coming. You’ll love how this recipe takes the timeless appeal of beef chili and makes it so effortless with the slow cooker—just toss everything in and let it meld into a robust, flavorful masterpiece while you relax or tackle your to-do list. It’s perfect for those cold nights when you crave something substantial and warming, or a casual gathering where you can set out toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and green onions and let everyone dig in their way. The beef crumbles into savory perfection, the beans soak up all that zesty goodness, and the spices blend into a thick, hearty chili that’s pure comfort in every bite. Serve it straight from the pot, maybe with cornbread or tortilla chips on the side, and watch it bring smiles all around. The crockpot does all the heavy lifting, turning simple ingredients into a meal so tasty you’ll be amazed it was this easy to create such a classic. This isn’t just a dish—it’s a beef chili experience that’ll have you savoring every rich spoonful and planning the next batch before it’s even gone!
Classic Beef Chili
Hearty beef chili with beans and spices, slow-cooked.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef (80/20)
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can (28 ounces) diced tomatoes, undrained
- 1 can (6 ounces) tomato paste
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
- 1 cup low-sodium beef broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Hey there, let’s get this Classic Beef Chili Crockpot Recipe going—it’s going to be a hearty, spicy treat! First, grab a big skillet and heat it over medium-high. Toss in the ground beef and cook it up, breaking it apart with a spoon, for about 6-8 minutes until it’s browned and crumbled—smell that savory goodness already? Drain off any excess fat, then transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Now, let’s pile in the flavor! Add the diced onion and minced garlic—they’ll melt into the chili as it cooks. Pour in the diced tomatoes (juice and all), tomato paste, and beef broth—give it a quick stir to blend that tomatoey base. Toss in the rinsed kidney beans—they’re the hearty backbone of this dish. Sprinkle the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika (if you’re using it) over everything—those spices are the soul of this chili! Stir it all together so the flavors start mingling, then pop the lid on. Set your crockpot to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 if you’re in a hurry), and let it work its slow-cooker magic. Your kitchen’s going to fill with the most mouthwatering, smoky aroma—pure comfort!
- When the time’s up, lift the lid and give it a stir—the beef should be tender, the beans soft, and the broth thick and rich. Taste it—want more kick? Add a pinch of chili powder or a dash of cayenne. Too thin? Let it simmer with the lid off for 20-30 minutes to thicken up, or mash a few beans against the side for natural thickness. It’s ready when it’s just how you like it!
- Serve it up hot—ladle that steamy chili into bowls, and set out toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for everyone to customize. Pair it with cornbread or tortilla chips if you’re feeling extra, and dig in! You’ve just made a Classic Beef Chili that’s bold, hearty, and oh-so-delicious—enjoy every warm, spicy spoonful!
Notes
- Brown beef for richer flavor—worth the quick step if you can!
- Adjust spices at the end—makes it perfect for your taste.
- Leftovers get better—flavors deepen overnight for a killer next-day meal!
Nutrition Information
Yield
8Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 312Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 101mgSodium 366mgCarbohydrates 11gFiber 3gSugar 4gProtein 35g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Swap: Use ground turkey or pork—turkey for lighter flavor, pork for richness; adjust seasoning.
- Bean Options: Swap kidney beans for black or pinto—black for variety, pinto for creaminess.
- Tomato Alternatives: Use crushed tomatoes or fresh diced—crushed for smoother texture, fresh for brightness.
- Spice Variations: Replace chili powder with ancho or chipotle—ancho for milder heat, chipotle for smoky spice.
- Veggie Additions: Add bell peppers, corn, or zucchini—toss in with onions for color and texture.
- Heat Boost: Stir in cayenne, jalapeños, or hot sauce—tailor the spice to your taste.
- Low-Carb Option: Skip beans, add more beef or veggies—serve with cauliflower rice.
- Vegetarian Twist: Omit beef, double beans, use veggie broth—still hearty and bold.
- Sweet Touch: Add a teaspoon of brown sugar—balances acidity and spice.
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free—just ensure broth and spices are gluten-free.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4-5 days—reheat with a splash of broth.
- Freezer: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months—thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Make-Ahead: Prep beef and chop veggies the night before—store in the fridge and assemble in the crockpot in the morning.
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