This Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chili is a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself! With tender ground beef, zesty tomatoes, beans, and a kick of chili seasoning, it’s a no-fuss recipe perfect for beginners or seasoned cooks. Toss it in the slow cooker and enjoy a warm, comforting bowl in hours.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Brown the Beef First: Sautéing the ground beef before adding it to the crockpot enhances flavor and reduces excess grease.
- Adjust the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne or hot sauce if you like it spicy, or keep it mild for kids.
- Thicken It Up: If you prefer a thicker chili, mash some of the beans or let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Double It: This recipe scales easily—double the ingredients for a crowd or meal prep for the week.
- Taste Test: Adjust seasoning near the end; slow cooking can mellow flavors, so a little extra chili powder might be needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This chili is a game-changer for anyone craving comfort food without the hassle. It’s incredibly simple—just five ingredients and a crockpot—yet delivers bold, satisfying flavors that warm you from the inside out. Whether you’re feeding a family, hosting friends, or just want leftovers for days, this recipe is effortless and foolproof. The slow cooker does all the work, leaving you with a rich, hearty meal that tastes like it simmered all day (because it did!). Plus, it’s budget-friendly and endlessly customizable—perfect for any palate or pantry.
Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chili
A simple, hearty chili made with just five ingredients in a crockpot—perfectly cozy and delicious!
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 can (15 oz) chili beans, undrained
- 1 can (10 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies, undrained
- 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 packet (1.25 oz) chili seasoning mix
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Start by heating a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your pound of ground beef and break it up with a spoon as it cooks. Let it sizzle until it’s nice and browned—no pink left! This should take about 5-7 minutes. Drain any excess fat (we want flavor, not grease), and give yourself a little chef’s pat on the back.
- Load the Crockpot: Now, grab your trusty slow cooker. Dump in that beautifully browned beef, then pour in the chili beans (juice and all—it’s where the magic lives!), the diced tomatoes with green chilies (hello, zesty goodness!), the tomato sauce (smooth and rich), and sprinkle that chili seasoning packet over the top. It’s like a flavor party getting ready to happen!
- Stir It Up: Give everything a good stir with a big spoon. Make sure the seasoning gets cozy with all the ingredients—think of it as giving them a warm hug. The smell might already start tempting you, but patience is key!
- Set and Forget: Pop the lid on your crockpot and set it to cook. Go low and slow for 6 hours if you’ve got the time (perfect for a lazy Sunday), or crank it to high for 3 hours if you’re in a bit of a hurry. Either way, your house is about to smell amazing.
- Final Touch: When the time’s up, lift the lid and take a peek—look at that gorgeous chili! Give it a stir, taste a spoonful (careful, it’s hot!), and adjust with a little salt, pepper, or extra spice if you’re feeling it. Ladle it into bowls, top with your favorites (cheese, sour cream, green onions—go wild!), and dig in!
Notes
- If your chili looks too thin, let it cook uncovered on high for an extra 20-30 minutes to thicken up.
- Got picky eaters? The mild flavors here are crowd-pleasers, but you can always set out hot sauce for the spice lovers.
Nutrition Information
Yield
6Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 267Total Fat 14gSaturated Fat 5gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 6gCholesterol 68mgSodium 648mgCarbohydrates 13gFiber 2gSugar 4gProtein 23g
The recipes and nutritional information on Crock Pot Meal are for informational purposes only. Always consult a healthcare provider for personalized dietary advice.
Ingredients Notes
- Ground Beef: Opt for lean ground beef (80/20) for the best balance of flavor and less grease. You could also use ground turkey for a lighter option.
- Chili Beans: These come pre-seasoned in a can, adding depth without extra spices. Kidney beans or pinto beans work too if you prefer.
- Diced Tomatoes with Green Chilies: This combo (like Rotel) brings a tangy, mildly spicy kick. Plain diced tomatoes work if you want less heat.
- Tomato Sauce: A smooth, rich base that ties everything together. Choose a low-sodium version if watching salt intake.
- Chili Seasoning: A pre-made packet keeps it simple, but you can mix your own with chili powder, cumin, and garlic powder if desired.
Variations and Substitutions
- Meat Swap: Try ground turkey, chicken, or even sausage for a different twist. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and add extra beans or lentils.
- Bean Options: Swap chili beans for black beans, white beans, or a mix for variety in texture and taste.
- Spice It Up: Add jalapeños, hot sauce, or smoked paprika for extra heat or smokiness.
- Veggie Boost: Toss in diced bell peppers, onions, or corn for more color and nutrition (though it’ll exceed five ingredients!).
- Low-Carb Twist: Skip the beans and use more meat or diced zucchini for a keto-friendly version.
Storage Options
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. The flavors get even better as it sits!
- Freezer: Freeze in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheating: Warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a covered bowl, stirring halfway through.
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