Name: Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili Hearty & Flavorful
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 30 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended); 1 large yellow onion, diced; 1 red bell pepper, diced; 3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed; 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies; 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste; 2 cups beef broth; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tbsp ground cumin; 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional); 1 tsp brown sugar; 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional); Salt and pepper to taste

This Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili is a rich, comforting dish packed with bold flavors from tender beef, smoky spices, and hearty beans. Simmered low and slow, it melds savory tomatoes, peppers, and a hint of sweetness into a soul-warming meal perfect for cozy nights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd.

Recipe Tips and Tricks

Brown the Meat: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker locks in flavor and adds depth.
Layer Spices: Toast spices in the pan after browning meat for an extra flavor punch.

Adjust Heat: Taste midway and tweak with extra chili powder or cayenne if you crave more kick.
Thicken Naturally: Mash some beans against the pot’s side to thicken without altering taste.
Rest It: Let the chili sit for 15 minutes after cooking to meld flavors fully.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This chili is a game-changer—imagine coming home to the irresistible aroma of slow-cooked beef, tomatoes, and spices wafting through your kitchen. It’s the kind of dish that warms you from the inside out, perfect for chilly evenings or gatherings with friends. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, transforming simple ingredients into a robust, flavorful stew that tastes like it’s been simmering on the stove for hours. You’ll love how customizable it is—spicy or mild, meaty or bean-heavy, it adapts to your cravings. Plus, it’s a crowd-pleaser that gets better with every reheated bowl, making leftovers something to look forward to.

Yield: Serves 6

Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili Hearty & Flavorful

A hearty, flavorful slow cooker chili with tender beef, beans, and smoky spices—perfect for cozy, fuss-free meals.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 8 hours

Additional Time 15 minutes

Total Time 8 hours 30 minutes

Ingredients

1.5 lbs ground beef (80/20 recommended)

1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes with green chilies

1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder

1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika (optional)
1 tsp brown sugar

1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Hey there, chili lover—let’s make something amazing together! Start by grabbing a skillet and browning that ground beef over medium-high heat. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it sizzles, letting it get nice and golden in spots—about 6-8 minutes. The smell alone will get you excited! Once it’s cooked, drain off any excess fat (but leave a little for flavor), and toss in your diced onion and red bell pepper. Sauté them for 3-4 minutes until they soften and start smelling sweet. Now, sprinkle in the garlic, chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika if you’re using it—give it a quick stir for 30 seconds to wake up those spices.

Next, it’s slow cooker time! Transfer this fragrant mix into your slow cooker, and let’s layer in the goodness. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes with chilies, tomato paste, and beef broth. Sprinkle in the brown sugar, cayenne (if you like a kick), and a generous pinch of salt and pepper. Give it all a big stir until it looks like a cozy, colorful stew ready to transform. Pop the lid on, set it to low for 6-8 hours (or high for 3-4 if you’re in a hurry), and let the magic happen. Your kitchen will smell like a chili paradise!
When it’s done, give it a taste—adjust the salt, spice, or sugar to make it yours. Let it rest for 15 minutes with the lid off to thicken up and meld those flavors. Scoop it into bowls, pile on your favorite toppings—cheddar, sour cream, or crunchy tortilla chips—and dig into this hearty, flavorful masterpiece. You’ve just made the ultimate chili—enjoy every spoonful!

Notes

For a thicker chili, mash a few beans before the final stir.

If it’s too spicy, a dollop of sour cream or extra cheese will tame the heat.
Double the recipe for a big crowd—just use a larger slow cooker.

Nutrition Information

Yield

Serving Size

1
Amount Per Serving Calories 497Total Fat 23gSaturated Fat 9gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 11gCholesterol 108mgSodium 951mgCarbohydrates 27gFiber 7gSugar 5gProtein 45g

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

The ingredients in this chili are thoughtfully chosen for maximum flavor and heartiness. Ground beef provides a rich, meaty base—opt for 80/20 for a balance of fat and flavor. Kidney and black beans add texture and protein; feel free to rinse them to control saltiness. Diced tomatoes with green chilies bring a tangy, mildly spicy kick, while tomato paste deepens the savoriness. Fresh bell peppers and onions offer a subtle sweetness to balance the heat, and garlic infuses that aromatic backbone. Chili powder and cumin are the stars of the spice blend—use high-quality versions for the best results. A touch of brown sugar rounds out the acidity, making every bite perfectly balanced.

Variations and Substitutions

This recipe is wonderfully flexible! Swap ground beef for turkey or chicken for a leaner option, or go vegetarian by omitting meat and doubling the beans—pinto or cannellini work beautifully. If you’re out of diced tomatoes with chilies, use plain diced tomatoes and toss in a chopped jalapeño. No brown sugar? Honey or molasses can step in. For a smokier vibe, add a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. Love heat? Crank it up with extra cayenne or fresh habaneros. You can even stir in corn or diced zucchini for a veggie boost—make it your own!

Storage Options

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days—the flavors only get better! For longer storage, freeze in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much. Avoid reheating multiple times to preserve texture.