Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Chili with Beans (Print Version)
Slow cook a hearty ground beef chili with beans. This easy crockpot recipe is perfect for busy weeknights, delivering rich flavor with minimal effort.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 480 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 495 minutes
Servings: 8 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
Dietary: Gluten-Free
# Ingredients:
→ Hearty Foundation
01 -
2 lbs 80/20 ground beef
02 -
1 large yellow onion, chopped
03 -
4 cloves garlic, minced
→ Rich Tomato & Bean Base
04 -
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
05 -
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
06 -
1 cup beef broth
07 -
2 tbsp tomato paste
08 -
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
09 -
1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
→ Signature Chili Spices
10 -
3 tbsp chili powder
11 -
1 tbsp ground cumin
12 -
1 tsp smoked paprika
13 -
1 tsp dried oregano
14 -
1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
15 -
1 tsp salt
16 -
1/2 tsp black pepper
→ Optional Fresh Toppings
17 -
1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese
18 -
1/2 cup sour cream
19 -
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
# Instructions:
01 -
Brown 2 lbs 80/20 ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain any excess grease thoroughly. This foundational step is crucial for your Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Chili with Beans.
02 -
Add 1 large yellow onion, chopped, to the skillet and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 4 cloves garlic, minced, and cook for another minute until fragrant.
03 -
Transfer the browned beef, onion, and garlic to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes, 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes (undrained), 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans (drained and rinsed).
04 -
Stir in 3 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (if using), 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Ensure all ingredients are well combined for your Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Chili with Beans.
05 -
Cover the slow cooker and cook on LOW for 8 hours (480 minutes) or on HIGH for 4 hours. The long, slow cook time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a rich Easy Crockpot Ground Beef Chili with Beans.
06 -
Once cooked, stir well. Ladle the hot chili into bowls. Serve with optional toppings like 1 cup shredded sharp cheddar cheese, 1/2 cup sour cream, and 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped.
# Notes:
01 -
For an even richer flavor, let the chili rest for 15-30 minutes after cooking, or refrigerate overnight and reheat the next day.
02 -
Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days, or freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
03 -
Feel free to swap out the kidney and pinto beans for black beans or cannellini beans based on your preference. Adjust cayenne pepper to your desired heat level.
04 -
This chili is fantastic served over rice, with cornbread, or alongside tortilla chips for dipping. Don't forget a squeeze of lime for brightness!
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Crockpot or slow cooker
02 -
large skillet
03 -
cutting board
04 -
chef's knife
05 -
measuring cups
06 -
measuring spoons
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 510 kcal
Total Fat: 30 g
Total Carbohydrate: 27 g
Protein: 36 g