There’s something undeniably cozy about settling in on a chilly afternoon with a bowl of hearty chili that’s been simmering away all day. This crockpot ground beef chili with beans is a home cook’s dream—effortless prep, minimal hands-on time, and an unbeatable depth of flavor. Each spoonful wraps you in warm spices, meaty richness, and tender beans, making it the ultimate comfort food. Whether you’re juggling work calls, school runs, or weekend errands, this recipe’s “set it and forget it” approach means you can stroll away from the kitchen and return to a house filled with the satisfying scent of chili perfection.
Not only does this chili shine in flavor, but it also scores high on convenience. With just 15 minutes of prep, a handful of pantry-friendly ingredients, and your trusty crockpot, you’ll have a satisfying meal ready in 6 to 8 hours on low (or 3 to 4 hours on high). It’s beginner-friendly—no fancy techniques, no last-minute scrambling. Perfect for a crowd, easy to double for potlucks, and wonderfully freezer-friendly for future lunches, this chili is versatile enough to star at game day, family dinners, or solo meal-prep sessions. And at around 480 calories per serving, it checks the box for hearty satisfaction without tipping the scales. So grab your slow cooker, roll up your sleeves, and let’s dive into a chili that promises to be your new go-to comfort classic!
KEY INGREDIENTS IN CROCKPOT GROUND BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS
Before we dive into the slow-simmered magic, let’s meet the heroes of this dish. Each ingredient plays a crucial role, from building layers of spice to adding meaty depth and creamy bean texture. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground beef
The foundation of our chili, offering rich, savory flavor and hearty protein. Browning it first adds caramelized bits that deepen every spoonful.
- Onion
When sautéed until soft and translucent, the chopped onion brings a gentle sweetness and aromatic depth that forms the flavor base.
- Garlic
Minced garlic infuses the chili with pungent warmth. Just a few cloves amplify the savory notes and round out the spice profile.
- Kidney beans
These beans add creamy, tender bites and subtle sweetness. Their robust texture holds up nicely during long, slow cooking.
- Black beans
A counterpoint to kidney beans, black beans provide a slight earthiness and extra protein, making each bite satisfying and nutrient-packed.
- Diced tomatoes
Juicy and bright, canned tomatoes break down into a chunky, tangy base that balances the richness of the meat and beans.
- Tomato paste
For concentrated tomato flavor, this paste thickens the chili and intensifies the acidity, giving a luscious, velvety finish.
- Beef broth
Adds savory depth and a bit of extra liquid to help the spices meld and the beans soften perfectly in the crockpot.
- Chili powder
A classic Tex-Mex blend that brings smoky warmth and robust flavor. It’s the heart of the chili seasoning.
- Ground cumin
Earthy and slightly nutty, cumin enhances the chili’s complexity and complements the chili powder beautifully.
- Paprika
Whether sweet or smoked, paprika lends a mild sweetness and hint of smokiness that elevates the overall flavor.
- Sugar
Balances acidity from the tomatoes and enhances the depth of spice, preventing the chili from tasting too tangy.
- Cayenne pepper
Optional but effective for turning up the heat. Just a dash adds a lively kick without overpowering the other flavors.
- Salt and pepper
Simple seasonings that bring harmony to the dish. Adjust to taste at the end for perfect balance.
- Olive oil
Used for sautéing onions, garlic, and browning beef, olive oil helps develop those caramelized flavors in the skillet before everything hits the crockpot.
HOW TO MAKE CROCKPOT GROUND BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS
Let’s walk through the cooking process step by step. This section guides you through browning, sautéing, layering flavors, and slow-cooking to achieve a perfectly balanced chili that marries meaty, bean-filled goodness with a symphony of spices.
1. In a large skillet set over medium heat, pour in the olive oil. Once the oil shimmers, add the ground beef. Chop and break it up with a spatula, cooking until it’s well browned and no pink remains. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef directly into your crockpot, leaving the rendered fat behind in the skillet.
2. Keeping the skillet over medium heat, toss in the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes or until the onion becomes soft and translucent, stirring frequently to prevent burning. Once done, scoop this fragrant mixture into the crockpot atop the beef.
3. Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the crockpot. Use a spoon to stir, making sure the tomato paste breaks up and coats all the ingredients.
4. Pour in the beef broth, then sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, sugar, and cayenne pepper if you’re going for extra warmth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix the ingredients thoroughly so every bean and cube of meat is kissed by the spices.
5. Cover the crockpot and set it to low for 6 to 8 hours or high for 3 to 4 hours. Stir occasionally (if possible) to help the flavors meld and ensure even cooking.
6. When cook time is up, give the chili a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado for extra flair.
SERVING SUGGESTIONS FOR CROCKPOT GROUND BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS
A bowl of chili is already a complete meal, but adding the right touches can elevate it from delicious to unforgettable. Serve this chili at your next family gathering, game-day party, or cozy weeknight dinner, and watch everyone rush back for seconds. Here are some inspired ways to present your chili:
- Serve over cornbread: Spoon steaming chili onto squares of warm, buttery cornbread. The sweet, crumbly texture perfectly contrasts the robust, spicy chili. For extra flair, top the cornbread with a pat of melting butter and a sprinkle of chopped chives.
- Create a taco bar: Offer bowls of chili alongside soft tortillas, shredded lettuce, diced tomatoes, chopped onions, and grated cheese. Let guests assemble their own “chili tacos” for a fun, hands-on meal that’s perfect for casual entertaining.
- Top a baked potato: Split open fluffy baked potatoes, spoon over a generous helping of chili, then crown with sour cream, shredded cheddar, and sliced green onions. The tender potato absorbs all those chili juices, making each bite creamy and satisfying.
- Build a chili cheese dip: In an oven-safe dish, layer chili with a generous amount of shredded cheese and bake until bubbly and golden. Serve with tortilla chips for a gooey, shareable dip that disappears in minutes.
HOW TO STORE CROCKPOT GROUND BEEF CHILI WITH BEANS
Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or simply have leftovers to savor later, storing chili properly helps maintain its vibrant flavors and hearty texture. With just a few easy steps, you can keep your chili tasting fresh and ready to reheat on busy days.
- Refrigerate in airtight containers: Once cooled to room temperature, transfer chili to sealed glass or BPA-free plastic containers. Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring the lid seals tightly to lock in moisture and prevent odors.
- Freeze in portion-sized bags: Divide chili into meal-sized freezer bags, pressing out excess air before sealing. Lay flat to freeze so they stack efficiently. Frozen chili lasts up to 3 months—perfect for quick weeknight dinners.
- Use vacuum sealing: If you have a vacuum sealer, pack the chili to extend its freezer life beyond 3 months. Vacuum-sealed bags prevent freezer burn and preserve the chili’s texture and flavor exceptionally well.
- Thaw and reheat gently: When ready to enjoy, thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of broth or water if it’s too thick. Microwave reheating works too—cover loosely and stir halfway through.
CONCLUSION
Bringing this crockpot ground beef chili with beans together is like wrapping yourself in a warm culinary hug. From the moment you brown that beef to the cloud of spice that wafts through your kitchen, every step feels like you’re stirring comfort right into the pot. This chili ticks all the boxes: it’s beginner-friendly (no technical skills required), it fits effortlessly into busy schedules thanks to your trusty slow cooker, and it’s versatile enough for everything from quiet family dinners to bustling gatherings. Taking just 15 minutes to prep, you can walk away and trust the crockpot to weave the beans, tomatoes, spices, and beef into a savory masterpiece. The result is a dish packed with protein, fiber, and vibrant flavors that linger long after the last bite. Don’t forget that you can print this article or save it for later—keep it tucked into your recipe binder or pinned to your kitchen wall so it’s always within reach when you need a soul-warming meal in a hurry. You’ll also find an FAQ below to answer any lingering questions on substitutions, spice adjustments, and more.
As you plate up this chili, feel free to get creative with your garnishes—shredded cheese, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream, or a handful of fresh cilantro all work beautifully. Serve it alongside cornbread, over a fluffy baked potato, or even as a dip with crispy tortilla chips. And if you have questions about the cooking times, storage tips, or just want to share how your first pot turned out, drop a comment below. I’d love to hear your tweaks, spice level preferences, or any fun serving ideas you’ve discovered. Whether you’re a seasoned slow-cooker fan or new to the world of one-pot wonders, this chili is designed to feel like a warm chat with a friend—so don’t be shy! Leave your thoughts, ask for guidance, or simply let me know how it brightened up your weeknight dinner. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to see how you make this chili your own!
Crockpot Ground Beef Chili with Beans
Description
Nothing warms the soul like this savory chili, loaded with ground beef, hearty beans, and a medley of spices that create a comforting, flavorful dish perfect for any gathering.
Ingredients
Instructions
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In a large skillet over medium heat, add the olive oil. Once hot, add the ground beef, chopping and cooking until well browned. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the beef to the crockpot, leaving the rendered fat in the skillet.
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In the same skillet, add the chopped onion and minced garlic. Sauté over medium heat until the onion becomes soft and translucent, approximately 5 minutes. Add to the crockpot.
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Add the kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
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Pour in the beef broth, then add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, sugar, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. Mix everything well.
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Cover the crockpot and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.
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Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Serve hot, garnished with your choice of toppings such as shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, sour cream, or diced avocado.
Note
- For a smoky flavor, try adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
- This chili can be prepared in advance and freezes well for easy make-ahead meals.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, mix a tablespoon of cornstarch with water and stir it into the chili during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
- Consider serving with cornbread or over a bed of rice for a complete meal.
