Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans is a warm, hearty dish that’s packed full of bold flavors and comforting textures. The ground beef is tender and perfectly spiced, while the beans add a nice, creamy bite that makes every spoonful satisfying. It’s the kind of meal that fills your kitchen with the smell of spices and slow-cooked goodness, making you feel cozy even on the chilliest days.
I love making this chili in the crockpot because it’s so hands-off—you just throw everything in, turn it on, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. The long cooking time helps all the flavors blend beautifully, and the ground beef turns out super tender without needing much effort. Honestly, this chili feels like a little victory when dinner time rolls around.
My favorite way to enjoy this chili is with a big scoop of shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream on top, plus some crunchy tortilla chips on the side. It’s great for family dinners, game days, or when you want something simple but comforting. Plus, it always makes enough for leftovers, which means a tasty lunch the next day, too!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Ground Beef: Using lean ground beef keeps the chili from being too greasy. You can swap for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Beans: Kidney and pinto beans are classic here, but black beans or cannellini beans work well, too. Just drain and rinse canned beans to avoid extra salt.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add a nice texture and acidity. If you don’t have canned, fresh chopped tomatoes with a splash of tomato paste can work.
Spices: Chili powder and cumin build the chili’s base flavor. Feel free to adjust the cayenne pepper to make it spicier or milder depending on your taste.
How Do You Cook Ground Beef and Onions for Maximum Flavor?
Browning the beef nicely is key to a flavorful chili. Cooking the onion with the beef softens it and adds sweetness.
- Heat your skillet to medium before adding the beef to encourage a good sear.
- Break the meat apart and let it brown without stirring too much. This helps develop flavor.
- Add onions and garlic once beef starts to brown, cooking until onions are soft.
- Drain excess fat to keep the chili from feeling greasy, but keep a bit for flavor.
This step wakes up the spices and gives the chili a rich base. It’s worth the little extra effort before adding everything to the crockpot!
Equipment You’ll Need
- Crockpot or slow cooker – perfect for low and slow cooking without needing much attention.
- Large skillet – great for browning ground beef evenly before adding it to the crockpot.
- Wooden spoon or spatula – helps you break up the meat and stir ingredients smoothly.
- Can opener – essential for opening canned beans and tomatoes easily.
Flavor Variations & Add-Ins
- Replace ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a leaner chili option.
- Add diced bell peppers or corn for extra color and crunch.
- Mix in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce to give your chili a smoky, spicy kick.
- Top with shredded Monterey Jack or pepper jack cheese for a creamier melt and mild heat.
Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans
Ingredients You’ll Need:
Main Ingredients:
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 medium onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth or water
Spices and Seasonings:
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Diced avocado
Time Needed
This chili requires about 15 minutes of active prep time for browning the beef and prepping ingredients. Then, set it in the crockpot to cook slowly for 6 to 8 hours on low or 3 to 4 hours on high. This slow cooking helps the flavors deepen for a delicious dish.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Ground Beef
Heat a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it’s nicely browned. This should take about 5-7 minutes. Once browned, drain any excess fat to keep the chili from being greasy.
2. Cook Onions and Garlic
Add the finely chopped onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Cook them together for another 2-3 minutes until the onion softens and becomes translucent. Then remove the skillet from heat.
3. Combine Ingredients in the Crockpot
Transfer the beef mixture into your crockpot. Add the drained kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together well.
4. Add Spices and Seasonings
Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper (if you like a bit of heat), and salt and black pepper to taste. Mix everything until combined.
5. Slow Cook the Chili
Cover the crockpot and cook the chili on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. If possible, stir occasionally to blend the flavors throughout.
6. Taste and Adjust
Before serving, taste the chili and adjust any seasonings if needed. Sometimes a pinch more salt or a dash more chili powder can make it perfect.
7. Serve and Enjoy
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some diced avocado if you like. Serve alongside tortilla chips or warm cornbread for a truly comforting meal.
Can I Use Frozen Ground Beef for This Chili?
Yes, but be sure to fully thaw it first! Thaw frozen ground beef in the fridge overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. Cooking with thawed beef ensures it browns evenly and cooks safely.
Can I Make This Chili Without a Crockpot?
Absolutely! You can simmer everything in a large pot on the stove over low heat for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally until the flavors meld and the chili thickens.
How Should I Store Leftover Chili?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally for even warming.
Can I Add More Vegetables to This Chili?
Definitely! Diced bell peppers, corn, or chopped carrots make great additions. Add them along with the onions and garlic when browning the beef for best texture and flavor.