Warm up with this easy crockpot chili! Loaded with hearty beans, ground beef, and a rich tomato base, it’s a set-and-forget recipe perfect for cozy nights.

A bowl of hearty, easy crockpot chili topped with a sprig of fresh parsley. The chili is rich with beans, tomatoes, and ground meat, creating a thick, savory delight. A piece of bread is partially visible at the bottom for dipping pleasure.

Chili is such an easy and filling meal. Whether we are eating it by the bowl, making chili dogs, using it as a topping for baked potatoes, or making this yummy campfire chili cheese dip, everyone is always satisfied.

That is exactly what I need when feeding growing teenage boys.

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Two bowls of easy crockpot chili, topped with fresh herbs, rest on a woven mat. Slices of bread are nearby. A slow cooker and wooden spoon are visible in the background. The hearty chili is packed with beans and meat, offering a comforting meal.

TABLE OF CONTENTS

However, my kids are not big fans of two things that you often find in chili: large red kidney beans and chunks of tomatoes. Honestly, neither am I. If this is you too, stick around!

A wooden spoon holds a serving of hearty, easy crockpot chili filled with beans and meat, lifted above a bowl garnished with fresh herbs. The chili's rich, red hue hints at its robust tomato-based sauce.

So for this recipe I like to use smaller, less obtrusive beans, like baked beans and black beans, but feel free to add your bean of choice! I also like to use only a small amount of canned, finely diced tomatoes, but again, feel free to measure that with your heart.

Ingredients

Lean ground beef, browned – Lean ground beef adds rich, savory flavor and provides a hearty base for the chili.
Diced tomatoes – These add a fresh, juicy tang and some texture to the chili. I like to dice them even more with a sharp knife so that the kids hardly notice that they are there.
Tomato sauce – Tomato sauce provides a smooth, flavorful base that ties all the ingredients together.
Tomato paste – Tomato paste thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic adds a bold kick to the chili.
Black beans – Black beans offer a hearty, creamy texture without being too chunky. Pinto beans would work well too.
Baked beans – Baked beans add a slight sweetness and extra richness to the chili.
Chili powder – Chili powder brings the perfect blend of heat and spice.
Italian seasoning – This adds a nice herbal layer that complements the chili’s bold flavors without overpowering them.

An easy crockpot chili awaits in a slow cooker brimming with diced tomatoes, baked beans, black beans, and tomato sauce. Each ingredient is uncooked and neatly arranged in sections, ready to transform into a comforting meal.

Instructions

1. In a large skillet, cook the ground beef until browned.

2. Add all of the ingredients to a large crockpot.

A slow cooker filled with ingredients for easy crockpot chili, including black beans, baked beans, crushed tomatoes, minced garlic, tomato paste, and various spices sprinkled on top.

3. Stir and set on low for 4-6 hours or high for 2-4 hours.

A wooden spoon holds up a portion of thick, hearty crockpot chili inside a slow cooker. This easy chili is rich and red, filled with ground meat, beans, and chopped tomatoes, showcasing its chunky texture and savory aroma.

4. Serve and enjoy!

Two bowls of hearty, easy crockpot chili topped with fresh parsley sit on a woven mat. Slices of bread are nearby, and a slow cooker is in the background. A wooden spoon rests beside the bowls, adding to the cozy, homemade feel.

Serving Suggestions

Garlic bread or this gluten free focaccia bread
Tortilla chips or corn chips
Side salad or Caesar salad
Chili cheese dog sliders
Some of our favorite chili toppings include cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, green onion, and cilantro.

A bowl of hearty chili with beans, tomato sauce, and ground meat, made as an easy crockpot chili, is garnished with a sprig of fresh parsley. A slice of garlic bread is placed nearby.

Tips and Tricks

Add a few teaspoons of my homemade taco seasoning to the ground beef for even more flavor.
Drain any excess grease from your ground beef before it adding to the crockpot to keep the chili nice and lean.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
For more heat, kick up the spice with hot sauce, cayenne pepper, or extra chili powder to taste.
If you like your chili a bit sweeter, throw in a chopped red or green bell pepper for extra flavor and crunch.
Store any leftovers in the freezer for a quick meal later, and just thaw in the microwave or on the stove top when you’re ready to eat.

Two bowls of hearty, easy Crock-Pot chili topped with parsley sit on a woven mat, surrounded by slices of garlic bread. A Crock-Pot filled with more chili is in the background, with a wooden spoon and a napkin nearby.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make crockpot chili without pre-cooking the ground beef?
While it’s possible to cook the beef directly in the slow cooker, pre-cooking is highly recommended. This step enhances the flavor and texture of the chili by caramelizing the meat and helps remove excess fat before slow cooking.

Do I need to drain the beans before adding them?
I usually do, but it depends on the recipe and your preference. While some recipes suggest adding beans with their liquid for extra flavor, most recommend draining and rinsing them, especially to reduce sodium content.

How do I adjust the thickness of the chili?
To thicken chili, you can let it cook uncovered during the last hour to allow excess liquid to evaporate. Alternatively, you can mash some of the beans in the pot or use a cornstarch slurry. If the chili is too thick, try adding a splash of beef broth.

A spoonful of hearty chili with beans and meat held above a bowl. Text reads Crockpot Chili Recipe and homemadeheather.com at the bottom. Garnished with fresh herbs.

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