Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe (Award-Winning, Easy 5-Min Prep)

Craving a thick, hearty crockpot chili that bubbles with rich beefy flavor, tender beans, and just-right spice? This easy slow cooker recipe delivers award-winning taste with simple pantry staples and a quick browning step for unbeatable depth. Ready in just 5 minutes of active prep plus 6 hours hands-off cooking, it serves 8-10 generously with balanced mild heat that families love. Perfect for game day, weeknight dinners, or make-ahead meals, it freezes beautifully and pairs with endless toppings for customized bowls every time.

Why This Crockpot Chili Stands Out

This chili achieves restaurant-quality thickness thanks to a perfect blend of tomato paste, broth, and brown sugar that balances acidity without watering down. Slow cooking low and slow melds bold spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika into every bite for layers of flavor you can taste. It is versatile enough for standalone bowls, loaded nachos, baked potatoes, or even hot dog toppings, while staying freezer-friendly for up to 3 months. Customize the heat from kid-friendly mild to spicy kick, making it a reliable crowd-pleaser year-round.

Ingredients (Simple Shopping List with Subs)

• 2 pounds ground beef (80/20 chuck for best flavor; sub ground turkey or Italian sausage)
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juice
• 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (reduce to 1/2 tsp for mild)
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tablespoon hot sauce (like Frank’s)
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• Salt and black pepper to taste
• Optional: 4 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled for smoky base

These everyday ingredients create bold, savory chili without specialty items. For beanless, skip the cans. Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smokiness or veggie broth for lighter fare.

How to Make Crockpot Chili Step-by-Step

1. In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef until no pink remains, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Transfer the browned beef mixture to a 6-quart crockpot. Add kidney beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne, brown sugar, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper.
3. Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 4 hours. Stir once halfway through if possible.
4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or cayenne. If desired, stir in cooked bacon bits right before serving for extra smoke.

Pro tips: Browning the meat first builds essential Maillard flavor that dump recipes miss. Low setting yields the most tender results. For thicker chili, mash a few beans against the side of the pot before serving.

Best Crockpot Chili Toppings

Load up your bowl with these crowd-favorite toppings for texture and freshness:

• Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Diced avocado or guacamole
• Sliced jalapeños or fresh green onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Crumbled tortilla chips or Fritos for crunch
• Bacon bits

Create a toppings bar for fun family dinners, letting everyone build their perfect bowl.

What to Serve with Crockpot Chili

Pair this hearty chili with simple sides that soak up the sauce:

• Fluffy cornbread or corn muffins with honey butter
• Warm flour tortillas or dinner rolls
• Crisp green salad or coleslaw for balance

It shines over baked potatoes or as a nacho base too. One pot feeds a crowd effortlessly.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating

Store leftovers in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 4 days. Flavors deepen overnight, making day-two bowls even better. For freezing, portion into freezer bags flat, removing air, and freeze up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge, then reheat on stovetop over low heat with a splash of broth, or microwave in 1-minute bursts stirring between. Avoid boiling to prevent separating.

Recipe Variations to Try

• Turkey or veggie chili: Swap beef for ground turkey or lentils.
• Beanless Texas-style: Omit beans, add extra beef broth.
• Bacon lovers: Cook bacon first, sauté veggies in fat, crumble in at end.
• Extra hearty: Use 1-inch chuck roast chunks instead of ground beef.
• Spicy twist: Add diced jalapeños or swap diced tomatoes for Rotel.

These tweaks keep it fresh for weekly rotation without losing that signature bold taste.

Nutrition (Per Serving, Approximately)

• Calories: 433
• Protein: 29g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fat: 17g
• Fiber: 12g
• Sugar: 9g

Values based on 10 servings; varies with subs. Nutrient-dense comfort food at its best.

Common Questions

Can I skip browning the meat? Yes, for a true dump recipe, but browning adds rich flavor that elevates it.

Low or high setting? Low for 6-8 hours gives the best tender texture; high works in a pinch for 4 hours.

Can you freeze crockpot chili? Absolutely, up to 3 months. It reheats like fresh.

How do I thicken it? Simmer uncovered 15-20 minutes or stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp water).

Is it kid-friendly? Omit cayenne and hot sauce for mild version everyone loves.

What if I do not have smoked paprika? Regular paprika works; add a pinch of liquid smoke if available.

Can I make it in an Instant Pot? Yes, sauté first, then pressure cook 15 minutes natural release.

How spicy is it? Mild with listed cayenne; double for heat.

Vegetarian version? Use veggie broth, lentils or extra beans, no Worcestershire.

Does it need sugar? Yes, it balances tomato acidity for perfect taste.

Love this hearty, easy crockpot chili that warms you from the inside out? Drop a 5-star rating below and share your tweaks in the comments, like extra jalapeños or bean swaps. Pin for game day and subscribe for more cozy slow cooker recipes that hit the spot every time.

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