When it comes to comfort food, few dishes are as satisfying and versatile as a hearty bowl of chili. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or need something filling for a crowd, slow cooker chili is the ultimate solution.

This dish is packed with rich flavors, tender meats, and beans that soak up all the delicious spices, making it a perfect meal for any occasion. Best of all, the slow cooker does all the work, allowing you to enjoy a hot, flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Slow cooker chili is incredibly easy to make, with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. By using the slow cooker, you can take your time to let the flavors meld together, resulting in a chili that’s even better the next day.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: One of the main reasons people love slow cooker chili is how easy it is to make. Once you add your ingredients to the slow cooker, you simply let it cook while you focus on other things.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Slow cooker chili is perfect for meal prepping, as it keeps well in the fridge for sever.al days. You can make a big batch on the weekend and enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week. Plus, it freezes wonderfully, so you can have a delicious, homemade meal on hand whenever you need it.
Customizable to Your Taste: One of the best things about chili is that you can make it your own. If you like it spicy, you can add more chili powder, jalapeños, or hot sauce. If you prefer it milder, you can reduce the amount of spice and add more vegetables for flavor.

Packed with Flavor: The long, slow cooking process allows the spices, herbs, and meats to infuse the dish with incredible depth of flavor. The result is a rich, savory chili that will have everyone asking for seconds. Plus, with ingredients like ground beef, beans, and tomatoes, it’s a well-rounded meal full of protein, fiber, and nutrients.
Feeds a Crowd: Whether you’re hosting a game day party or having a family gathering, slow cooker chili is an excellent dish to feed a large group. It’s easy to double or triple the recipe to accommodate a crowd, and because it’s so filling, a little goes a long way.

Ingredients

To make a delicious slow cooker chili, you will need the following ingredients:

For the Chili:
- 1 lb ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or a combination)
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes (with juices)
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (4 oz) green chilies
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper (or to taste)
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- Optional: 1 tablespoon sugar (to balance acidity)
For Garnishing:
- Shredded cheese (cheddar or your favorite variety)
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fresh cilantro
- Tortilla chips or cornbread for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions

Brown the Ground Meat: Begin by browning your ground beef (or turkey, chicken, or another preferred protein) in a skillet over medium-high heat. Use a wooden spoon to break up the meat into small pieces. Once the meat is browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to the slow cooker.

Add the Vegetables: In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion and garlic until fragrant and softened, about 3-4 minutes. Add them to the slow cooker with the browned meat.
Add the Remaining Ingredients: Next, add the diced tomatoes (with juices), tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, and green chilies to the slow cooker. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and give everything a good mix to combine. If you like your chili slightly less acidic, you can add a tablespoon of sugar to balance the flavors.
Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. The longer you cook it, the more the flavors will develop. Stir occasionally if possible, but it’s not necessary.

Taste and Adjust Seasonings: Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if needed. If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to add more chili powder or hot sauce. If it’s too thick, you can add more broth or water to reach your desired consistency.
Serve and Garnish: Once the chili is ready, serve it hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, and fresh cilantro. Pair it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Variations

Vegetarian Chili: Swap the ground beef for extra beans, such as black beans, pinto beans, or lentils, for a hearty vegetarian chili. You can also add extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and carrots for more flavor and texture.

Spicy Chili: If you love spice, add jalapeños, hot sauce, or a few dashes of crushed red pepper flakes to give the chili a fiery kick. Adjust the cayenne pepper to your desired spice level.
Slow Cooker Chili with Beer: For a richer, deeper flavor, you can add a bottle of dark beer (such as stout or porter) to the slow cooker. The beer will enhance the overall taste and give the chili a slightly smoky undertone.
Chili with Corn: Add 1-2 cups of frozen or canned corn to the chili for added sweetness and texture. This pairs wonderfully with the savory flavors of the beans and meat.

How to Serve

Slow cooker chili is a complete meal on its own, but it can be served with a variety of sides:

Tortilla Chips or Cornbread: Serve your chili with crunchy tortilla chips or soft cornbread for dipping and extra flavor.
Rice or Quinoa: For a heartier meal, serve chili over rice or quinoa.

Fresh Salad: A simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette will balance the richness of the chili.