Description
A warm, filling, and effortless crockpot chili recipe featuring ground beef and beans, perfect for cozy dinners and meal prep.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds ground beef (80/20)
- 2 cans kidney beans (15 oz each), drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans (15 oz), drained and rinsed
- 2 cans diced tomatoes (14.5 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 large yellow onion, diced (about 1 cup)
- 4 cloves garlic, minced (about 2 teaspoons)
- 1 cup beef broth (low sodium)
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional add-ins:
- 1 bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Optional twists: splash of beer or 1 teaspoon cocoa powder
Instructions
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes). Drain excess fat if needed.
- In the same skillet, add a bit of oil if dry, then add diced onion and cook until softened and translucent (about 3 minutes). Add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
- Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions, garlic, beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and all spices into the crockpot. Stir well to combine.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours.
- About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed. If too thick, add a splash of broth or water. If too thin, cook uncovered on high for 20-30 minutes to reduce.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
[‘Browning the beef first adds depth and caramelization.’, ‘Use low sodium beef broth to control salt levels.’, ‘Avoid over-stirring during slow cooking to prevent mushy beans.’, ‘Adjust spice level at the end to taste.’, ‘Add diced bell peppers or jalapeños during the last hour for texture and heat.’, ‘For a smoky flavor, substitute 1 tablespoon chili powder with chipotle chili powder.’, ‘This recipe is naturally gluten-free if broth and spices are checked for gluten.’, ‘Leftovers store well in the fridge for up to 4 days and freeze for up to 3 months.’]
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl (approximatel
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6
- Sodium: 480
- Fat: 12
- Saturated Fat: 5
- Carbohydrates: 30
- Fiber: 8
- Protein: 25
Keywords: crockpot chili, ground beef chili, slow cooker chili, hearty chili, easy chili recipe, chili with beans, weeknight dinner, comfort food