This Crock Pot chili is a hearty slow cooker recipe made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold spices for a thick and flavorful dish. Perfect for easy family dinners, meal prep, and game day food, this classic chili recipe cooks low and slow to develop rich taste and a satisfying texture. Made with simple pantry ingredients like kidney beans, tomato sauce, chili powder, and cumin, it’s a convenient one-pot meal that requires minimal effort. This easy slow cooker chili is ideal for anyone searching for crock pot chili, beef chili recipe, homemade chili, or comfort food meals. Serve it hot with cheese, sour cream, or onions for a filling and crowd-pleasing dish.

Ingredients

1 lb ground beef
1 celery stalk, chopped
1 small onion, finely diced
½ tbsp minced garlic
1 (15 oz) can petite diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (15 oz) can dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can beef broth
1 (15 oz) can refried beans
1 ½ tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
Salt and pepper, to taste

Optional Toppings:

Shredded cheddar cheese
Chopped onions or green onions
Sour cream

Instructions

In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with chopped celery, diced onion, and minced garlic until the meat is fully browned and the vegetables are tender. Season lightly with salt and pepper.

Drain any excess grease, then transfer the mixture to a 4-quart or larger slow cooker.

Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, beef broth, and refried beans to the slow cooker. Break up the refried beans with a spoon to help them blend into the chili.

Stir in chili powder, cumin, Worcestershire sauce, and additional salt and pepper to taste. Mix well to combine all ingredients.

Cover and cook on LOW for 4–6 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and the chili to thicken.

Taste before serving and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, onions, or sour cream.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crock pot chili is rich, thick, and packed with bold flavors. The slow cooking process allows the ingredients to blend perfectly, creating a hearty meal that’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Tips

Brown the beef well to enhance flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
Stir occasionally if possible, especially if cooking longer.
Adjust spice levels by adding more chili powder or a pinch of cayenne.
Let the chili sit for a few minutes before serving to thicken further.

Variations and Substitutions

Substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter option.
Add black beans or pinto beans for extra texture.
Include diced bell peppers or corn for added flavor and color.
Make it spicier with jalapeños or hot sauce.

FAQs

Can I cook this on HIGH instead of LOW?
Yes, cook on HIGH for about 2–3 hours, but LOW is recommended for deeper flavor.

Why add refried beans?
They help thicken the chili and create a smooth, hearty texture.

Can I freeze this chili?
Yes, it freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

Serving

Serve hot in bowls topped with cheddar cheese, onions, and sour cream. It pairs well with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.

Suggestions

This chili is perfect for meal prep, game days, or casual gatherings. Leftovers can be used for chili dogs, nachos, or stuffed baked potatoes for a quick and filling meal.