Chef Rachel swears by this slow cooker chili with ground beef as the ultimate lazy dinner solution that delivers maximum flavor with minimal effort.
This easy crockpot recipe combines seasoned ground beef, hearty beans, and aromatic spices that slow-cook to perfection while you tackle your day.
Whether you’re planning game day gatherings or searching for easy dinner recipes that feed a crowd, this ground beef chili transforms simple ingredients into a comforting meal everyone craves.
This lazy dinner recipe requires just 15 minutes of prep before your slow cooker does all the work.
The combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika creates bold flavors, while the beans add protein and fiber for a satisfying meal that works perfectly for busy weeknights or weekend entertaining.
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Table of Contents
Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef (Game Day Easy)
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until no longer pink.
- Add diced onion, chopped bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet. Sauté for 4-5 minutes until vegetables are tender.
- Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Cook for 30 seconds, stirring.
- Transfer seasoned beef and vegetables to your 6-7 quart slow cooker.
- Add drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans to the slow cooker.
- Pour in petite diced tomatoes with juice, drained Rotel tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours until thick and bubbly.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder.
- Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.
Notes
For spicier chili, use hot Rotel or add fresh jalapeños with the vegetables.
Thicken chili by simmering uncovered on high for 15-30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry.
Add 1-2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder for depth and richness.
Store leftovers in airtight containers in refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge before reheating.
For Instant Pot: Sauté beef and vegetables in pot, add remaining ingredients, cook on high pressure 20 minutes with natural release. Calories: 295
Protein: 24
Servings: 6
Equipment for Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef
- 6-7 quart slow cooker
- Large skillet
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Sharp knife and cutting board
- Can opener
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef
- 1 pound ground beef (90% lean)
- ½ medium onion, diced
- 1 medium red bell pepper, seeded and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz can petite diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz can Rotel (diced tomatoes with green chilies), drained
- 8 oz can tomato sauce
Optional Toppings:
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Chopped red or green onions
- Fresh cilantro leaves
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Tortilla chips or Fritos
- Lime wedges
Instructions for Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef
- Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula as it cooks until no longer pink.
- Add the diced onion, chopped red bell pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Sauté the vegetables for 4-5 minutes until they become tender and fragrant.
- Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, garlic powder, smoked paprika, kosher salt, and black pepper over the beef mixture. Stir and cook for 30 more seconds to toast the spices and release their flavors.
- Transfer the seasoned beef and vegetable mixture to your 6-7 quart slow cooker.
- Add the drained and rinsed black beans and kidney beans to the slow cooker.
- Pour in the petite diced tomatoes with their juice, drained Rotel tomatoes, and tomato sauce. Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
- Cover with the lid and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 7-8 hours. The chili should be thick, bubbly, and aromatic when done.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, adding more salt, pepper, or chili powder according to your preference.
- Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, and diced avocado.
Nutrition Facts
| Nutrient | Per Serving |
|---|---|
| Calories | 295 |
| Protein | 24g |
| Carbohydrates | 32g |
| Fat | 8g |
| Saturated Fat | 3g |
| Cholesterol | 45mg |
| Sodium | 785mg |
| Fiber | 10g |
| Sugar | 7g |
| Calcium | 95mg |
| Iron | 5mg |
| Potassium | 965mg |
Based on 6 servings without toppings
Tips and Variations for Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef
Protein Alternatives
Substitute ground turkey or ground chicken for a leaner version of this crockpot recipe while maintaining the same cooking method. Try a combination of half ground beef and half Italian sausage for extra flavor depth in your recipes with ground beef.
Vegetarian Option
Omit the ground beef completely and add extra beans like pinto beans, white beans, or lentils for a meat-free version. Diced sweet potatoes or butternut squash make excellent additions that add substance and natural sweetness to vegetarian chili.
Spice Level Adjustments
- Use mild Rotel for kid-friendly chili or hot Rotel for extra heat
- Add diced fresh jalapeños when sautéing the vegetables
- Sprinkle in cayenne pepper or crushed red pepper flakes with the other spices
- Stir in a few dashes of hot sauce before serving
Thickening Methods
If your chili seems too thin after cooking, remove the lid and let it simmer on high for 15-30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry, then stir it into the chili during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Secret Ingredient Additions
- Add 1-2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder for depth and richness
- Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste for concentrated tomato flavor
- Add a pinch of cinnamon for warmth and complexity
- Mix in a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce for umami depth
Bean Variations
Use any combination of beans you prefer, including pinto beans, great northern beans, or cannellini beans. For a thicker chili, mash half of the beans before adding them to the slow cooker.
Make-Ahead and Storage
This lazy dinner recipe gets even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store leftovers in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze in portions for up to 3 months.
Instant Pot Conversion
Use the “Sauté” function to brown the beef and cook the vegetables directly in the Instant Pot. Add remaining ingredients, seal, and cook on high pressure for 20 minutes with natural release.
FAQs
Should I brown the ground beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, browning the beef first creates better texture and develops deeper flavors in this crockpot recipe. The caramelization that happens during browning adds richness that raw beef cooked directly in the slow cooker cannot achieve, and it allows you to drain excess fat for a healthier chili.
Can I use dried beans instead of canned beans?
You can use dried beans, but they require pre-soaking overnight and significantly longer cooking times in recipes with ground beef. If using dried beans, soak them for 8 hours, drain, then add them to the slow cooker with an extra cup of liquid and cook on low for 9-10 hours to ensure they become tender.
How do I make this chili spicier for game day parties?
Increase the heat level by using hot Rotel instead of mild, adding diced jalapeños or serrano peppers with the vegetables, doubling the chili powder, or stirring in cayenne pepper or hot sauce to taste. For extreme heat lovers, add diced habanero peppers or ghost pepper flakes for these easy dinner recipes.
What are the best toppings for slow cooker chili?
Classic toppings include sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, fresh cilantro, diced avocado, and tortilla chips. Set up a toppings bar for game day gatherings so guests can customize their bowls with lime wedges, sliced jalapeños, Fritos, or hot sauce according to their preferences.
Conclusion
This slow cooker chili with ground beef proves that lazy dinners can deliver restaurant-quality results with minimal kitchen time. The combination of seasoned beef, hearty beans, and aromatic spices creates a comforting meal perfect for game day gatherings or busy weeknights when you need easy dinner recipes that practically cook themselves. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding hungry crowds, this crockpot recipe delivers bold flavors and satisfying textures that make it a go-to favorite for any occasion.
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