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Crockpot Chili Recipe
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The ULTIMATE Best Crockpot Chili Recipe

This Best Crockpot Chili Recipe is the ULTIMATE comfort food — rich, smoky, and full of bold flavor. Made effortlessly in the slow cooker, it’s thick, HEARTY, and perfect for easy weeknight dinners or game day gatherings. Whether you prefer beans or no beans, this chili delivers an award-winning, deeply satisfying taste every time.
Prep Time15 minutes
Cook Time7 hours
Total Time7 hours 15 minutes
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
Keyword: best crockpot chili, comfort food, easy weeknight dinner, game day chili, slow cooker chili
Servings: 8 servings
Calories: 370kcal

Equipment

  • 6-quart slow cooker
  • Large skillet for browning meat
  • wooden spoon
  • knife and cutting board for chopping vegetables

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds ground beef, turkey, or a mix of beef and Italian sausage
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup diced bell pepper (green or red)
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 1 cup beef broth, low-sodium
  • 2 (15 oz) cans beans of choice (kidney, pinto, or black), rinsed and drained
  • salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
  • 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar (optional, for brightness)

Instructions

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground meat and diced onion until the meat is no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
  • Stir in the garlic and bell pepper; cook for 2 minutes. Add chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, stirring for 1 minute to bloom the spices.
  • Transfer the meat mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, and beans (if using). Stir to combine.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours. Do not lift the lid during cooking.
  • Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning. Add brown sugar or vinegar if needed to balance flavor. Serve hot with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or green onions.

Notes

For the BEST flavor, don’t skip browning the meat and blooming the spices before transferring to the slow cooker. This step builds the foundation of a deep, complex chili. Add beans or extra vegetables as desired, and always taste before serving — a touch of vinegar or sugar can perfectly balance the flavors at the end.