Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

If you’re craving a comforting, hearty meal with minimal effort, this Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is exactly what you need. Perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or simply when you want a flavorful dinner waiting for you after a long day, this chili combines ground beef, beans, spices, and a touch of cocoa powder for a rich depth of flavor. It’s incredibly simple to prepare and makes enough to feed a crowd or to enjoy as delicious leftovers.

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe scores big on flavor, convenience, and versatility. Here’s why:

• Hands-off cooking: Just prep your ingredients, set your slow cooker, and let it work its magic.
• Rich, complex flavors: The addition of cocoa powder and cinnamon adds subtle warmth and depth to the chili.
• Hearty and filling: Packed with lean ground beef, beans, and vegetables, it’s a meal in itself.
• Perfect for meal prep: Makes great leftovers and freezes beautifully for busy weeks.
• Customizable: Easy to tweak the spice levels and ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs.

Gather These Ingredients

To make this delicious Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe, you’ll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 pounds 85 or 90% lean ground beef
• 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 28 ounces canned crushed tomatoes
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 1/2 teaspoons salt, or to taste
• 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
• 3 cups beef broth
• 2 cans (15 ounces each) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
• 15 ounces canned cannellini beans, rinsed and drained
• 1/2 cup canned sweet corn, rinsed and drained

Hardware & Gadgets

Here’s what you’ll need to make this recipe:

• Slow cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works perfectly for this recipe.
• Large skillet: To brown the ground beef and sauté onions and garlic.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: For stirring the ingredients.
• Measuring spoons and cups: To ensure precise seasoning and ingredient amounts.
• Can opener: For opening the canned beans, tomatoes, and corn.

From Start to Finish: Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Beef and Sauté Aromatics

Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the diced onion and sauté until translucent, about 5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until fully browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the light brown sugar, chili powder, ground cumin, ground cinnamon, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, cocoa powder, and beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Add Beans and Corn

Stir in the rinsed and drained kidney beans, cannellini beans, and sweet corn. These add a wonderful variety of textures and flavors to the chili.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours, or on high for 3 to 4 hours. The low and slow method deepens the flavors, but high works if you’re short on time.

Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning

Before serving, taste your chili and adjust salt, pepper, or chili powder to your preference. If you want a thicker chili, remove the lid and cook on high for an additional 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Enjoy

Spoon the chili into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro. Pair with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for a complete meal.

Substitutions by Diet

• Ground beef alternative: Use ground turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
• Vegetarian version: Replace beef with extra beans, lentils, or plant-based meat crumbles.
• Spice level: Omit red pepper flakes or add more chili powder for mild or spicy chili.
• Beans: Swap kidney and cannellini beans for black beans or pinto beans if preferred.
• Broth: Use vegetable broth for a vegetarian or lighter taste.

Pro Tips & Notes

• For best flavor, brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic before adding to the slow cooker. This step enhances the chili’s depth.
• The cocoa powder adds a subtle chocolate richness that balances the spices – don’t skip it!
• Adjust the chili powder and red pepper flakes to control the heat level to your liking.
• Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup.
• If your chili is too thick, stir in a little extra beef broth or water.
• Leftover chili freezes well in airtight containers for up to 3 months.

How to Store & Reheat

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. You can also microwave it in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, heating in 1-minute intervals and stirring in between.

For longer storage, freeze chili in portion-sized containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Ask & Learn

Can I make this chili in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Use the sauté function to brown the beef and cook the onions and garlic first. Then add all ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on the chili or manual high-pressure setting for about 20 minutes. Let the pressure release naturally for best results.

What can I serve with this chili for a complete meal?

This chili pairs wonderfully with crusty bread, cornbread, or tortilla chips. For a more filling meal, serve it over rice or alongside a fresh green salad. If you’re a pasta fan, try it with our One Pot Chili Mac Pasta for a fun twist.

Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! You can brown the beef and prep all the ingredients a day ahead. Store them covered in the refrigerator, then assemble and cook in your slow cooker when ready. This makes meal day even easier.

How do I make the chili thicker if it’s too watery?

If after cooking your chili is thinner than you like, remove the lid and cook on high for 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, stir in a small amount of cornstarch slurry (1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water) and cook until thickened.

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Hungry for More?

If you loved this Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe, be sure to explore other hearty, simple recipes that bring comfort and flavor to your table with minimal fuss. Whether you’re in the mood for pasta bakes, one-pot meals, or classic stews, there’s a perfect recipe waiting for you to try!

This chili is a fantastic staple to have in your recipe rotation. It’s flexible, flavorful, and easy enough for weeknights yet impressive enough to serve guests. Next time you’re craving a cozy bowl of chili, you’ll know exactly where to turn. Enjoy!

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