This easy Crock Pot Chili recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prep before you slow cook it all day long for the best crock pot chili. Mild enough for the whole family, but still packed with tons of flavor!
My favorite meals for busy days are crock pot soups and chilis! Some of my other favorites are Chicken Wild Rice Soup, Crockpot Potato Soup, and Crock Pot Cheeseburger Soup.
As soon as it gets cold, the first thing I start to crave is chili. My daughter actually really loves chili, and will often beg me to make it for her.
Well, there isn’t a shortage of chili recipes here, but this is such an easy crock pot chili recipe which makes it the one that I make most of the time.
I also love that this is a crock pot recipe. It is so easy to make this in the morning and have a wonderful chili dinner that night.
Serve it up with this Corn Muffin Recipe, and dinner is a cinch!
Ingredients
Olive Oil – I use extra virgin. This is just for cooking the onion and garlic, so you could even use your favorite oil (like vegetable, canola, etc.)
Onion and Garlic – These add lots of flavor!
Ground Beef – I like to use a leaner ground beef – at least 90%. If you use a fattier ground beef, just make sure and drain the fat before adding it to the crock pot.
Pinto Beans and Kidney Beans – This is my favorite combination of beans to use for this chili, but feel free to use what you like or what you have on hand!
Tomato Sauce – This is the liquid portion of the chili.
Diced Tomatoes – No need to drain before, the juices can go right in!
Spices: Chili Powder, Oregano, Cumin, Garlic Powder – You can play with the spices, as well, and change things up to your liking. This mix gives the chili lots of flavor without a ton of heat.
Worcestershire Sauce – The Worcestershire sauce gives the flavors depth and kind of brings everything together.
Hot Sauce – This is a hot sauce like Tobasco, or whatever you have on hand. Add more to make it spicier!
Pepperoncini Liquid – The secret ingredient! After first using this years and years ago, I’ve never gone back. This is just the liquid that is in the jar of pepperoncinis.
Water – Add more or less to make it thicker or thinner.
How To Make It
This Crock Pot Chili is very simple! It does take a little bit of prep work, but it is all worth it in the end.
- Start by cooking your onion and garlic, then browning the ground beef. This needs to be done before the beef goes into the slow cooker.
- Once the beef is cooked, all of the remaining ingredients get added to the crock pot, along with the cooked beef.
- Cook the chili on low.
- When you are ready to serve, scoop the chili out into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings.
Crock Pot Chili Video
Chili Toppings
There really are no rules for chili toppings. You can get as creative as you want! But here are a few of my favorites.
- shredded cheese
- sour cream
- diced avocados
- diced tomatoes
- jalapeno slices
- tortilla chips or fritos
- diced red onion
- sliced green onions
- lime wedges
Tips and Tricks
- If you don’t want to pull out the crock pot, this can be done on the stove top, as well. Just cook it on low and let it simmer all day. If it gets too thick, you can add more water, or add in beef broth for more flavor.
- I think the secret to this recipe is the use of the juice from a jar of pepperoncinis. It’s not a lot, but I feel like that takes this recipe from good to great. So don’t skip out on it!
- This chili is quite thick, so if you don’t like your chili really thick, I would suggest adding more tomato sauce.
- It’s also not very spicy, so feel free to add in more chili powder to give it more kick.
- And like most chili recipes, it is much better the next day!
Frequently Asked Questions
One of my favorite things about this recipe is that I can leave it in the slow cooker to cook all day long. This chili should be cooked on low for at least 4 hours, but like most chilis, this recipe is gets better the longer it cooks. Keep it on low and people can serve themselves all night long!
If you like a spicy chili, I suggest adding more chili powder as well as more hot sauce. Or more hot sauce can be stirred into individual portions, as well! I also like to add fresh jalapenos to the top of mine.
This is actually a really easy recipe to make for a crowd – the one thing you’ll need to worry about is if it will fit in your slow cooker. You may need to use multiple slow cookers. It is a little harder to cut the recipe in half, simply because you’ll have half cans of many of the ingredients left over. The good thing is that it is better the next day, so you’ll want those leftovers!
This chili freezes very well. I like to let it cool completely, then place it in a ziplock bag so that I can store it flat in the freezer. Let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then add it to your slow cooker in the morning and let it cook all day!
More favorite chili recipes:
White Chicken Chili
Ground Turkey Chili
Butternut Squash Chili with Beef
Cincinnati Chili Recipe
Pumpkin Chili
Tools
- Of course you need a slow cooker! I have one similar to this one, and I love it! One of my favorite features is that it has low, medium and high heat settings.
- You also need a skillet to cook the ground beef before it goes into the slow cooker. I always love a good cast iron skillet!
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Crock Pot Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: American
Description
This easy Crock Pot Chili recipe only takes about 15 minutes to prep before you slow cook it all day long for the best crock pot chili. Mild enough for the whole family, but still packed with tons of flavor!
Ingredients
- 1/2 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
- 1/2 large onion, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 (16 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (16 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (16 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 tablespoon oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon hot sauce (such as Tobasco)
- 1 tablespoon liquid from a jar of pepperoncini peppers
- 1/4 cup water
- Shredded cheese and sour cream, for topping
Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet. Add the onion and cook, just until translucent. Add the garlic and cook until fragrant, about 30 seconds. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it up as it cooks, until it is browned and cooked through.
- Place the pinto beans, kidney beans, tomato sauce and diced tomatoes in a large slow cooker. Stir in the chili powder, oregano, cumin and garlic powder. Stir in the cooked ground beef mixture. Stir in the Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce and pepper liquid. If the chili is too thick, stir in the water.
- Cook on low for at least 4 hours, but it can cook on low all day long!
Recipe Notes:
Nutrition information provided as an estimate only. Various brands and products can change the counts. Any nutritional information should be used as a general guide. Nutrition information does not include toppings.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
- Calories: 286
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 775 g
- Fat: 14 g
- Saturated Fat: 11 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 41 g
- Protein: 20 g
- Cholesterol: 34 mg
Keywords: crock pot chili, crock pot chili recipe, slow cooker chili
Bailey says
I’ve made this about 10 times now, recipe is the perfect base to a good chili. We add a bit more spice to ours but always turns out amazing.
★★★★★
Edward l. Poulin says
I love your recipe and I made it as you stated and then a different verson omitting the beef, but. I added a few extra ingredients like Black beans, Cannellni beans, a can of mixed chili beans in chili sauce, a little Barbeque sauce, Steak sauce and my homemade beef stock from a stew that was made and frozen a while ago. All into my 8 quart crock ;pot on low for about eight hours or so. This recipe fills the pot but, it goes very fast and I make it often. ENJOY!!!
RW says
I used this recipe to use TOMATO-LESS chili. I left out the tomatoes and used vegetable broth and diced yellow squash. It turned out DELICIOUS!
★★★★★
Isabell says
This recipe is amazing! My family always asks me to make this chili. I do add a few things to it, I add sweet potatoes and do half ground beef, half pork sausage. And lastly I add my choice of sausage to add more texture to the chili and it’s a hit!
Thanks for the recipe!
★★★★★
Alejandra Luna says
The best chili I’ve ever had!
★★★★★
Phoenix Cooks says
Looks yummy. I’ve tried to make this for my family, and my family really love it. I will introduce your recipe for my friends. Thank you so much. I love it.
★★★★★
brooklyn grill says
Wow, This Crock Pot Chili is so amazing. I will try your recipe for my family and introduce your recipe for my friends. I think they will love it so much. Thanks for sharing.
★★★★★
Curtis says
Perhap it’s my slow cooker which has a very tight seal, but I find it just a little too saucy. So I cut out the water and cut in half the tomatoe sauce.
But still tastes delightful.
Linda Gubin says
Can you convert dome of your slower cooker recipes to the Insta pot? Thank you
❤️
Judy says
Me and my family love this recipe! I did alter it a little by adding a dash of cayenne and chopped green peppers. Delicious!!!
Alice@beefsteakveg says
Chili is the good spice when add for this recipe, it makes the pot become really tasty and yummy.. I love the way that you mix. Although being busy, i always try to make it for my family in the end of each weekend. Thank so much for your sharing.
★★★★★
Lindsay says
This is my go to chili recipe. Always turns out delicious!! If it’s a little too thick I’ll add chicken stock instead of water. Great with cornbread muffins on the side!
Rachel says
So good! I made this for my family, and then one week later… I made it again! Haha. It was THAT good. So yummy – thank you for sharing with us!
★★★★★
Megan says
My family loved this recipe! We can’t have Worcestershire sauce so I made it up from scratch. Delicious recipe!!! Perfect for a cold, winter day!
★★★★★
S. Miller says
Delish! Hit with both my husband and I. I did add some diced bell peppers just cause I needed to use them up.
★★★★★
Curtis H says
Very good, but a bit too saucy,
I doubled the recipe, next time I will.cut the tomato sauce in half, and skip the water.
My crock pot has a rubber seal, perhaps other crock pots need the extra water fluids.
★★★★
Stephanie Bergquist says
I made this chili for me and my roommate. She told me that it was the best chili she had ever had in her life! We are definitely making more next time for leftovers. The flavor is perfect! I cooked it on high for only 3 hours and ate it with cheese and avocado and sour cream, and it turned out absolutely amazing.
Kirstie says
This recipe is wonderful. I absolutely love the hint of pepperoncini it has in the chili.
★★★★★
Leala says
We LOVED this recipe. I added an extra table spoon of chilli powder and used sriracha for the hot sauce. Also added corn, carrots, celery and mushrooms!! Yum yum!
★★★★★
Sue C says
I love this recipe. Great crock pot meal, esp for busy weekends. I assemble the whole thing the night before want to serve it and then cook all day on low. The spice level is a good compromise- has a little kick, but not too much for those who like it milder. I’ve made for family and also served at a pot luck with friends and it’s always a hit.
★★★★★
Sue C says
I love this recipr
★★★★★
Jake Schauffler says
Thank you for the easy recipe help, you saved me from putting the ground beet in the crock-pot raw hahaha
grill says
I made this last week, this is simple to follow, but so good, the tips are useful, thanks a lot.
Penny F says
I love this recipe and made it many times. This time I tweeked it just a bit and added a whole cup of water plus one Tbsp of beef boullion and about 3 or 5 Tbsp of sugar. My husband said this was the best chili he has ever had.
★★★★★
Becca says
I realize it’s July … in the South … but we had a craving for chili. The ingredients in this looked so good I had to try it. We loved it!!! I did use only 1/2 of the dry spices. but it didn’t take away from the flavour. The best part I can make this in my slow cooker. It will stay on our dinner rotation. Thanks much.
Rook says
Oh wow, definitely this dish has a ton of flavors, I like how you share tips about using topping, thanks a lot.
Cheryl R says
This is our new favorite! Going in the “moms favorite recipes” book! Thanks for sharing!
habitat says
Crock Pot Chili recipe is great! It’s easy to do it, something I never thought about before. Thank you for sharing the recipe, it’s great for me
★★★★★
Deborah says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Kimberley Pereda says
Hi Deborah! Awesome recipe and worth to share. This is very unique recipe for me. The combination of chili and diced of avocados is perfect. Please share more recipe. Thanks.
★★★★★
James says
I made this to take to work last week and it was delicious! I am making it again today, however I am adding black beans instead of pinto beans. Let’s see how it comes out!
★★★★★
Alina says
Deborah, this recipe would be perfect for those cold nights. Looking forward to making this for my family.
★★★★★
Deborah says
I hope you enjoy it!
obamaasskisser says
nice
Anna says
Deborah, this looks amazing! Thank you, I will try this right away)
★★★★★
Olga says
Deborah, thank you very much! I like this chili! Wonderful combination of ingredients. It look so yummy!
★★★★★
Alyssa says
Deborah, thank you very much! I really liked the recipe, I took it to my recipe book)
★★★★★
Deborah says
Thanks, Alyssa – I’m so glad you liked it!
Meredith says
This is going to be yummy!!! While I didn’t have the pepperocini juice or Tabasco, I just used 2 Tbsp Worcestershire and the tiniest pinch of cayenne instead and it gave it the perfect heat. I adjusted all the seasonings to my personal taste and also added a dash of Adobo, extra cumin, paprika, and even a squirt of soy sauce to the beef & onions as they were cooking. I’m all about flavor – no bland chili for this chick 😄 I haven’t even turned on the crockpot yet and already just scooping it out with a spoon, it’s delicious! Excited for the end result, thank you again!
★★★★★
Deborah says
Oooh, your changes sound wonderful! I hope you enjoyed it!!
Lisa@eatfrysmith says
I spent an hour making this dish. It was indeed delicious
Love you.
Deborah says
I’m so glad you loved it!
Corinne says
Thank you for posting this recipe – it’s a keeper! The seasoning was perfect – not too spicy, not to hot, not too bland.
Deborah says
Yay! I’m glad to hear that!
Dana says
I think this is the best chili I’ve had in awhile. I just put it in the crock pot and gave it a little taste. It’s still cool but I can tell this is gonna be really yummy after it cooks alll day!
★★★★★
Deborah says
I’m so glad!!!
Kym says
Would you be able to add any veggies to this, such as corn/peppers?
Deborah says
Of course!! I think they would both be delicious! I wouldn’t add corn until the last little bit, but the peppers could cook longer.
Nialla says
No salt?
Deborah says
Definitely add salt if you want to!
Fran says
Made it yesterday, with a pan of cornbread. Put a piece of cornbread in the bowl put the chili on top. I know whats for Super this year, but with have to borrow or buy another slow cooker, one won’t be big enough.
★★★★★
Linda Ketchens says
Husband loved it!!! Delicious!!
★★★★★
Linda Ketchens says
I made this recipe today, and doubled it to make it last for the weekend with the football playoffs on. I didn’t add the pepperoncini juice because I couldn’t find any. I also bought the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes without sodium so I could add my own salt. My husband loved it and I found it to be delicious!! Thanks for the recipe! Perfect for being snowed in, with a fire and playoffs!
Deborah says
Sounds like the perfect weekend! So glad you both loved it.
Michelle says
Drain the beans?
Deborah says
Yes – the beans are drained and rinsed.
Paul says
Thanks for this recipe but does it really need to cook for 4 hours? I mean, the meat is cooked in the pan before going into the crockpot and canned beans are already cooked.
Also, you need a LARGE crockpot for this recipe. I tried in my small crockpot and it wouldn’t fit.
Deborah says
Technically, no – but the longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together. I think it just gets better the longer it cooks!
Chris Simons says
I am going to cook it for at least six hours. Reheat the next day will even be better.
I used dried beans softened in an Instant Pot. Steamed for 25 minutes then let naturally cool down. I used 1lb of kidney beans, 1/2 lb black beans )negra frijoles), 1/4 lb of pinto bean. Probably several cups more than Deborah’s recipe.
Due to using more beans I had to add more chile powder.
I put in a pinch of cinnamon, seems to give a creamy, slightly chocolate flavor.
★★★★★
Stacie says
I made a double batch in my crock pot.. Husband loves it
★★★★★
Deborah says
Awesome! That makes me so happy!
Sanchez says
I’ve really enjoyed it.
★★★★★
Deborah says
I’m so glad you liked it!
Jp says
I’ve made this several times and it’s a hit. I even have to make sure and put aside a bowl to go for my friend cause he gets mad if he knows I made it and wasn’t invited over
★★★★★
Deborah says
I love that!! You are a nice friend. 🙂
Teresa says
Amazing! Made this last night and my husband d isn’t a fan of chili but my son requested it for his birthday dinner.. my husband ate two big bowls! Definitely saving this recipe.
★★★★★
Robert Derby says
I’ve really enjoyed it.
RJ says
I love using my slow cooker during football season. Throw all the ingredients together then go and watch the games. Before you know it, it’s time to eat! Great reciepe.
★★★★★
blackbookkitchendiaries says
another great recipe to try:) thanks for sharing this.
Kim says
I love a good, thick, hearty chili and this one looks terrific! Love all the beans and the addition of the pepperocini liquid (that's a fun addition).
teresa says
what a great idea, i've never even thought to cook chili in the crockpot!
Jennifurla says
I dont have a slow cooker 🙁
I should remedy that, this looks fantastic. I love thick chili.
Joanne says
The slow cooker is just perfect for recipes like this! I love a good thick chili…I can feel it warming my soul just thinking about it.
Mom says
You get it girl
★★★★★
keepitsweet says
i JUST said to my husband that i want to make a slow cooker chili, perfect post:-)
Miss Meat and Potatoes says
Oh my goodness this sounds great. And I actually do love crock pot cooking – in fact I don't use mine near as much as I'd like to. I have never seen a chili recipe with pepperoncini juice in it before – I bet it gives it a great kick! Thanks for sharing;)
delishliving.com says
Isn't this just the best time of the year for chili? I can't help but make it like, all the time! This is yet another looking delicious version!
Tasha says
I love my slow cooker for chili and soups. I typically make my chili chock full of veggies, but this thick meaty, mostly veggie-less version would actually appeal to several of my family members a lot more. The pepperoncini liquid is a very intriguing addition!
Georgia (The Comfort of Cooking) says
There's nothing I love more come fall and winter than a big bowl of chili… This looks wonderful and warm, Deborah. Thank you for sharing!
claire says
mmm i would love to put some of that on a hotdog!
i love my crockpot… i am glad you keep coming back- the ease is like no other!
Megan says
My daughter put it on a hotdog and she loved it! Great recipe!!
Merut says
I think I'm with you – I avoid the crockpot whenever I can, but I can't avoid it forever. It just makes me nervous leaving my dinner alone for 8 hours while I'm at work. You never really know how it is going to turn out.
Pam says
It sounds and looks great and perfect for a slow cooker. I love it with being thick but would have to add more chili powder. Bet it was a hit at church!