There’s nothing quite like an aromatic bowl of slow-simmered chili to cozy up any night, and The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe is truly comfort food at its finest. Imagine all the best flavors—rich, smoky, a little spicy, and deeply satisfying—melding together effortlessly in your crockpot while you go about your day. Each spoonful bursts with tender beef, creamy beans, sweet tomatoes, and a chorus of savory spices, making this the chili you’ll find yourself craving, sharing, and writing home about. Whether you’re serving it at a game day party, feeding a hungry family, or meal prepping for the week, this classic never fails to satisfy.

The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk ingredients: every item in The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe is there for a reason, and while the list might look long, they’re all essential players in creating bold flavor and hearty texture. Each ingredient brings something special to the table—which means leaving even one out changes the whole experience! Here’s what you’ll need and exactly why it matters.

Ground beef (1 pound): Brings richness and substance—the starting point for big chili flavor.
Italian sausage (1/2 pound, optional): Adds an extra punch of savoriness and a hint of spice that takes your chili over the top.
Onion (1 medium, diced): Delivers sweetness and depth that mellow out the tomato’s acidity.
Green bell pepper (1, diced): Offers subtle bitterness and crunch for a layer of veggie goodness.
Garlic (3 cloves, minced): Infuses every bite with irresistible aroma and warmth.
Diced tomatoes (2 cans, 14.5 oz each): Juicy and tangy, forming the saucy backbone of your chili.
Tomato sauce (1 can, 15 oz): Adds body and lush tomato flavor that ties everything together.
Tomato paste (1 can, 6 oz): Concentrates that tomato goodness and thickens your chili perfectly.
Kidney beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Classic chili bean—hearty and mild, they soak up all the spicy flavors.
Black beans (1 can, 15 oz, drained and rinsed): Creamy texture, rich color, and earthy flavor—they’re a must for contrast.
Beef broth or water (1 cup): Loosens everything up and infuses more meaty depth; broth is ideal, but water works if you’re in a pinch.
Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The key player—don’t skimp! This is where your chili truly begins to sing.
Cumin (1 teaspoon): Warm and fragrant, it’s that unmistakable chili scent we all love.
Smoked paprika (1 teaspoon): Adds subtle smokiness and a gorgeous red hue.
Dried oregano (1/2 teaspoon): Herbal notes round out the earthy flavors.
Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Brings all the tastes alive—don’t forget to taste and tweak.
Black pepper (1/4 teaspoon): For that gentle touch of heat and extra zip.
Cayenne pepper (1/4 teaspoon, optional): Use if you like it spicy—a little goes a long way!
Brown sugar (1 tablespoon, optional): Balances out the acidity of all those tomatoes for perfect harmony.

How to Make The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe

Step 1: Brown the Meat

Start by heating a large skillet over medium heat, then add your ground beef and, if you’re feeling adventurous, the Italian sausage. Break up the meat as it cooks and let it brown thoroughly—this step adds depth and locks in savory flavor, so don’t rush it. Once there’s no pink left, drain off any excess fat to keep your chili from getting greasy.

Step 2: Sauté the Veggies

In the same pan, toss in your diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic right into the browned meat. Sauté everything together for 3 to 4 minutes, just until the onion goes translucent and the peppers soften slightly. The mixture should smell mouthwatering at this point—this is your flavor foundation!

Step 3: Assemble in the Crockpot

Transfer your savory meat and veggie mixture to your crockpot. Now, pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices), tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Next, add both types of beans, your beef broth or water, and then sprinkle in all the seasonings: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper if you like things hot. Finally, stir in the brown sugar to round off the flavors. Give everything a big stir so it’s all beautifully combined.

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Pop the lid on your crockpot, set it to Low, and let The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe work its magic for 6 to 8 hours (or cook on High for 3 to 4 hours if you’re short on time). The slow simmering transforms your chili into a rich, melty, flavor-packed dish as the spices marry and the beans become creamy. Your house will smell absolutely irresistible!

Step 5: Finish and Taste

Lift the lid and give your chili a gentle stir. Taste and adjust for seasoning—for some, this means a touch more salt or another sprinkle of chili powder. Now you’re ready to ladle out hearty bowls of the best crockpot chili you’ve ever tasted!

How to Serve The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe

Garnishes

A steaming bowl of The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe is never fully dressed without a flurry of toppings! Think shredded sharp cheddar, a dollop of cool sour cream, bright green onions, and some fresh cilantro. Crumble up some tortilla chips or toss on a few slices of jalapeño if you love extra kick—the sky is the limit, so don’t be shy.

Side Dishes

Chili loves company! Pair yours with thick wedges of cornbread for dunking, a crisp green salad to balance the richness, or even a baked potato for pure comfort. If you’re feeding a crowd, set up a chili bar with sides like rice, tortilla chips, or even soft dinner rolls so everyone can build their own perfect bowl.

Creative Ways to Present

Think beyond the bowl! Spoon your chili over baked sweet potatoes, ladle it atop nachos for an epic game day treat, or use it as a filling for chili cheese burritos. For parties, try serving The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe in mini bread bowls or sturdy tortilla cups—guests will love the fun twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your leftover chili to airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to four days, and honestly, the flavors deepen and mellow with each passing day—leftover chili is a joy all its own.

Freezing

This is a dream meal for the freezer! Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or containers, flatten for quicker thawing, and freeze for up to three months. Just be sure to leave a little space at the top of the container since liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating

To reheat, just pour your chili into a pot on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot. For single servings, the microwave works great—give it a stir halfway through so it heats evenly. If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge or gently defrost on low in the microwave or stovetop before heating through.

FAQs

Can I make The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Skip the meat entirely and add an extra can of beans—pinto, chickpeas, or lentils work great. You’ll still get a hearty, satisfying chili with loads of flavor.

Do I need to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker?

Browning the meat adds lots of depth and helps develop richer flavor. While you technically could add raw ground beef, taking a few extra minutes for this step really turns The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe into something special.

What’s the best way to add more heat to the chili?

For more spice, increase the cayenne pepper, add diced jalapeños, or stir in a spoonful of chipotle in adobo for smoky heat. Taste as you go and build the fire level that’s right for you.

Can I cook The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe overnight?

Yes! If you set your crockpot to Low, the chili can safely cook overnight for 6 to 8 hours. Wake up to an incredible aroma and dig in at lunchtime or pack it up for later.

How can I thicken my chili if it’s too soupy?

Let the chili simmer uncovered in the crockpot or on the stove for 30 extra minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate. You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the pot to make it extra thick and hearty.

Final Thoughts

From the very first bite to scraping the bowl clean, The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe is sure to become a beloved staple in your home. Give it a try—you’ll see just how easy, adaptable, and incredibly delicious homemade chili can be. Happy slow cooking!

The Ultimate Crockpot Chili Recipe

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4.7 from 20 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This ultimate crockpot chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and perfect for a cozy night in. Packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of spices, it’s easy to make and even better as leftovers.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat Mixture:

1 pound ground beef (or ground turkey)
1/2 pound Italian sausage (optional, for extra flavor)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced

Chili Base:

2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 cup beef broth or water
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, to balance acidity)

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Instructions

Cook Meat: In a skillet, brown the ground beef and sausage. Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic; cook until softened.
Combine Ingredients: Transfer meat mixture to the crockpot. Add tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, beans, broth, spices, and sugar. Mix well.
Cook: Cover and cook on Low for 6-8 hours or High for 3-4 hours.
Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve: Top with cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Enjoy hot!

Notes

This chili tastes even better the next day.
Variations: Add corn, jalapeños, or chipotle peppers. For a vegetarian version, skip meat and add extra beans or lentils.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: American