Easy Crock Pot Chili That's Always a Hit

There's something magical about coming home to a house that smells like simmering Crock Pot Chili. You know that feeling when you've been running around all day, and the last thing you want to do is stand over the stove? That's exactly when this simple crock pot chili saves the day. I learned this recipe from my mom, who learned it from her mom women who knew that the best meals are the ones that practically make themselves while you're living your life.

Jump To Recipe

• Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Chili
• Ingredients You'll Need
• How to Make Crock Pot Chili
• Tips for the Best Chili
• Variations and Add-Ins
• Favorite Chili Toppings
• What to Serve with Chili
• Storage and Freezing
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Easy Crock Pot Chili That's Always a Hit

Why You'll Love This Crock Pot Chili

This isn't just any chili recipe. It's the kind that makes everyone at the table go quiet for a minute because they're too busy enjoying it to talk. The beauty of this best crockpot chili recipe is its simplicity no fancy ingredients or complicated steps. Just throw everything in, press a button, and let time do its thing. I've made this for game day parties, busy weeknights, and even that one time I forgot I had people coming over (we've all been there, right?).

What makes this stand out? It's hearty without being heavy, flavorful without overwhelming your taste buds, and flexible enough that you can make it your own. Plus, it uses ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

Ingredients You'll Need

Let's talk about what goes into this pot of comfort:

• 2 pounds ground beef – The foundation of great chili
• 28 oz cans crushed tomatoes – For that rich, tomatoey base
• 14 oz can tomato sauce – Adds extra depth
• ¼ cup chili seasoning – Or use homemade chili seasoning for even more flavor
• 1 teaspoon garlic salt – Because garlic makes everything better
• ½ onion, chopped – Don't skip this
• 2 cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed – For heartiness and protein

For serving:

• 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
• ½ cup sour cream
• Chopped onions (optional)

How to Make Crock Pot Chili

Here's where it gets ridiculously easy:

Brown the beef. In a skillet over medium heat, brown your ground beef until it's no longer pink. Drain off any excess grease nobody wants greasy chili. This step only takes about 8 minutes and makes a real difference in the final texture.

Into the crock pot it goes. Transfer that beautiful browned beef into your slow cooker. Then add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, garlic salt, chopped onion, and kidney beans. Give it a good stir to combine everything.

Set it and forget it. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. I usually go with low because I like throwing it together in the morning before work. By dinner time, the flavors have melded together into something really special.

Serve with all the fixings. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese, sour cream, and extra onions if you're feeling bold.

Tips for the Best Chili

After making this easy crockpot chili countless times, I've picked up a few tricks:

Don't skip browning the meat. Yes, you could throw raw beef in there, but browning it first adds a depth of flavor that's worth the extra 10 minutes. Plus, you can drain the fat, which keeps your chili from getting greasy.

Adjust the seasoning to your taste. Start with ¼ cup of chili seasoning, but taste it before serving. Some people like it spicier, others prefer it mild. That's the beauty of making it yourself.

Let it cook low and slow. If you have the time, always choose the low setting. The longer cooking time lets all those flavors really get to know each other.

Make it ahead. This chili actually tastes even better the next day. Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers, or freeze portions for those nights when you need dinner in a hurry. It pairs perfectly with big chipotle-style homemade tortillas.

Variations and Add-Ins

One reason I keep coming back to this simple crock pot chili is how easy it is to change things up:

Add vegetables. Throw in diced bell peppers, corn, or even some creamy shrimp and corn skillet inspiration with sweet corn kernels.

Try different beans. Pinto beans, black beans, or a combination work beautifully. Check out this black bean soup for more bean inspiration.

Make it white. Swap the red theme for a easy white chicken chili version using chicken, white beans, and green chiles.

Go turkey. Use ground turkey instead of beef for a leaner option, similar to this slow cooker turkey chili.

Favorite Chili Toppings

Half the fun of chili night is setting up a toppings bar. Beyond cheese and sour cream, try:

• Sliced jalapeños
• Fresh cilantro
• Diced avocado
• Crushed tortilla chips
• A squeeze of lime
• Easy boom boom sauce for extra kick

What to Serve with Chili

This hearty meal stands on its own, but it's even better with sides:

• Cornbread stuffing or regular cornbread
• Mexican coleslaw
• Zesty cilantro limeslaw
• Cheesy taco sticks
• Creamy macaroni salad

Storage and Freezing

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It honestly gets better each day.

Freezer: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave.

Reheating tip: Add a splash of water or broth if it's thickened up too much.

Frequently Asked Questions

This Crock Pot Chili has seen me through countless busy evenings, surprise guests, and those days when cooking feels impossible. It's the kind of recipe that makes you look like you spent hours in the kitchen when you really just spent 15 minutes in the morning. Serve it alongside crockpot chicken spaghetti for variety, or pair it with jalapeño popper dip at your next gathering.

Here's to making something well, tasty without making yourself stressed in the process.

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