Easy Crockpot Chili (Print-Friendly Version)

Set-and-forget comfort food combining ground beef, beans, and aromatic spices for the perfect hearty meal with minimal effort.

# Ingredients List:

→ Main Ingredients

01 - 1 lb ground beef or turkey
02 - 1 large onion, chopped
03 - 1 green bell pepper, chopped
04 - 2 cloves garlic, minced
05 - 2 (14.5 oz) cans diced tomatoes
06 - 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
07 - 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
08 - 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
09 - 1 tablespoon chili powder
10 - 1 teaspoon cumin
11 - 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
12 - 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
13 - Salt and pepper to taste
14 - 2 cups beef broth or water
15 - 1 tablespoon olive oil

# How to Make It:

01 - In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat and transfer the meat to your Crockpot.
02 - In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic for about 3-4 minutes, or until they start to soften. Add them to the Crockpot with the browned meat.
03 - To the Crockpot, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne (if using), and beef broth. Stir everything together to combine. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
04 - Set your Crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the chili is thick and the flavors have melded together. Stir occasionally if you can, but it’s not necessary.
05 - Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed, adding more chili powder, salt, or pepper based on your preference.
06 - Ladle the chili into bowls. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños. Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple salad on the side.

# Extra Tips:

01 - To make this recipe vegetarian, replace the ground beef with additional beans and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.
02 - Adjust spice level by adding more cayenne pepper or a splash of spicy salsa or hot sauce.
03 - Include additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
04 - For variation, experiment with ground sausage, turkey, or diced chicken as substitutes.