Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

Name: Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 495 min
Yield: 8 servings
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 lbs ground beef; 1 large onion, diced; 4 cloves garlic, minced; 2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained; 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes; 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce; 2 tbsp chili powder; 1 tsp cumin; 1/2 tsp cayenne; Salt and pepper to taste; Sour cream and cheese for topping

Quick Answer

Slow Cooker Chili is a easy recipe that takes 495 minutes total and yields 8 servings. Hearty, deeply flavored chili that develops complex taste over 8 hours of slow cooking.

By Sarah Mitchell • June 14, 2026

Prep: 15 min

Cook: 8h

Servings: 8

Difficulty: Easy

slow-cookerone-potgluten-free

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Hearty, deeply flavored chili that develops complex taste over 8 hours of slow cooking.

About This Recipe

"Slow Cooker Chili" is a Dinner recipe that brings ground beef, onion, diced, garlic, minced, (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and (28 oz) crushed tomatoes together into a flavorful, well-balanced dish. Rated Easy and ready in about 495 minutes, this recipe fits easily into a busy schedule. It serves 8 and works equally well for a weeknight dinner or a relaxed weekend meal. The American inspiration behind this dish balances classic techniques with clean, vibrant flavors.

Ingredients

2 lbs ground beef
1 large onion, diced
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 cans (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp cumin
1/2 tsp cayenne
Salt and pepper to taste
Sour cream and cheese for topping

Instructions

1
Brown ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Drain fat.
2
Transfer beef to slow cooker. Add onion, garlic, beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, and all spices.
3
Stir to combine. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
4
Taste and adjust seasoning in the last 30 minutes.
5
Serve in bowls topped with sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions.

Expert Tips

For the best result, use the freshest, highest-quality ingredients you can find. Ground beef is the heart of this dish, so choose it with care. Read the recipe through before you start and prep all ingredients in advance (mise en place) so the cooking process is smooth. Slow cooker and one pot work especially well for this preparation. Because the recipe is gluten-free, it fits easily into balanced eating plans. Taste and adjust salt, pepper, and acid at the end to make the flavors pop.

What To Serve With This

"Slow Cooker Chili" is a versatile Dinner dish that pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, crusty bread or dinner rolls and classic American sides. Choose at least one fresh and one hearty side to create a balanced meal.

Storage & Reheating

Slow Cooker Chili keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3–4 days. Let it cool to room temperature before refrigerating to preserve texture. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the dish thickens in the fridge. You can also freeze portions for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.