Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty, spice-laced chili simmered to perfection, perfect for a cozy meal. This mexican-inspired slow cooker ready in about 100 minutes pairs diced tomatoes, ground beef, kidney beans for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 220 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

★ 3.1 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 80 min Serves 6 Mexican cuisine 220 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 2 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef, breaking into small pieces, and cook for 5-7 minutes until browned. Drain excess fat.
  3. Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tsp cumin, and 14 oz diced tomatoes, cooking for 2 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Add 15 oz kidney beans, 2 cups vegetable broth, and 1 tbsp lime juice. Bring to a simmer, then transfer to a slow cooker.
  5. Step 5: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the flavors meld.
  6. Step 6: Serve with 1/4 cup shredded cheese or toppings like cilantro and avocado.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili take to make?

Total time is about 100 minutes (20 min prep + 80 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep diced tomatoes from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Budget-Friendly Slow Cooker Chili?

Mexican slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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