Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
A hearty, smoky chili loaded with tender beef, kidney beans, and tomatoes, ready in under an hour. This american-inspired beef (vegetarian-friendly) ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground beef, drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 240 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.
Ingredients
- 500g ground beef
- 2 cups, drained kidney beans
- 2 cups diced tomatoes
- 1, chopped onion
- 2 cloves, minced garlic
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Brown beef in a pan, drain fat.
- Step 2: Add all ingredients to a slow cooker.
- Step 3: Cook on high for 1 hour or low for 3 hours.
- Step 4: Stir before serving.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 70 minutes (10 min prep + 60 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 Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean 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 ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean 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 Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean 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.
Is Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili vegetarian-friendly?
Yes — this recipe is tagged vegetarian-friendly based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
