Slow Cooker Beef Chili
A nourishing slow cooker beef chili made with accessible pantry staples. This american-inspired beef ready in about 375 minutes pairs lean ground beef, yellow onion, chopped, green bell pepper, chopped for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 400 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
- 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
- 1 large yellow onion, chopped
- 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic cloves, minced
- 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown 1.5 lbs lean ground beef with 1 large chopped yellow onion and 1 medium chopped green bell pepper, breaking the beef into small pieces, cooking for 6-8 minutes until beef is no longer pink.
- Step 2: Add 3 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained and rinsed kidney beans, 1 cup beef broth, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
- Step 6: Serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Beef Chili take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 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 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 lean ground beef from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Beef 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 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 Slow Cooker Beef Chili?
American beef 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
A family favorite that’s become a Sunday ritual. Even my non-beef-eating spouse devoured it—definitely adding this to our rotation.
- ★★★★★
This recipe transformed my weeknight dinners. The flavors deepened beautifully overnight, and it’s the only chili my picky eater actually asks for.
- ★★★★★
My kids asked for seconds! The slow cooker kept it warm during our homeschooling sessions and the beef was perfectly tender.
