Slow-Cooker Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty and smoky chili slow-cooked to tender perfection with ground beef, chipotle peppers, and black beans for a comforting meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 375 minutes turns ground beef, (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, medium, diced onion into a satisfying snack for between meals, packed lunches, or game-day spreads — minimal active time and easy to scale up for a crowd. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 6, so it fits into lunchboxes, road trips, or an afternoon-energy gap without derailing the day. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add 2 cans drained black beans, 1 can diced tomatoes, 2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 cup beef broth, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir to combine.
  4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and chili thickens. Stir before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow-Cooker Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans 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 with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans?

Store in an airtight container at room temperature for crisp items, or in the fridge for anything dairy- or produce-based, for up to 3–5 days. Re-crisp baked snacks in a 300°F oven for 5 minutes if they soften.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow-Cooker Beef Chili with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans?

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 with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans 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 with Smoky Chipotle and Black Beans?

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.

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