Slow Cooker Chili with Mixed Beans

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

This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs ground beef, yellow onion, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 lb ground beef and cook for 6-8 minutes until browned, breaking up meat with a spoon.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet with the beef, cooking for 4-5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Transfer beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz kidney beans (drained and rinsed), 15 oz black beans (drained and rinsed), and 1 cup beef broth.
  4. Step 4: Stir in 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper until well combined.
  5. Step 5: Cover slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  6. Step 6: Serve warm with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Chili with Mixed 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 Chili with Mixed Beans?

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 Chili with Mixed 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 Chili with Mixed 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 Chili with Mixed Beans?

American 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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