Slow Cooker Chili with Spices

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-03 · Updated 2026-05-03

This american-inspired beef ready in about 255 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 320 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 lb ground beef
• 1 medium, diced yellow onion
• 4, minced garlic cloves
• 14 oz canned diced tomatoes
• 15 oz, drained and rinsed kidney beans
• 15 oz, drained and rinsed black beans
• 3 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat 1 tbsp olive oil. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and sauté for 5 minutes until softened and translucent.
2. Step 2: Add 4 minced garlic cloves and 1 lb ground beef to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7 minutes.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz drained kidney beans, 15 oz drained black beans, 3 tbsp tomato paste, and 1 cup beef broth.
4. Step 4: Add 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to the slow cooker. Mix well to combine all ingredients.
5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili is thickened. Stir before serving.