Slow Cooker Indiana-Style Beef and Bean Chili
A hearty slow-cooked chili that blends tender beef with beans and a smoky spice mix inspired by Midwestern flavors. This american-inspired beef ready in about 255 minutes pairs ground beef, medium yellow onion, diced, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs ground beef
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 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
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs ground beef to the skillet and cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until browned and cooked through, about 6-7 minutes.
- Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker and add 14 oz canned diced tomatoes, 15 oz 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. Stir to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Indiana-Style Beef and Bean Chili take to make?
Total time is about 255 minutes (15 min prep + 240 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 Indiana-Style 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 Indiana-Style 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 Indiana-Style 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.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Indiana-Style Beef and Bean 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.
