Slow Cooker Tex-Mex Beef Chili

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-07-22 · Updated 2026-07-22

Hearty slow-cooked beef chili infused with smoky spices and a hint of regional Tex-Mex flavor, perfect for cozy dinners. This Mexican-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs lean ground beef, diced tomatoes with green chilies, kidney beans, drained and rinsed 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.

Ingredients

• 1.5 lbs lean ground beef
• 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies
• 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 medium onion, chopped
• 4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium chopped onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant.
2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs lean ground beef to the skillet, breaking it apart with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no pink remains, then drain excess fat.
3. Step 3: Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes with green chilies, 15 oz kidney beans, 15 oz black 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.
4. Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens slightly.
5. Step 5: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your choice of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.