Slow Cooker Texas-Style Beef Chili with Kidney Beans

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

Rich and hearty slow-cooked beef chili infused with bold Texan spices and tender kidney beans for comforting warmth. This texas regional-inspired beef ready in about 375 minutes pairs ground beef, large, diced yellow onion, minced 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 Texas Regional cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb ground beef to the skillet, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook for 6-7 minutes until browned and no longer pink.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Stir in 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with juices, 2 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 oregano, 1 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Mix well.
  5. Step 5: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens. Stir occasionally if possible before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Texas-Style Beef Chili with Kidney 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Kidney 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Kidney 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Kidney 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili with Kidney Beans?

Texas Regional 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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