Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
An easy slow cooker chili recipe with Ground Beef, beans, tomato sauce, and the best homemade chili seasoning. It putters away in the slow cooker for the juiciest beef and rich flavor.
Thank you to Beef. It’s What’s for Dinner. on behalf of the Beef Checkoff for sponsoring this Slow Cooker Chili recipe. I received compensation, but all opinions are my own.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure policy.
The Best Way to Cook Chili:
Slow Cooking chili is a classic way to cook chili. It’s the easiest chili because you can set it and forget it and this is how the award-winning chilis are achieved. The low and slow cooking process melds the flavors of the chili seasoning into every bite and the beef becomes so tender, juicy, and irresistible. You can slow cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili:
- Ground Beef – no other protein does it quite like beef and Ground Beef tastes amazing. We use lean (90/10 or 93/7) to eliminate the need to spoon out excess fat. If yours has a higher fat content, you can spoon out the excess fat when it renders in the skillet.
- Onion – we love a generous amount of onion because it adds amazing sweet notes to the chili and disappears into the chili as it slow cooks.
- Beans – you can change up the beans based on what you have on hand, but the classic beans for chili are kidney beans (we love dark red), and black beans. Be sure to rinse and drain the beans in a colander for the best chili consistency and color.
- Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce – We love the combination of canned diced tomatoes (with their juice) as well as tomato sauce to give the chili a saucy consistency with great texture. For added flavor, we add a can of diced tomatoes and green chilis.
- Chili Seasoning – we make a simple homemade blend with chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, oregano, salt, and pepper.
Do you Prefer a Spicy Chili?
To keep it kid-friendly, this classic chili is mild and not spicy. If you prefer a spicy chili, you can either add hot sauce to your bowl when serving or if you want the entire batch to be spicier, add an extra tablespoon of Chili Powder and 1/4 to 1/2 tsp of Cayenne Pepper to give it a spicy kick.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili:
Making chili in the slow cooker doesn’t get any easier. It’s as simple as browning the beef and onions then adding all of the canned ingredients to the slow cooker and turning it on. If you have a multicooker with a slow cooker function, you can saute and slow cook all in the same pot.
- SAUTE the beef and onions in a skillet then add garlic and seasonings to the pan.
- TRANSFER the beef mixture to a 6 Qt Slow Cooker.
- ADD REMAINING INGREDIENTS – rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice and tomato sauce.
- SLOW COOK – cover and set slow cooker on low 6-8 hours or on high 3-4 hours then season more to taste if needed.
Our Favorite Chili Toppings:
We love to serve this family-style where everyone can build their own chili bowls with the toppings they love. Toppings can vary based on what we have in the fridge, but these are our favorite toppings for chili –
- Cheese – mild cheddar is the classic choice, but Mexican shredded cheese works equally well
- Onion – chopped green or red onion adds a fresh pop of color and flavor
- Avocado – because we can’t help putting avocado on everything, especially chili.
- Cilantro – for garnish and adding fresh flavor
- Sour cream – balances the dish (especially great when chili is served over a baked potato)
- Sliced jalapenos – you can use any hot pepper for a spicy kick
How to Serve Chili:
Chili keeps really well in the refrigerator so we love to get creative with leftovers. There are so many ways to serve classic chili and really it can be served almost any time of day. Some of our favorites include:
- Chili Cheese Dip – Sprinkle chili with cheddar cheese and serve as an appetizer with tortilla chips.
- Chili Dogs – Top a hot dog with chili and shredded cheese to transform it into a chili cheese dog.
- Chili Stuffed Baked Potatoes – topping a baked potato with hot chili is a delicious gluten-free option and fun way to serve a crowd.
- In a Bowl – loaded with all of the toppings and tortilla chips or pita chips on the side (this is our family favorite)!
Why We Love This Family Friendly Dinner:
With so many families staying home together now, juggling homeschool, and cooking more than ever, it’s a great time to get kids in the kitchen and teach them through cooking. This slow cooker beef chili is a great way to teach your children cooking skills. Children can learn:
- Food safety tips like washing hands after handling raw meat
- The importance of using separate plates and utensils for raw and ready to eat foods to prevent cross-contamination
- How to measure spices and weigh ingredients
If you let kids help with preparing the meal, they are more likely to enjoy eating it. It also makes for a memorable photo-op moment!
More Beef Recipes You Will Love:
- Juicy Burgers – the secret to perfect burgers
- Beef and Broccoli Stir Fry – with the best sauce
- Quick Beef Chili – an easy 30-minute recipe
- Beef Stroganoff – classic and packed with flavor
- Beef Tenderloin – incredibly juicy and tender
- Easy Meatloaf – with the best glaze
Get the print-friendly recipe below for this Classic Slow Cooker Beef Chili.
Classic Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
An easy Slow Cooker chili recipe with Ground Beef, beans, tomato sauce, and the best homemade chili seasoning. It putters away in the slow cooker for the juiciest beef and rich flavor.
Ingredients
- 2 lb lean Ground Beef, (90/10 or 93/7)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tsp cumin powder
- 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz kidney beans, two 15oz cans, drained and rinsed
- 30 oz diced tomatoes, with their juice
- 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis, with their juice
- 30 oz tomato sauce
Instructions
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Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat (4-5 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula.
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Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Cook another 30 seconds stirring constantly. Transfer to a 6 Qt slow cooker.
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Add remaining ingredients into the slow cooker: rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Season to taste if desired and serve warm.
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see pics of your creations on Instagram, Facebook and Twitter! Hashtag them #natashaskitchen
Natasha Kravchuk
Beef Chili Recipe 
Turkey Chili Recipe 
Easy Ground Beef Recipes 
Easy Grape Jelly Meatballs Recipe 
Easy Taco Soup Recipe 
Ground Beef Tacos 
Hi! I'm Natasha Kravchuk. Here you'll find delicious, trusted recipes with easy step-by-step photos and videos. 
I don’t have a 6qt criock pot. Could you convert this to cook stovetop in a dutch oven?
This stovetop chili recipe would work great with ground beef.
Thank you Natasha for this Slow Cooker chili recipe it’s excellent I did drain most of the liquid from the tomatoes because I like my chili more thick than saucy but that’s the only tweak its delicious and will be my go to recipe.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Hello, probably a stupid question, But are the kidney and the black beans the dried kind.? Thanks
Hi Debbie, we used canned beans, drained.
This is not just the best chili I’ve made it is the best chili I’ve ever had! On my first try making chili! I’m going to make it today again. Thanks Natasha!
Wow! That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Adam!
The consistency of the chili was perfect for eating from a bowl and mopping up juices with your crusty bread. I will definitely make this again. Since I didn’t have tomatoes with green chilies I added a can of pork and beans with a dash of red pepper flakes but it is your recipe that makes this the best chili recipe for family and friends.
Hi Lynn, nice to know that the substitute ingredient worked great too! Thanks a lot for the review and for sharing that with us.
This was the best chili I ever had and so easy! My family loved it!! The only thing I did differently was use two packets of chili mix from Publix instead of putting in the seasonings!
Sounds great, Cindy! Thanks a lot for this review.
This is my absolute favorite chili. I’ve made it multiple times and every time it comes out better and better. I do I have one question, each serving size is 340 calories, what is the measurement of one serving size?
I’m so glad you loved this recipe, Kimberly! A serving size is about one to one and a half cups.
made the slow cooker chili recipe and as usual, it was fantastic. Halved the recipe, seeing it’s only me and my husband, and there was still plenty
Hello Donna, that’s nice feedback. Thank you for sharing that with us, I’m glad you both enjoyed this recipe!
I made this chili recipe today, using ground lean bison, because it’s easier on my stomach, and 3 cans of plain diced tomatoes, as my husband can’t eat green chiles. I also added 1/4 teaspoon each of cocoa and Ceylon cinnamon, enough for a touch of depth and sweetness, but not enough to stand out. Didn’t have any black beans, so used a can of cannellini beans instead.
Halfway through his bowl, my husband emphatically declared that for the rest of his life, this was the only chili he ever wanted to eat.
Your recipe is stellar! My little tweaks weren’t enough to change much, I don’t think, just to tailor it a bit to our needs and to what I had on hand.
Thank you so much for yet another Keeper recipe, Natasha!
Wow that’s fantastic feedback from your husband! That makes me feel inspired to share more new recipes with you all. Thank you so much for sharing!
This has now become my go to chili recipe! Every recipe of yours that I’ve made has been absolutely delicious…
Thank you, Natasha!!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it, Ann Marie!
I like the idea of adding green chilis.
I added a pinch or two of paprika and chocolate.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
Hello! I want to try this recipe and I am a new owner of a 5Qt crockpot. Do you know how much I should cut back to make it fit?
I don’t have experience using a crockpot but I can’t wait to get started. Thanks!
Hi Sam, I would cut the recipe back by 25% to make sure it doesn’t overflow. If it’s easier for you ingredient-wise, you can also cut the recipe in half.
Aside from cutting the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes (just diced tomatoes not the diced tomatoes with chilis) in half I kept everything else the same. Cooked in the slow cooker on high for 4 hrs and I must say, it’s a simple chili but it’s very very good! Definitely not much heat which is perfect because everyone in my family has a different level that they like so it works for all of us. Will definitely be making this recipe again and again!
That’s nice feedback, Mary. Thank you for sharing that with us, I’m glad your family members enjoyed this recipe too!
Question, is the serving size a cup? Trying to measure my calories! Thank you!
Hi Nicole, yes, it’s about 1 – 1.5 cups per serving.
Hi! I was wondering if you could sub the ground beef for stew beef? Curious if anyone has tried that?
Hi Jennifer, I haven’t tried that yet to advise. If you do an experiment, please share with us here how it goes.
Whenever I’m lost for somethig to cook for my wife and I turn to your web site. You are the best. Thank You ….Dale
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles
I think this recipe looks good, but it is kind of hard to tell. I kind of needed windshield wipers to push the ads away so I could actually see what is on this site. I know you need ads to make money, but there comes a point when the ads just ruin it, making me not want to come here for the recipes – or the ads.
Hi Marcie, Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback. The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site, so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. But we will definitely take note of your feedback and use it to improve our website.
I appreciate your feedback, and I hope you love every recipe you try. Happy Thanksgiving!
Hi, Has anyone tried this recipe with turkey or chicken? I pre-cook dry beans in a pressure cooker then add them to my bean based recipes.
Hi Mark, you can try our Turkey Chili recipe instead.
I really want to make this recipe and I understand the need for ads but your site is over the top. Cannot read the ingredients or the instructions. So, this would have to be the best recipe out there however, I am sure there are plenty others to go to without the flying ads non stop. Again, I know you need ads to offer free recipes but your site is uncomfortable to use. So, will try other wonderful recipes without flying ads constantly across the screen.
Hi Beverly, Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback. The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site, so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. But we will definitely take note of your feedback and use it to improve our website.
I appreciate your feedback, and I hope you love every recipe you try.
My teenage son made this for dinner last night and it was incredible! It had the perfect amount of spices and the flavor was on point! One of the best chili recipes I’ve eaten and will definitely be on the menu throughout fall and winter.
Thanks for the wonderful review, Marlee. I’m glad you enjoyed it!
This is my go to chili recipe! The only thing I change is I use a spice from The Spice and Tea Exchange- Matanzas Chili Spice Blend- and then less of the recipe spices! The Mantanzas spice blend just kicks it up just a notch! Love Your Recipes, the first place go when I want to find something!
Great to hear that, Zana. Thank you for the trust and for sharing this feedback with us!
Hi. Can I prepare the night before and leave in refrigerator overnight then cook? Thanks in advance
Hi Laura, I haven’t tried it that way and worry it will impact the outcome. I have readers who mentioned they cooked it overnight in their slow cooker, though! I hope you love this recipe!
Since this chili is going in a slow cooker I thought I would add a cautionary note about kidney beans (and there are others). If you use dried beans make sure when rinsing that you bring them to a boil and boil for a while. My neighbors used dried beans, added them to a slow cooker on low and created a great batch of poisonous chili. Feel free to check this out. I wasn’t aware of this but kidney beans without being boiled, are toxic.
Yes, this is why we use canned beans for the slow cooker and the instant pot. Here is our post on how to cook dried beans
Thank you Natasha, this is a great chili recipe and I enjoyed not using a store bought packet! The Only thing I did was add a cup or two of beef broth for a bit more liquidity? Otherwise very tasty and the adverts on your page are just the same as every site? So not sure why bev was so upset 😭
I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe! Thank you for sharing.
I made this chili recipe yesterday in my 6 qt crockpot. I used all the ingredients and measurements as listed. It did fill up my crockpot almost to the top, but after stirring everything together, I just removed a small amount and it turned out fine. This chili recipe was absolutely delicious! It has enough bite to it but is not over spiced. Perfect! Looking forward to leftovers today😀
I’m so glad you loved this recipe! Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
This does not fit in a 6qt crock pot. Had no room left for the 2 cans of diced tomatoes nor 2 cans of the beans called for. Granted, I used 2.4lbs of groundbeef (80/20) instead of just 2 . even if I had used only 2 at least the 2 cans of beans &1 can of diced tomatoes still would not have fit in my 6 qt crockpot.
Need to change your directions to reflect the use of an 8 Quart pot not 6.
Hi, are you sure you have a 6 qt slow cooker and not a 4-5 qt? It fills up the slow cooker pretty well but it should still fit. The one in the photos above is a 6 qt. Also, double-check the sizes of the tomato products you used.
My best friend is vegetarian, can I substitute those meatless crumbles? They’re kind of dry to start with, and already cooked, but I don’t want to miss out on the sauteing with the onions. (Best food smell from my childhood, ground beef in the skillet and my Mom adding in the onions!) Any suggestions for using the crumbles?
Hi Bill, I haven’t tested that and don’t have any experience with that product. It sounds like it may work?
Yes, you can! My family is vegan and we have made this with Gardein crumbles and with beyond or Impossible grounds (the Beyond crumbles in the mix aren’t great, but the cube is)
When I used crumbles, I just added them to the crockpot frozen and cooked the onion separately. I made this today with Impossible ground and cooked it and the onion together (I cooked at same time since the Impossible ground is not meat).
Omg this was so delicious! I decided to not add the chunky tomatoes and did a smaller portion by cutting the ingredients in half. This came out so amazing my fiance was already begging me to make it again this week… I did add sour cream and Mexican cheese blend as a topper. I also cut up corn Tortillas and fried them in oil to add on top as well. 5 out of 5!
That’s so great! It sounds like you have a new favorite, Melinda! Thank you for your great review!
First time making chili. Recipe worked pretty good. For the most part, I like the taste. Was definitely satisfied after eating the first bowl. I used 30 oz tomato paste because that is what I had. Ended up needing to add water to get this to the right consistency. I think I tasted a bit too much tomato. What is tomato sauce? Like Prego and Ragu that some use for spaghetti?
Hi Scott, Canned tomato sauce is a cooked purée of unseasoned tomatoes. If you’re using a prego or Ragu, you’ll need to make a few adjustments to the recipe. However, if you happen to test it that way, I’d love to know how you like it!
Ragu/Prego are ready made sauces to make pasta or other Italian dishes. Tomato sauce however is not the same. It typically is in small 8 oz. cans in the same section as diced and whole tomatoes. Some tomato sauces do have spices, but plain is what you would get since this recipe has its own spices (unless you feel 1 of their flavor varieties works/compliments this dish.)
We made this Halloween weekend so we could feed our crowd, everyone loved it! It’s a great recipe. Has enough heat to satisfy the adults and it’s mild enough the kids didn’t complain.
Hi Dorothy, I’m glad the recipe was a hit! Thank you for sharing that with us.
Bought all the ingredients and will make later today! I see that the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes state “30oz” but all your photos show the 15oz — is that why some people said it was too watery?
Hi Jen, we used the 30 oz cans! I hope you love this recipe!
Thanks for the severings calculator. It really makes it a lot easier to cut the ingredients in half.
I combined this recipe with another to make my chili, both are close to the same recipe. This recipe uses black beans and the other has cocoa instead of light red kidney beans.
Differences
-I used a McCormick chili packet but I still added some cumin and paprika.
-I used fresh tomatoes out of our garden plus a can of whole tomatoes and sauce. I used a hand blender to chop up the tomatoes.
-I used an IP to soften all the beans for 35 minutes with natural release. They were still a little crunchy but that was perfect for the crockpot.
I’m so glad that was helpful! Thank you for your excellent feedback!
thank you very much for all nice and Delicious recipe i am living alone my wife passed away three years ago keeping me busy i am learning more every day more confidence thanks to you
Best Regards
Jay
You changed this recipe almost completely???? How can you rate it? I followed the recipe exactly and it is a 10 ⭐️
Natasha can I cook this the regular way on top of the stove? Getting a late start!
Hi Phyllis, for stovetop, you might try our Turkey Chili (our favorite) and you can sub with beef, or try our Easy Beef Chili.
Hi Natasha! I would love to make this chili recipe I wonder if can make it in instant pot? If I cook it oh high for how long? If I cook on low for how long?
Thank you you are an amazing chef!
Julia
Hi Julia, I haven’t tried this specific recipe in an Instant Pot, but I bet that could work! You can find my Instant pot recipes HERE.
Hey there! Love everything you do. Question, can you cut this recipe in half? Will it still work in the slow cooker? I only have a 4 quart slow cooker. thank you!
Hi Jennifer! Abosolutely! I bet that will work great!
Followed recipe. Tastes fabulous. BUT….when heated not thick a bit runny. Should I put corn tortillas in.
Please give me suggestions. Thankyou
Hi Nancy, this is normally pretty thick and hearty. Did you use a different canned tomato product possibly? You can simmer it uncovered to release some of the steam but also keep in mind it will thicken a little more up as it stands and cools.
I just finished putting everything in the slow cooker and i just cant wait to have dinner tonight. Thank you so much for this recipe and i will let you know how it goes …. Smells amazing !!
Thx… June
I hope you love it, June!
Making this right now! Just pulled the last of the peppers out of the garden. Can’t wait
Perfect! Enjoy and please update us on how it goes.
I don’t like beans so I was going to omit them. Will that change the consistency of the chili ?
Hi Audrey, I haven’t tried doing this without beans yet, and I have not tried any other substitute to advise.
Hi Natashas Thank you for the Slow Cooker Chili Recipe. All the recipe I have try are so good . Thank You Betty Jean
I’m so glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for the great feedback!
Just finished putting it all together in the crock pot. Followed the recipe but used 1LB sweet Italian sausage and 1LB ground beef. Also added 15 oz can of Cannellini Beans and a diced jalapeño pepper, a diced green pepper and 2 stalks of diced celery. Can hardy wait for supper!!!! Looks and smells great!!
Thank you for the wonderful review!
Winner Winner! Chili Dinner!
My husband’s department at work had a chili cook off today. Seven different crock pots to taste and this one was the winner!!
All the magic happened overnight. The best! Thank you, Natasha!
Another go to recipe!
Love it! Thanks for sharing that with us, Sheila. I’m glad the recipe was a hit!
This is my go to Chili recipe! It is by far the best I’ve ever made. I would use those chili seasoning packages sold at the store. I would follow the directions and it would turn out terrible. I’m so glad I found you recipe!
I’m so glad you loved this recipe, Linda! Thank you for your review.
Does the beef need to be fully cooked through before transferring to the slow cooker?
Hi Julie, by the time you brown it for 5 minutes, then with the onions for 5 minutes, it will mostly be cooked, but yes, I make sure it’s cooked before adding it.
This chili is the bomb girl! I thought it might be too spicy hot for us but it wasn’t! Next time, I’ll invite my friends! Thank you!🥰😀
Sounds great, glad it was a hit!
This became my go to chili recipe. Very very good. Love watching your videos as well.
Hello Rich, good to know that you’re enjoying my videos and recipes! I hope you love all the recipes that you will try.
haven.t made it yet- looking forward to.
tried to print, and got hundred’s of comments! wasted so much paper,
took a picture- should work,
Thanks !
Hi Wendy, be sure to click “Jump To Recipe,” which will take you to the printable recipe card, and click the print button on the actual recipe card. When printing, you should be able to see a preview of what you’re printing. I hope that helps for next time.
This is a delicious chili recipe and really easy to make! We like spicier chili at our house so I used hot diced tomatoes and green chilis and added a 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper and the spice was perfect for us. This is now my go-to chili recipe. 😀
Yum! That sounds amazing! I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Kasondra!
Making this today!
Is 6 hours too long to cook canned beans on low? Will they get mushy?
Hi Crystal, we haven’t had issues with the beans getting mushy, but you can add them in the last 2 hours of cooking if you prefer. Since they are canned, they don’t really need that time to cook, but it is convenient to be able to put everything into the crockpot at once.
First time making chili and I enjoyed it. It’s great to have a warm bowl of some of this after a long day.
Thank you for sharing.
You’re welcome! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe.
going to make this for a potluck camping dinner for about 40 people did you use canned beans
Hi Brooke, yes, we used canned beans. I hope you love this recipe!
since normally there is only two of us at home, unless my kids come home for some home cooking, can I cut the ingredients in half and make this on the stove top? And will it taste the same?
Hi Esteban! Absolutly! I recommend clicking “Jump to recipe” at the top of the post, it will take you to our printable recipe where you’ll have the option to change the number of servings. Hover over the number of servings highlighted in red and slide it to how many servings you would like to make. I hope that helps!
I’ve never made Chilli before that calls for tomato sauce, and in hindsight, I wish I had followed my instincts and omitted the ingredient. Tomato paste, sure, but never tomato sauce. This is the most watery, thin liquid chili I’ve ever made. The flavor is good, but the consistency is just not right. I’m super disappointed. I wish I could attach the photo I took, with all the watery liquid sitting at the top. I ladled, and ladled, and ladled the excess liquid out and the consistency is still so watery thin. It’s too late to add tomato paste at this point so we’ll just have to make due. Hopefully the leftovers thicken up tomorrow…
Hi Tasha, this is normally pretty thick and hearty as in the photos. I wonder if you substituted or skipped any of the ingredients?
Sounds like you just needed to give it a good stir. By removing that liquid you’re also removing a lot of flavor. Also one can of tomato’s will definitely not cause the chili to be as liquify as you stated.
Great recipe I make this once a month gone in a couple days everyone loves it and wants more!
Happy to know that they loved my recipe. Thank you so much Tony for your feedback.
Great slow cooker chili. I have about a dozen chili recipes, including one by Paul Prudhomme that takes half a day (it’s a 5 star plus, but a true pain to make!) Sometimes you just want something easy to throw in a slow cooker and this is it.
I’m so happy you gave our recipe a try, Ed! That’s so great!
I’d cut this recipe in half. It’s similar to my recipe. I’m going to make this one. You never know when another recipe is better than your own until you try it!
I hope you love our version, Mickie!
We don’t like kidney beans. I will try this and we will substitute pinto or Santa Maria style for kidney beans.
I hope you love this recipe, Paulette!
This was so easy, absolutely delicious and comforting. This will be in my recipe rotation from now on. THANK YOU so much for sharing your talents.
Hi Lisa, that’s nice feedback. Thank you for sharing your review with us! I’m glad you enjoyed this recipe.
Do you have to cook it in a slow cooker??
Hi Karen, for stovetop, you might try our Turkey Chili (our favorite) and you can sub with beef, or try our Easy Beef Chili.
Delicious and simple recipe. I’ve made it several times. I add a couple of canned adobe peppers for a little more smokey heat!
Thank you for your great feedback, Donna. We appreciate it!
I have made this slow cooker Chili 3 times and it keeps getting BETTER and BETTER!!! My family loves it and it has become one of our favorites. It is so easy to make thank you!!
Wow, that is awesome feedback. Thank you for sharing that with us, Jackie!
The beef / turkey chili is pretty good ! we make this when we have back yard party.
Glad you liked this recipe and often use this at your parties!
I am making this classic chili recipes. And I love that you added the nutritional label. However, it does not give the serving size. Do you know what that is.
Hi Phyllis, a serving size is about one to one and a half cups.
This is literally the best Chili I’ve ever made! Everyone raves about it! This is a keeper for a lifetime!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Tommy!
Solid recipe but a little tame…I added a couple red chili’s and a scotch bonnet to bring it up to 5 alarm.
5 stars with the hot peppers.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
She also listed in the article how to spice up the chili because it is a tame one 😊
Rig – you made me laugh. My eyes and nose started running just reading about the chilis and scotch bonnet!
Hi Natasha, I really liked this chili recipe and even though I’m only 12, I enjoyed makin this. I entered in a chili cook-off, and I got third place! I found that adding a little red wine and a drop of maple sirup with the beef gives good flavor. I also added canned chipotle peppers for more kick.
Wow! That’s amazing! Congratulations Jackson!
I have a chuck roast in the freezer. Can I chop that up and use in this chili recipe. Do I follow the same instructions? Love so many of your recipes!!!
Hi Margaret, I haven’t tested that, but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
I work the midnight to eight shift and try to always have a hot
meal ready for my husband for dinner. This way even if I sleep through dinner he still has something good.
I made this chili last night and my husband and I both loved it !
Thank you for sharing this recipe.
Hi Mary, you are very welcome. I’m glad that you both enjoy this recipe! Thank you for sharing your good feedback with us.
Do you happen to know how much the calories would change if I used ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Hi Ashlee, Surprisingly, the same amount of ground turkey can actually have more calories than ground beef, depending on the company. It depends on how lean the meat is.
You can do the math on that. Just remove the beef numbers and insert the values for the Turkey or chicken
Made Chilli from your recipe before and was great we’ll try this new one
I’m so happy to hear that! I hope you enjoy this one also!
What kind of tomato sauce? Like Ragu? Or cans ?
Any kind of tomato sauce will do, Rosemarie.
Making this for dinner tonight, my kitchen smells so delicious…
Thank you for sharing this amazing recipe!
Sounds great! I hope you love it and please share with us how it goes.
is canned tomatoes a requirement? I still want tomatoes, just not the canned ones, is there a simple way to diy?
Canned tomatoes are not a requirement, I just like the combination of it but I recommend following the ingredients listed in the recipe card as it indicates how many dice tomatoes are needed.
This recipe turned out absolutely delicious! Tastes just like what i remember as a child! Thank you for this! 😋
You’re very welcome, Deborah. I’m happy that you loved it!
Just wondering, pur slow cooker is not that big. Will this recipe still work the same if I cut all the ingredients by half?
Hi Deborah, I haven’t tested that, but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
Just wondering, we don’t have a crock pot that big, will it work the same if I cut each ingredient by half?
Hi Deborah, I imagine that will work. If you click on the serving size in the recipe card, you can slide it up or down to scale the recipe ingredient lists. I hope that helps!
We love this recipe and have made it at least six times this winter. Tonight though we will have lots of leftovers. Does this freeze well?
I’m glad you love this recipe, Karen! Yes, you may refrigerate or freeze this recipe.
Are you suppose to drain the excess fat?
Hi, it’s not necessary but you can if you want to cut down the fat.
Couple questions before I make this. One: do you use chili powder and your seasonings? Or is your seasoning the chili powder? Two: when you place the second part of the ingredients- the tomato’s, tomato paste, beans, etc. do you mix it altogether or let it sit on top like the photo and place the lid and go?
Hi Ciera, I do stir to combine and then turn it on. I didn’t realize I missed that part of the instruction and have updated the recipe.
Hi Natasha have you tried chicken chili instead of Ground Mince, use any type of chicken like Rotisserie, it’s something different to try.
That’s a great idea! Thank you for sharing that, David. I have not tried those substitutions, but I imagine that may work.
I have just made this chili it’s cooking away in my slow cooker it smell amazing hopefully it will taste amazing ( Great Recipe)
I hope you love this recipe, David!
Love chili and this recipe is simple and tasty!
I always add some brewed coffee into my chili to give depth to the flavor.
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
I put assorted peppers and sometimes sweet potato diced. I love this recipe. My favorite way to serve it is to pour it over a large baked potato. Top it off with shredded cheese and sour cream. Yummy and filling. I have many of your recipes. Love them all. You are amazing.
Nice, thanks for sharing that with us, Louise! I’m glad you’re enjoying my recipes!
I wish there was a way to save favourite recipes in an account. But this came out so good, I even added fresh Serrano peppers and yellow bell peppers in it.
Thank you for that suggestion, Daisy.
You can bookmark the web page and create a folder with your favorite recipes…
I have been searching for years for a good chili recipe and finally found it! Thank you for sharing it!
You’re welcome! I’m so glad you loved the show cooker chili.
I made this the other day and I loved this! I let a few people of my job taste it and now they want me to make it for everyone. This was a great recipe!
That’s just awesome, Orlando! Sounds like you found a new favorite!
Hi Natasha,
I basically make mine the same way you do but add about 1/2 can or whole, depending on the amount that I make,of beer to it. It gives it a better flavor. Love all your recipes!
Karen❤
Thank you so much for sharing that with me.
I made this tonight for the first time (never made chili before) and it turned out pretty good! My husband liked it. He’s very picky. I was afraid it would be too tomato-y for him, but he liked it. I think next time, I’ll cut the recipe in half and put more spice in it. It seems a tiny bit bland compared to other chili I’ve tasted.
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us, Suzanne.
Followed your chili recipe and it turned out great just like all your other recipes.
Awesome! Thanks for sharing that with us, Leonard. I’m happy to hear that!
Cannot read first step of your instructions because an ad covers it. Tried several times to remove. Sad.
Hi Joe, Thank you for sharing your concerns and feedback.
The only way we can continue providing free recipes is by having ads on our site so we are not able to remove those at this time. We find that most people would rather see the ads than pay to see the recipes. You can click on Jump to recipe and try from there. You should also be able to close the ads after a while.
I appreciate your feedback and I hope you love every recipe you try.
Hi Natasha! This our families favourite Chili!!
That’s just awesome! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review, Sue!
So good!! I followed the recipe to a T except I added a red pepper to it. It was delicious! My husband was very impressed as well.
I’m glad to hear that. Thank you, Lisa!
When you add all tomato sauce, tomato juice, etc at the end do you mix all together or is it supposed to be added how the 4 pictures above look ?
Hi Mariah, once the beef is cooked, I add the remaining ingredients to the pot (see the print-friendly recipe with specific instructions).
This was great! Perfect and easy!
Thank you for your nice comment, Kristina!
Fantastic chilli recipe! I used a pound of beef and a pound of ground chicken. I like a few more veggies so I added a chopped red pepper, sliced mushrooms and corn. I topped my first bowl with avocado, plain Greek yogurt and a few shots of Frank’s hot sauce. Delicious! I’ll be freezing the leftovers for when I need a quick meal.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me, Cynthia! I’m happy you enjoeyd this recipe!
Delicious! Best chili we’ve had in awhile!! So easy and directions were simple to follow! Thank you!
I’m so glad to hear that! Thanks for the great review.
I have lots of uncooked beans. Cani used them in this recipe inthe slow cooker?
Hi Arneta, you would need to cook the beans first to use in this recipe.
Looove you recepies! Done a couple of them!!
Do you use canned beans? Is that why you drain them? Aren’t these beans already cooked? If using already cooked beans do they need to go for additional 4+ hours of cooking?
Hi Monica, yes I am using canned and it allows for the flavors to meld and also simplifies the recipe without having to come back to it later for additional steps.
Hi Natasha,
I love your recipes, I’ve tried many of the and my family loves each and everyone of them. You are awesome. Thank you for all you do.
Aww, that’s the best! Thank you so much for sharing that with me. I’m all smiles
This was such an easy recipe to make! My family loved it
Can you add red pepper to the chili? If so, should I sautee quickly in the pan with the rest of the mixture and then add to the slow cooker?
Hi Stefanie, I haven’t tried that personally but I imagine that would also work but be careful and just make sure not to add too much of it. Please share with us how you liked that if you try!
Do I have to add the black beans and the tomatoes with green Chili’s can I leave those out of this recipe?
Hi Melissa, I haven’t tried doing this without beans yet, and I have not tried any other substitute. Sorry about that.
I add some molasses to my chili
I always add a can of tomato juice to my chili
Hi Kim! Thank you for sharing that with me!
Can this be cooked on the stove
Hi Jennifer, it sure can, here is what one of our readers wrote: “I made this Chili Friday I didn’t Make it in a crockpot. I made it on the stove in a heavy pot ( was going to (ut caanged my mind at the last minute) Followed the instructions given and it turned out delicious. Everyone went back for seconds. Thank you so much for the recipe.” I hope this helps.
So easy to create and it taste spectacular!! It is a recipe that I will surely keep in my family!!
I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for sharing your great review, Joanne!
Can someone clarify the ingredients. Is it 15 oz or 30 oz of kidney beans?
Hi Joseph, we used 30 oz which comes from two 15oz cans.
Nevermind. My wife printed recipe halved….it stated “15 oz kidney beans two 15 oz cans” instead of “30 oz kidney beans two 15 oz cans”
Hi Natasha ,
Made this chili for my family and it was amazing. I actually loved it even more the second night. Can’t wait to try another recipe of yours. Thank you. Elsa
Hello Elsa, thank you so much for your good comments and feedback. I hope that you will love every recipe that you will try!
This recipe is easy and delicious! I added a can of diced green chili for a bit more spice and everyone loved it.
I’m so happy you all enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
How many much is one serving? I see this serves 10 but I would like to know what serving size I should use to track what I am eating.
Thank you
Hi Lauren, a serving size is about one to one and a half cups.
Hi Natasha! I love your recipes. Do you need to add any broth to this chili before slow cooking? Thanks!
Thank you, Nika. I didn’t add any broth to this recipe.
Hi Natasha,
I made your chili dish tonight and it was phenomenal! I had only one question with this dish.
In the cooking instructions you state to add the onions and cook it with the ground beef for 4-5 minutes, THEN add the minced garlic and dry seasonings afterwards.
Is there a reason why you don’t cook the minced garlic WITH the onions for 4-5 minutes, then add the dry seasonings for 30 seconds?
Thank you so much for your recipe!
Hi Blake, It keeps the garlic more flavorful without cooking it for too long on higher heat.
I made your crockpot chili today and it was SO good!!!! I did add some jalapeño peppers to add some heat. This recipe is added to all my other recipes. Yum! Yum!
So great to hear that you enjoyed this recipe, Mary!
If I’m making 1/2 the recipe do I still cook it same time
Hi Angela, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
Made this Chili today, following the recipe exactly.
And it was FANTASTIC!
Will definitely be my go to chili recipe. Thank you Natasha 🙂
I’m so glad you enjoyed it!
Yay, that is awesome! Thank you, Kevin.
Looking at the ingredients you use (1) 30 oz can of tomato sauce ?
Yes, that is correct. 30 oz tomato sauce
Dear Natasha, what if i use not canned beans but the fresh ones soaked overnight? Do you have an experience? Will be cooking time 8 hours enough? I dont have a single slow cooker but the instant pot and slow cooking is one of function. But only 1 degree,not possible to choose the temperature. Thank you for your recepies
Hi Lucie, the beans would really have to be cooked before putting them into the chili. We have a tutorial on how to cook beans here.
I use 1/2 pd of ground pork, removes the dryness of the beef. Also add tbsp white vinegar to beef and pork. Adds acidity to meat. 14oz can of Bush’s baked beans, use potato masher to mash at least half the can then add…. Try it!
Sounds great, thanks for sharing that with us, William!
Simple, basic chili, super easy to make and really delicious. Will be our default chili recipe from now on.
That’s just awesome, Greg! Thank you so much for that wonderful review!
Used 3 cans Rotella tomatoes chilin fixing 2 hot Rotella. used roasted tomatoes large can mexican tomato sauce 2 cans black beans 16 0z hot sausage
Sounds good, how did it go? I hope you liked it!
how much does the avocado lobby pay u?? u put them in everything
Can you tell we love avocado!
There’s always room for avocado! And very healthy.
Absolutely!
This is a deliciously flavorful chili. Will be my go-to from now on!! Thanks for sharing!
You’re welcome, Paula! It sounds like you found a new favorite!
I made your recipe I didn’t change anything, made it in crockpot and it was absolutely perfect for me. Even my husband liked it and he is not a chili “fan” lol. I froze left overs and the chili tastes as good when reheated. I use the leftovers to make Wendys copycat taco salad and it comes out way tastier and cheaper. Thanks for sharing!
That is so awesome! Thank you so much for your wonderful feedback, Liz. It’s great to hear that you and your husband loved this chili recipe.
Made this Chili and it was fantastic! I did it all in the slow cooker so I did not have to transfer the sautéd beef and onion from a pan. So happy I found your website and FB page. Love your videos and recipes.
I’m so happy you’re enjoying our recipes, Larry! That’s so great! Thank you for your wonderful feedback and comment!
Not sure what I did wrong but the chili has a lot of liquid. What can I add to make the chili thicker?
Thank you
Hi Theresa, normally this is a very hearty and thick chili once it has completed slow cooking. Did you swap any of the ingredients? You could simmer it uncovered for a little longer to thicken up if needed.
A great base chili and I think you can dial-up or down the taste depending on what you like. My 3 boys (<15 y-o) and husband loved it! We'll definitely make it again as it was a winner with everyone.
Yes, you’re right about that. This recipe is versatile you can adjust it according to your preference. Thanks for your good feedback!
This tasted great! Family loved it. I would definitely edit the recipe for novice cooks to pre-soak and pre-cook beans for at least an hour as they won’t be cooked properly in the slow cooker– its actually a pretty common issue with slow cooking beans, and the beans cause food poisoning if undercooked. Otherwise a great recipe- tastes like classic chili!
Thank you for sharing that with us Tammy!
But aren’t canned beans already cooked….?
This recipe calls for canned beans. No need to pre-soak or pre-cook. Since canned beans are already cooked, no poisoning here 🙂
Thank you! I wish I had read this first. This is our first time making chili and the black beans are not cooking like the kidney beans. 😫
Hello- how much is a serving size? 1 or 2 cups?
Hi Krista, a serving size is about one to one and half cups.
I made this Chili Friday I didn’t Make it in a crock pot . I made it on the stove in a heavy pot ( was going to (ut caanged my mind at the last minute) Followed the instructions given and it turned out delicious. Everyone went back for seconds. Thank you so much for the recipe.
You’re most welcome, Ella. I’m glad to hear that everyone loved this chili recipe! Thanks for sharing that with us.
Isn’t the flavor so good! I’m happy you enjoyed this recipe Ella!
hi Natasha! pls what is a substitute for cumin? and also, there are various chili recipes on your blog, so personally, which one is your favourite?
Hi, the one we make the most often is our turkey chili because it’s so quick.
I don’t want to use canned. Can I still use this recipe using fresh tomatoes and dried beans? How would I extend the cooking time?
Hi Lori, I imagine that should work although I haven’t tested that yet to advise of the cooking time.
Hi Natasha. My husband is not a big fan of beans. Have you tried this without them? I’m just concerned it would be to sausy.
Hi Isabel, I haven’t tried doing this without beans yet and I have not tried any other substitute too sorry about that.
This is very similar to mine, except I use coriander, cinnamon and sugar (small amounts of each). My family seems to like it. 4 of us can almost kill the whole pot in one sitting.
Thank you so much for sharing that with me Juan!
hi Natasha! pls can the chili be made with any other type of beans? and I gotta ask, how do u get all these ideas for such amazing recipes?
Hi Annah! Yes! other beans should work here too! We love to take in our reader’s suggestions!
We are just 2 people so I was wondering if I could freeze this into 2 people portions?
Hi Jo-Ann, if you are at the recipe, you may click “Jump to recipe” and you can click on the number of servings to adjust the ingredients. Hope that helps!
I just love your blog! I was getting hungry just reading this, and all of the different suggestions about how to use it!
I’m so glad you’re enjoying our blog, Melanie! I hope you give our recipes a try soon!
Just put this into my slow cooker and sat back with a beer and waiting for the 4 hours to go by… I’m not much of a cook but this recipe looked fool proof, I mean what could go wrong??
I did think 30 ounces of tomato sauce was a lot but thought hey ho, that’s what needed, so must be right. But then it dawned on me that the recipe calls for ‘tomato sauce’ and not ketchup!
In the US they call it ketchup but here in the UK, ketchup is commonly known as tomato sauce. Somehow, I’m not so eager for the next 4 hours to go by after all.
Hi Paul, oh bummer! Yes ketchup is very different from tomato sauce in the US.
Hahaha!!! Wondering what happened??
Hi Natasha, have you made this in the Instant Pot? How long would it pressure cook for? Thanks!
Hi Nancy, I have not tested that to advise. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe.
Hi Natasha,
I was wondering if this recipe Could be made using a stove at a very low temperature for a few hours instead of using the slow cooker?
I do not have a very big slow cooker it’s only 2.5 QT. If this is not an option, I was thinking about cutting the recipe in half. What do you think?
Just can’t wait to taste this recipe.
Thank you.
Jean
Hi Jean, I haven’t tested that but I think it could work. If you experiment, let me know how you liked the recipe
I made your chili and is was the hit. My co-workers and friends loved it
thank you
So wonderful to hear that! Thanks for sharing.
Thanks Natasha, This is a winner, even with my Texas friends. We don’t have the tomatoes with Chilly in Australia so just added a chopped red chilly. I also just discovered the metric option for the measurements, I’m so blonde. Many Many Thanks Tarnya
I’m so glad you enjoyed it, Tarnya! Thank you for the wonderful review!
Hello i have a 2 quart slow cooker, i usually use 1lb and it’s fine, that being said, what will change if i half the beef part of recipe? What would be the adjustments…i also don’t need it to serve 10 people and this recipe is 10 servings?
Hi Julie, I recommend our recipe serving slider. Scroll down to the printable recipe card. Where is says “servings: X people” Click the red number and that will make a slider appear allowing you to slide left or right to the number of servings desired. Bringing that number down to x amount of servings and that should give you the recipe based on x lbs of meat that you have. I hope that helps.
I made this yesterday as the weather in Northeast Ohio was in the 30s. Brrrrr! I improvised with things I had on hand like ground turkey and fire roasted tomatoes. Also added some ground chorizo. Followed the seasonings though. My house smelled amazing all day! Thank you for a great chili recipe I will definitely be making again.
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed it!
Could you please share the recipe for home made Chili Seasoning? I can see the ingredients but need the amount of spoon/oz..Thank you much!
Hi Sadeta, we have the amounts listed in the recipe. Scroll down to the bottom of the post and you will see them in the ingredients list on the printable card option. I hope that helps. See: “2 tsp cumin powder, 1 1/2 Tbsp chili powder, …” etc.
This is the best dinner! My whole family loves it!
That’s just awesome!! Thank you for sharing your wonderful review!
We are a chili loving family around here. This one really hit the spot. It’s so nice to be able to put it in the crockpot, set it and forget it. So good!
I’m so happy you enjoyed that. Thank you for sharing that with us!
The seasoning you used was perfect! So delicious and I just loved the smell of it cooking all day!
Isn’t it amazing! The flavor is so so good! I’m so glad you enjoyed this recipe!
This is such a delicious dinner!! My family loves it! Thanks so much for sharing!
You’re welcome! I’m so happy you enjoyed that!