Easy Crockpot Chili

Published: June 21, 2025

by Amanda

This Easy Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. You can simply toss all the ingredients into your crockpot and let it cook throughout the day. What’s more, this chili is not only hearty and full of flavor but also freezer-friendly, making meal prep a breeze. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it solo, you’ll love how easy and delicious this recipe is.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Set-It-and-Forget-It: Enjoy the convenience of a meal that cooks itself while you go about your day.
Flavorful and Hearty: Packed with rich flavors from the spices and beans, this chili will satisfy your hunger.
Customizable Toppings: Add your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños for an extra kick.
Freezer-Friendly: Make a big batch and store leftovers for quick meals later on.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, this chili fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your tools to make everything smoother. Having the right equipment will ensure that your Easy Crockpot Chili turns out perfectly every time.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Skillet
Mixing spoon
Measuring cups
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-free cooking and ensures even heat distribution.
Skillet: Perfect for browning meat before adding it to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor.
Mixing spoon: A sturdy tool to mix ingredients thoroughly without damaging your crockpot.
Measuring cups: Ensure accurate ingredient quantities for consistent results.

Ingredients

For this Easy Crockpot Chili, you’ll need:

Main Ingredients

1 lb ground beef, browned and grease drained
2 (15 oz) cans dark kidney beans, drained
1 (14.5 oz) can tomato sauce
1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 packet chili seasoning
2 cups water

Optional Toppings

Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Corn chips

How to Make Easy Crockpot Chili

Step 1: Brown the Beef

In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked.
Drain any excess grease from the beef.
Transfer the browned beef into your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add the Ingredients

To the crockpot, add the drained kidney beans.
Pour in the tomato sauce and diced tomatoes.
Sprinkle in the chili seasoning followed by adding water.
Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 3: Cook

Set your slow cooker to LOW and let it cook for 6-7 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.

Step 4: Serve

Once cooked, ladle into bowls.
Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or corn chips as desired.

Enjoy your delicious bowl of Easy Crockpot Chili!

How to Serve Easy Crockpot Chili

Serving Easy Crockpot Chili is as simple as it is delicious. This hearty dish can be customized with a variety of toppings and sides that enhance its flavor and make it even more enjoyable.

Classic Toppings

Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess and richness.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the heat and adds a tangy flavor.
Corn Chips: Crunchy corn chips provide texture and a salty contrast.

Fresh Additions

Avocado: Creamy avocado brings freshness and a smooth texture.
Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a burst of herbal flavor that brightens the dish.
Jalapeños: For those who enjoy spice, sliced jalapeños offer extra heat.

Accompaniments

Cornbread: A slice of warm cornbread makes for a comforting side that pairs well with chili.
Rice: Serving chili over rice is a filling option that soaks up the flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Easy Crockpot Chili

Perfecting your Easy Crockpot Chili can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some handy tips to ensure your chili is always a hit.

Use Quality Meat: Choosing fresh ground beef enhances the overall flavor and texture of your chili.
Brown the Beef Well: Properly browning the beef before adding it to the crockpot deepens the flavor profile.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Experiment with different spices or add more chili seasoning for extra heat based on your preference.
Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing the chili to cook longer on low can meld the flavors together beautifully, making it richer.
Add Beans Later: If you prefer firmer beans, consider adding them halfway through cooking instead of at the start.
Garnish Just Before Serving: Adding toppings right before serving keeps them fresh and appealing.

Best Side Dishes for Easy Crockpot Chili

Pairing side dishes with your Easy Crockpot Chili can turn a simple meal into an extraordinary feast. Here are some fantastic options to complement your chili.

Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread offers a delightful contrast to spicy chili.
Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread provides a buttery crunch that’s perfect for dipping.
Coleslaw: A cold, crunchy coleslaw brings refreshing balance to the rich flavors of chili.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a hearty base for spooning chili over top.
Tortilla Chips: These crispy chips are great for scooping up chili or enjoying on their own.
Steamed Rice: Plain steamed rice absorbs the sauce well, making every bite flavorful.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Easy Crockpot Chili, avoiding common mistakes can enhance your dish’s flavor and texture.

Skipping the Browning Step: Not browning the ground beef can result in a less flavorful chili. Always brown the meat first for depth of flavor.
Overloading with Ingredients: Adding too many beans or vegetables can alter the consistency. Stick to the recipe for the best results.
Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Every chili seasoning packet varies. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed for a perfect balance.
Cooking on High Too Long: Cooking on high for too long can overcook ingredients. Stick to 4 hours max on high for optimal results.
Neglecting Toppings: Forgetting toppings can make your chili less exciting. Add cheese, sour cream, or corn chips for added flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container.
Keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Easy Crockpot Chili

Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
Store for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Easy Crockpot Chili

Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 25-30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each until hot.
Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, about 10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Easy Crockpot Chili that might help you.

Can I make Easy Crockpot Chili vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute ground beef with lentils or your favorite plant-based protein.

How do I spice up my Easy Crockpot Chili?

Add jalapeños or extra chili powder before cooking for more heat!

How long does Easy Crockpot Chili last in the fridge?

It lasts up to 4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use different types of beans in this Easy Crockpot Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to mix beans like black beans and pinto beans based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Crockpot Chili is not only hearty and delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it with various toppings and ingredients according to your taste. Whether you’re meal prepping or looking for a quick weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to please everyone at the table. Give it a try!

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