Classic Crockpot Chili

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Classic Crockpot Chili is a timeless favorite, combining classic ingredients with minimal effort. The slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully, resulting in a dish that's both satisfying and easy to prepare. It's a great option for family dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd.

Ingredients

(Tip: You'll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 2 pounds ground beef

• 2 green bell peppers, diced

• 1 large onion, diced

• 2 jalapeños, diced (seeds and white insides removed for less heat)

• 1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans

• 1 (15-ounce) can chili-ready black beans

• 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (46-ounce) can 100% tomato juice

Classic Chili Seasoning:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 2 teaspoons ground cumin

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ teaspoon garlic powder

• ½ teaspoon ground black pepper

• 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Directions

1. In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef, crumbling it as it cooks. Cook for 8 to 10 minutes until there's little pink left. Drain any liquid from the skillet and add the cooked ground beef to the crockpot.

2. Add the diced green peppers, onion, and jalapeños to the crockpot.

3. Without draining, add the dark red kidney beans, chili-ready black beans, and diced tomatoes to the crockpot.

4. In a small bowl, combine all the chili seasoning ingredients.

5. Add the seasoning mix to the crockpot and stir to combine.

6. Slowly pour in the tomato juice and mix everything together.

7. Cover and cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6

• Prep Time: 15 minutes

• Cook Time: 7 hours

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with additional beans or plant-based meat alternatives.

• Spicier Kick: Add more jalapeños or include a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.

• Smoky Flavor: Incorporate smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 3-4 days.

• Freezing: Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat, adding a splash of water or broth if needed. Alternatively, reheat in the microwave, stirring occasionally.

FAQs

How long does chili need to cook in a crockpot?

Cooking on LOW for 6 to 8 hours allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. Alternatively, you can cook on HIGH for 3 to 4 hours if you're short on time.

Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative to ground beef. It will result in a slightly lighter chili but still delicious.

What can I serve with this chili?

Top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or avocado. Serve alongside cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad for a complete meal.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.

Is this recipe spicy?

The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. Removing the seeds and membranes from the jalapeños will reduce the heat. For more spice, include the seeds or add extra chili powder.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes, feel free to substitute the beans based on your preference or what you have on hand. Black beans, pinto beans, or white beans can be used in place of kidney beans.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before adding it to the crockpot?

Browning the meat adds depth of flavor and helps to render out excess fat. It's recommended for the best taste and texture.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, you can double the ingredients to serve a larger group. Ensure your crockpot is large enough to accommodate the increased volume.

Can I add vegetables to this chili?

Certainly! Adding diced carrots, celery, or zucchini can enhance the flavor and nutritional value of the chili.

How can I make this chili thicker?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans before adding them to the crockpot or cook it uncovered for a bit longer to reduce the liquid.

Conclusion

This Classic Crockpot Chili is an easy and comforting meal that's perfect for any occasion. With a simple combination of ingredients and the magic of slow cooking, you'll have a delicious dish that everyone will love. Plus, it's versatile enough to adjust to your personal preferences, whether you like it mild or with an extra spicy kick. Give it a try for your next meal—it's a surefire crowd-pleaser!

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This Classic Crockpot Chili is the ultimate comfort food—hearty, flavorful, and effortlessly made in a slow cooker. Packed with ground beef, beans, and spices, it's a cozy and satisfying dish perfect for family dinners, meal prep, or feeding a crowd. With simple ingredients and bold flavor, this crockpot chili recipe is a must-have for chili season!

• Author: Janet
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours
• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings
• Category: Dinner, Soup, Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

2 pounds ground beef

2 green bell peppers, diced

1 large onion, diced

2 jalapeños, diced (seeds and white insides removed for less heat)

1 (15-ounce) can dark red kidney beans (undrained)

1 (15-ounce) can chili-ready black beans (undrained)

1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes (undrained)

1 (46-ounce) can 100% tomato juice

Classic Chili Seasoning:

2 tablespoons chili powder

2 teaspoons ground cumin

1 teaspoon onion powder

1 teaspoon salt

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

½ teaspoon garlic powder

½ teaspoon ground black pepper

1 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

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Instructions

• In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground beef until mostly browned, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat.

• Transfer the beef to the crockpot.

• Add diced bell peppers, onion, and jalapeños.

• Without draining, add kidney beans, black beans, and diced tomatoes.

• Mix all seasoning ingredients in a bowl, then stir into the crockpot.

• Pour in tomato juice and stir until combined.

• Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.

• Serve hot with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Notes

• For a vegetarian option, swap beef for more beans or plant-based crumbles.

• Adjust spice level by modifying jalapeños and red pepper flakes.

• Add diced carrots or zucchini for more veggies.

• For thicker chili, mash some beans or cook uncovered for the last hour.