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A pot of simmering crockpot chili, rich and smoky.

Classic Crockpot Chili

This classic crockpot chili recipe is hearty, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. Perfect for a cozy night in, it's packed with ground beef, beans, and a blend of savory spices, all slow-cooked to perfection.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours 30 minutes
Total Time 3 hours 45 minutes
Servings 6 people
Calories 450 kcal

Equipment

  • Large Skillet
  • Slow Cooker (Crockpot)

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs Ground Beef (85/15)
  • 1 medium Onion chopped
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 28 oz Canned Diced Tomatoes
  • 15 oz Canned Crushed Tomatoes
  • 15 oz Canned Kidney Beans rinsed and drained
  • 15 oz Canned Black Beans rinsed and drained
  • 1.5 cups Beef Broth

Spices

  • 3 tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 1.5 tablespoons Cumin
  • 1 teaspoon Paprika
  • 0.5 teaspoon Cayenne Pepper or to taste
  • 1 teaspoon Salt to taste
  • 0.5 teaspoon Black Pepper to taste
  • 1 optional Bay Leaf

Instructions
 

Preparation

  • Brown the ground beef in a large skillet, breaking it apart and draining any excess fat.
  • Add the chopped onion to the skillet with the browned meat and cook until softened, then stir in the minced garlic for the last minute until fragrant.

Cooking

  • Transfer the cooked meat, onion, and garlic mixture to your slow cooker.
  • Add all remaining ingredients, including tomatoes, beans, beef broth, and spices, to the slow cooker and stir to combine. Add the bay leaf if using.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or on high for 3.5 hours.

Serving

  • Remove the bay leaf, taste the chili, and adjust seasonings as needed.
  • Ladle the hot chili into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings.

Notes

For extra flavor,toast the spices in the skillet for a minute before adding other ingredients. Serve with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or cornbread.