Crockpot Chili

5 from 9 votes

This crockpot chili builds flavor before it ever reaches the slow cooker by browning the beef with vegetables and spices. Well tested and loved by our family, to yours.

Prep Time40

Cook Time4

Total Time4 40

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American

Servings: servings

Calories: 388kcal

Author: Shauna

Ingredients

1 onion
1 green bell pepper
3 cloves garlic
1 tablespoon cooking oil we prefer olive oil
2 pounds ground beef 80/20 recommended
3 tablespoons chili powder divided
15.5 ounces kidney beans
15.5 ounces chili hot beans
29 ounces diced tomatoes
8 ounces tomato sauce
2 tablespoons cumin
1 tablespoon onion powder
1 tablespoon brown sugar
½ tablespoon garlic powder
½ tablespoon salt

Instructions

Dice the onion and green peppers into ¼-1/2 inch pieces.
Dice the garlic into very small pieces.
Set a large skillet over medium-high heat and add the oil
Add the garlic, onion, and green pepper to the oil and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes, just until tender.
Add the ground beef to the sautéed vegetables and cook until almost browned.
Drain or spoon away any excess grease.
Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of the chili powder over the ground beef and continue cooking until the meat is browned.
Once the meat is fully browned, add it and all the remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir well to combine.
Cook on low for 4 hours, and enjoy.

Video

Notes

This recipe moves pretty quickly at the beginning, so it helps to dice the onion, green pepper, and garlic before you start cooking the beef. Once the skillet is hot, everything comes together in just a few minutes.
We've used small pots to cook ground beef, but what gives the best texture and flavor is using a large skillet. It allows the beef to sear instead of steam, which always provides a more flavorful final result.

Nutrition