What is the secret ingredient to good chili?

The secret ingredient often comes down to balance. A touch of cocoa powder, cinnamon, or even peanut butter can add surprising depth. Some cooks also swear by a splash of beer or coffee for richer flavor.

How do you cook homemade chili in a slow cooker?

Brown your meat and sauté vegetables first, then transfer them to the slow cooker with beans, tomatoes, broth, and spices. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours. This slow simmer builds deep flavor with little effort.

How do you make easy 3 ingredient chili?

For a quick version, combine ground beef (or turkey), canned chili beans, and a jar of salsa in the crockpot. Cook on high for 3–4 hours. It’s simple, filling, and ready with minimal prep.

How long does chili need to be in the crockpot on high?

Chili usually takes 3–4 hours on high in a crockpot. For a deeper flavor, many cooks prefer 6–8 hours on low.

Chili Recipe Crockpot: Easy Slow Cooker Chili with Variations

Ingredients

Scale

1 lb ground beef (or turkey for leaner option)
1 medium onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 garlic cloves, minced
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (15 oz) pinto beans, drained & rinsed
1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
2 cups beef broth
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 tsp smoked paprika
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
½ tsp black pepper
Olive oil (for browning)

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Instructions

Brown meat: Heat a skillet, add oil, and cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
Sauté veggies: Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant.
Transfer to crockpot: Add cooked meat & veggies to the crockpot.
Add base: Stir in crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, broth, beans, and all spices.
Slow cook: Cover and cook on Low 6–8 hours or High 3–4 hours.
Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust salt/spices before serving.
Serve & garnish: Ladle into bowls, top with cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro.

Notes

For vegetarian chili: swap beef with extra beans, quinoa, or lentils.
Spice level: increase chili powder or add cayenne/red pepper flakes.
Freezer-friendly: stores well in airtight containers up to 3 months.

Author: Soukaina
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours (Low) or 3 hours (High)
Category: Main Dish
Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 310 kcal
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 890mg
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 6g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 9g
Protein: 22g
Cholesterol: 45mg