Yummy Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili – Crockpot Meal for Busy Weeknights
A bowl of warm, hearty chili is the best way to add comfort and flavor to a meal. This Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili is the best one-pot meal ever. It’s rich, savory, and full of tender beef, hearty beans, and strong spices. What is the best part? The slow cooker does all the hard work.
With just a few minutes of prep in the morning, you can return home to the irresistible aroma of simmering chili and a dinner that’s ready to serve. It’s a recipe that’s not only easy but also crowd-pleasing, kid-friendly, and perfect for leftovers.
This post may contain Amazon affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases—at no additional cost to you.
Why You’ll Love This Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili Recipe
- Easy to prepare: Brown the beef, put everything in the slow cooker, and go about your day.
- Bold, Cozy Flavor: The long, slow cooking time brings out a deep, rich chili flavor that gets better the next day.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe makes a lot of food and freezes well, so it’s great for meal prep.
- Totally Customizable: You can change it to fit your spice level, favorite beans, or even make it vegetarian.
Best Chili Tips
- Turn up the heat: Do you like it hot? Add more cayenne or chopped jalapeños.
- Mix the beans: You can use any combination of black, kidney, pinto, or white beans.
- Vegetarian Option: If you’re a vegetarian, you can replace the beef with lentils, black beans, or a plant-based ground meat.
- Don’t skip browning: Browning the beef adds a rich, savory flavor that makes the whole dish better.
Favorite Toppings to try with Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt
- Diced avocado
- Chopped green onions or cilantro
- A squeeze of lime juice
- Crushed tortilla chips or cornbread on the side
Equipment You’ll Need
- Slow cooker (6-quart or larger)
- Large skillet
- Measuring spoons and cups
- Wooden spoon or spatula
This recipe shows that you don’t have to make things hard to make great meals. You can go about your day and come home to a meal that tastes like you spent hours stirring over a hot stove if you let the slow cooker do the work. It’s great for family dinners, casual get-togethers, or cozy nights at home.
Prepare It Ahead of Time and Store
- Refrigerator: Keep in a container that won’t let air in for up to four days.
- Freezer: Portions can be frozen for up to three months. Let it thaw overnight, then heat it up on the stove or in the microwave.
Give this a try!
Want more simple, comforting recipes? Check out this Kielbasa & Potato Skillet.
Have you made this dish? We would love to see what you made! Take a picture and post it on social media with the hashtags #homecookeddishes, #easydinner, and #budgetfriendly.
Delicious Slow-Cooker Beef and Bean Chili
Description
This chili is hearty and filling, perfect as a stand-alone dish for lunch or dinner.
Ingredients
Instructions
-
In a large skillet, heat the oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook it until it is completely brown, using a spoon to break it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.
-
Put the browned beef in the slow cooker. Put in the beans, crushed and diced tomatoes, tomato paste, garlic, bell pepper, onion, and all the spices. Mix the ingredients well by stirring them.
-
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until the chili is thick and has a strong flavor.
-
Give it a final stir and, if needed, adjust the seasoning.
-
Serve hot, in bowls, with your favorite toppings on top. Add some warm cornbread or crunchy tortilla chips to the meal to make it complete.
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 6 ServingCalories:343kcalTotal Fat:14gSaturated Fat: 4gCholesterol:33mgSodium:713mgPotassium:779mgTotal Carbohydrate:36gDietary Fiber: 8gSugars: 8gProtein:18gCalcium: 145mgIron: 4mg
