Print

Easy Crockpot Chili — Also Perfect for the Stovetop

Spoon lifting thick homemade crockpot chili with melted cheese, sour cream, and oyster crackers
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This easy crockpot chili is a hearty, family-favorite recipe packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. Slow cooked for rich flavor and simple prep, it’s the perfect comfort meal for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and feeding a hungry crowd.

Ingredients

  • 3 TBSP vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion, diced
  • 2 red bell peppers, diced
  • 2 tsp salt
  • 1 whole head garlic, minced (about 6 TBSP — adjust to taste)
  • ¼ cup chili powder
  • 1 TBSP ground cumin
  • 2 lbs ground beef
  • 1 (28 oz) can diced or crushed tomatoes, with juices
  • 1 (14 oz) can tomato sauce
  • 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained
  • 1 (4 oz) can diced green chiles

Optional Toppings

  • Sour cream or plain green yogurt
  • Shredded cheese
  • Oyster crackers or saltine crackers

Instructions

Build the Flavor Base

Heat vegetable oil in a large pot over medium heat until shimmering. Add diced onion, bell peppers, and salt. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until softened.

Stir in the minced garlic, chili powder, and cumin. Cook for 1 minute to allow the spices to bloom and deepen in flavor.

Add the ground beef and break it apart using a meat chopper. Cook for 7–8 minutes, or until the meat is fully browned and no longer pink.

Slow Cook

Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add the diced (or crushed) tomatoes with their juices, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and green chiles. Stir well to combine.

Cover and cook:

  • Low: 6–8 hours

  • High: 3–4 hours

Serve

Ladle into bowls and serve warm with sour cream (or plain green yogurt), shredded cheese, and oyster crackers or saltine crackers if desired.

Notes

Hide the veggies for picky eaters:
If your kids are sensitive to the texture of onions, bell peppers, or green chiles, pulse them in a food processor before cooking. This keeps all the flavor while creating a smoother chili that blends beautifully — no one will even notice they’re there.

Find it online: https://ourgratefulkitchen.com/easy-crockpot-chili/