Crock Pot Chili

Chili is something my family looks forward to and this classic slow cooker chili recipe is exactly what they want. It is the perfect and easy winter recipe.

Now that I brown my ground beef or turkey before I freeze it, making it in the crockpot is a breeze. I know your family is going to love this Winter Crockpot Recipe too. This really is a great recipe. Also check out Slow Cooker Brisket Chili.

Why This Chili Recipe Works

When I have people over for the big game, this is my go-to chili recipe. Everyone loves this recipe and always comes back for more. My favorite thing to do is have a chili bar. I make several pots of chili and have my guest bring over their favorite topping.

The kids love it and the adults do too! Everyone tries different toppings and really brings everyone together and that is my favorite part.

Ingredients

• Lean Ground Beef – You can use ground turkey or ground chicken
• Diced Tomatoes – Crushed tomatoes work great or you can use a can of each.
• Chili Seasoning – Try making your own. We love using my homemade chili seasoning
• Garlic Salt – See The Best Garlic Salt Substitute if you are out
• Onion – If you are out, check out Best Onion Substitute
• Kidney beans – You can also use pinto beans or chili beans
• Shredded cheese or Sour Cream to serve

Scroll to the bottom for the full recipe in the recipe card.

Variations Ideas

• Pepperoncini – Have you tried adding in some pepperoncini juice? It adds really good flavor and can be your secret ingredient.
• Spicy Chili – Adding in a chili more chili powder or slice jalapenos really adds an additional kick to the chili.
• Add in Bell Peppers – Add in Bell Peppers or Red Peppers for some textures. The peppers are healthy and the kids won’t know they are eating them.
• Beans – I usually have a variety of beans in my pantry. So I tend to mix and match the beans and use what I have.

How to Make Chili in a Crockpot

• Step 1 – Brown the ground beef in a large skillet and drain off any excess grease. You can also Learn How to Cook Ground Beef in the Slow Cooker.

• Step 2 – Place the browned ground beef in the bottom of a crock pot.

• Step 3 – Place all the remaining ingredients except for the shredded cheddar cheese and sour cream in the crock pot.
• Step 4 – I cook this easy chili recipe on low for 6-8 hours or cook high for 3-4 hours.
• Step 5 – This chili recipe is pretty thick as I love a thick chili in the winter time.  Once it has cooked, if you would like it to be thinner, I recommend adding 1 cup of beef broth to the crock pot for approximately 30 minutes. 
• Step 6 – Stir occasionally until the chili is the consistency that you would prefer.

• Step 7 – After this cooking time, top this chili with cheese, sour cream, and even some chopped green onion.  Yummy!

Recipe Tips

• Chopped Onions – We like to sauté onions prior to putting them in the crock pot. But it isn’t necessary. You can also add in the spices to really enhance the flavors.
• Cook on Low – Cooking the chili on low in the crock pot helps the flavors to blend well together.
• Stove Top Chili – You can cook this chili on the stove top as well. We cook it on low and if the sauce gets to thick, we add in a little water. See How to Thicken Chili for tips.

Ways to use Leftover Chili

There are so many different ways to use leftover chili. Here are some of our favorites:

• Top a Baked Potato
• Chili Mac and Cheese
• Top on a Hot Dog for the Best Chili Dogs
• Chili Cheese Easy Homemade French Fries
• A Frito Chili Cheese Wrap

Best Sides for Crock Pot Chili

I love serving this easy crockpot recipe with some homemade cornbread.  Here are a few delicious side dish options that you can choose from.

• Easy Homemade Cornbread Recipe
• Sweet Honey Cornbread Recipe
• Corn Bread Muffins
• Cheddar Jalapeño Cornbread Recipe
• Gluten Free Jalapeño Cheddar Cornbread Recipe
• Top with Green onions (See How to Cut Green Onions)

Did you know that I also make my own homemade cornbread mix to make preparing cornbread even easier?  I love having these cornbread mixes on hand so I can whip up some delicious cornbread in no time at all!

How to Add in Vegetables

One of my favorite things about crock pot recipes is that they can easily be alter to fit the needs of your family and this best crockpot chili recipe winner for dinner is no different.

If you like spicy chili, I would recommend adding approximately ¼ cup of green chilis to this recipe or you can add your favorite hot sauce to add a delicious kick to this already easy and yummy recipe.

If you are needing more vegetables for your family and you, adding them to this easy crock pot chili is easy and simple.  I have often added green peppers or carrots if I have them on hand to add even more nutrients to this already healthy recipe.

Favorite Chili Toppings

Chili is delicious but the chili toppings is what really makes chili go from good to delicious! Here are a few of the best chili toppings.

• Sour Cream
• Cheddar cheese (or any kind of shredded cheese. Pepper Jack is delicious too)
• Saltines or Ritz Crackers
• Fritos or any kind of chips – Some like to use tortilla chips or Doritos
• Diced onion – Green onion or red onion is a personal favorite
• Hot Sauce – a quick splash will spice it up.
• Cornbread – crumbling cornbread on top of a hot bowl of chili is also delicious.
• Lime Juice – My friend loves topping her chili with this.
• Check out What to Serve with Chili for more ideas.