Nothing beats a steaming bowl of hearty chili on a chilly fall afternoon or cozy winter night. This Easy Slow Cooker Chili is one of those comforting, no-fuss meals that’s simple to prep, perfect for freezing, and always a crowd favorite. Whether you’re feeding family on a weeknight or hosting a game-day gathering, this recipe delivers rich flavor with minimal effort.
Serve it up with warm biscuits, cornbread, or rolls fresh from the oven—and don’t forget a crisp green salad on the side for a full, satisfying meal.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Chili
There’s a reason this chili has been a Southern Living reader favorite year after year—it’s cozy, budget-friendly, and packed with flavor. Using simple pantry staples like ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices, this recipe comes together easily but tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
Just brown the meat, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do the work. The result? A hearty, flavorful chili that’s perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or lazy weekends.
🧄 Ingredients
- 1 ½ lbs lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 small green bell pepper, chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (16 oz) can red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 ½ Tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
🍲 How to Make Easy Chili
Step 1: Cook the Meat and Veggies
In a large skillet, cook the ground beef, onion, bell pepper, and garlic over medium-high heat. Stir occasionally until the beef is browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
Transfer the cooked beef mixture to a 5-quart slow cooker. Stir in the kidney beans, beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover and cook on HIGH for 3–4 hours or LOW for 5–6 hours, until the flavors meld and the chili thickens slightly.
Step 4: Serve and Enjoy
Ladle into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, cilantro, or jalapeños. Add tortilla chips or cornbread on the side for a complete comfort meal.
🔥 Recipe Tips
- Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day! Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat on the stovetop over low heat until warmed through.
- Want it spicier? Add a pinch of cayenne, a few dashes of hot sauce, or swap in diced tomatoes with green chilies.
- To thicken: Simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.
- Double the recipe: Great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week.
🍛 What to Serve with Chili
This chili is hearty enough to be the main event, but the sides make it extra special. Try it with:
- Buttery biscuits or cornbread for scooping
- Tortilla chips for crunch
- Fresh salad for balance
- Baked potatoes topped with chili for a fun twist
🏈 Perfect for Any Occasion
Whether it’s a cozy family dinner, a holiday potluck, or a football tailgate, this Easy Slow Cooker Chili is always a winner. It’s comforting, flavorful, and made with ingredients you probably already have on hand—a true go-to recipe for chilly days and hungry crowds.