Name: Classic Slow Cooker Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 360 min
Total time: 380 min
Ingredients: 2 lb lean Ground Beef (90/10 or 93/7) (Choose 90/10 or 93/7 for good flavor with less grease.); 1 large onion (diced) (Use yellow onion for sweetness.); 3 cloves garlic (minced) (Fresh garlic gives the best punch.); 2 tsp cumin powder (Toast the cumin briefly for a nuttier flavor.); 2 Tbsp chili powder (Use your favorite brand or blend.); 1 tsp garlic powder (Boosts flavor without extra chopping.); 1 tsp dried oregano (Adds a Mediterranean touch.); 1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste) (Start with this amount, adjust while tasting.); 1/2 tsp black pepper (Freshly ground for brightness.); 15 oz black beans (drained and rinsed) (Rinse well to reduce sodium.); 30 oz kidney beans (two 15 oz cans, drained and rinsed) (Use two cans for a hearty portion.); 30 oz diced tomatoes (with their juice) (Use good-quality canned tomatoes.); 10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis (with their juice) (Adjust for heat preference.); 30 oz tomato sauce (Rounding into a smooth base, reduce for chunkier chili.)

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I can still smell it. The warm tomato and cumin scent that greets you as the pot slowly bubbles on low. You hear the soft simmer, the tiny pops and sighs from the lid. That sound tells you dinner is on its way.

This slow cooker chili recipe is one of those family recipes that turns a busy day into a cozy evening. If you want a meal that feeds a crowd, warms the house and saves time, you are in the right place. I even like to make extra and invite neighbors over, or pack leftovers for school lunches and chilly evenings. For a sweet finish on a chilly day, try my favorite banana pumpkin muffins recipe to round out the meal.

Why this works

This recipe works because it balances flavor and convenience. Browning the beef first builds deep, meaty flavor. The slow cooker then makes the spices and tomatoes mellow and rich. The long, low heat gives beans and aromatics time to knit together into a thick, comforting chili.

It also works for families because you can prep in 20 minutes and walk away. Kids come home to a warm, ready meal. You can double the batch for a crowd, or freeze portions for busy weeks. If you like quick weeknight ideas that still feel homemade, you might enjoy these Trader Joe’s inspired dinner ideas that I turn to on hectic nights.

Process Overview

“This is where the magic happens—when the aroma fills the kitchen.”

I like to think of the slow cooker as patient magic. The short active work in the skillet sets the foundation. Then the slow cooker steeps and softens everything into one cohesive dish. I will walk you through each step so you feel confident and calm.

If you want a small, sweet treat to nibble while you prep, consider a simple snack like these slow cooker chocolate covered nuts that pair nicely with the aroma of chili simmering in the background.

Ingredients

2 lb lean Ground Beef ((90/10 or 93/7))
Lily’s tip: Choose 90/10 or 93/7 for good flavor with less grease. If you prefer less red meat, swap half for ground turkey.
1 large onion (diced)
Lily’s tip: Use yellow onion for sweetness. Dice medium-small so it softens evenly in the skillet.
3 garlic cloves (minced)
Lily’s tip: Fresh garlic gives the best punch. Add more if your family loves garlic.
2 tsp cumin powder
Lily’s tip: Toast the cumin briefly in the skillet before adding the beef for a nuttier flavor.
2 Tbsp chili powder
Lily’s tip: Use your favorite brand or blend. Adjust down if someone in the family prefers it milder.
1 tsp garlic powder
Lily’s tip: This boosts flavor without extra chopping when you keep garlic subtle.
1 tsp dried oregano
Lily’s tip: Oregano adds a Mediterranean touch that pairs well with tomato-based chilis.
1 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
Lily’s tip: Start with this amount, then taste at the end. Beans and tomatoes can concentrate salty flavors during cooking.
1/2 tsp black pepper
Lily’s tip: Freshly ground black pepper brightens the dish. Add a little more when serving if desired.
15 oz can black beans (drained and rinsed)
Lily’s tip: Rinse well to reduce sodium and remove canned flavor. Beans add texture and protein.
30 oz kidney beans (two 15oz cans, drained and rinsed)
Lily’s tip: Use two cans for a hearty, family-sized pot. You can also use pinto beans if preferred.
30 oz diced tomatoes (with their juice)
Lily’s tip: Use a good-quality canned tomato for full flavor. The juice helps the chili reach the right consistency.
10 oz diced tomatoes and green chilis (with their juice)
Lily’s tip: These add a subtle green chili heat. Use mild or hot depending on your family’s spice tolerance.
30 oz tomato sauce
Lily’s tip: Tomato sauce rounds everything into a smooth base. If you like a chunkier chili, reduce sauce by 6 oz.

For extra guidance on balancing flavors and health-conscious swaps, I sometimes look at juice and cleanse resources for ideas on fresh flavor boosts, like in this 7-day juice fast guide that inspired some bright additions to my pantry.

Directions

Place a large skillet over medium-high heat and sauté beef until it releases fat (4-5 minutes), breaking it up with a spatula.
Encouraging note: Brown the meat in batches if needed so it sears instead of steams. You are building flavor with this first step.
Add onion to the skillet and sauté until tender (4-5 minutes). Add minced garlic and seasonings: cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, dried oregano, salt and pepper. Cook another 30 seconds stirring constantly. Transfer to a 6 Qt slow cooker.
Encouraging note: Stir constantly when you add spices so they do not burn. The fragrant smell is a great sign you are on the right track.
Add remaining ingredients into the slow cooker: rinsed and drained beans, diced tomatoes with their juice, diced tomatoes and green chilis with juice and tomato sauce. Stir to combine and cook on high for 3-4 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Season to taste if desired and serve warm.
Encouraging note: Set it and forget it for busy days. Check near the end to taste and adjust salt. Let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving for the flavors to settle.

A few extra words while you cook: if your family likes a thicker chili, remove the lid for the last 20 to 30 minutes to reduce liquid. If you want a milder version for little ones, stir in a splash of plain yogurt or sour cream when serving to soften the heat.

For an unexpected but helpful guide on seafood prep for a family dinner night where you may serve both, I keep a helpful reference in my recipe library like this baby squid cooking guide to learn quick protein-pairing tips.

Serving

Serve this chili family-style in a large bowl or straight from the slow cooker on a warmed trivet. Offer bowls of shredded cheddar, sliced green onions, diced avocado, and tortilla chips on the side. Warm cornmeal muffins or crusty bread make great soak-ups for every last bite.

I like to set out small bowls so kids can build their own plates. That way everyone gets what they love and mealtime stays relaxed. For a festive family night, top with a dollop of plain yogurt and a squeeze of lime.

Storage

Cool the chili to room temperature within two hours of cooking. Store in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in labeled freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

To reheat from the fridge, warm on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until it simmers. If reheating from frozen, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and then reheat. For a quick microwave portion, cover loosely and heat in one-minute bursts, stirring between each, until hot.

Food safety tip: Always reheat to at least 165 °F to ensure the chili is safe to eat.

Kitchen Notes

Use a 6 Qt slow cooker for the right depth and even cooking. It fits the full batch comfortably.
Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve texture.
Brown meat well. That layer of caramelization is key to a rich final flavor.
Keep spices in an airtight jar in a cool place. Fresh spices make an obvious difference.
Double the recipe and freeze in meal-sized portions for quick weeknight dinners.

Variations

For picky eaters: Reduce chili powder to 1 Tbsp and omit green chilis. Serve with gentle toppings like cheese and plain rice.
Vegetarian version: Replace beef with 3 cups cooked lentils or a plant-based ground meat. Add an extra cup of vegetable broth for body.
Low-carb option: Omit beans and add a cup of chopped bell peppers and zucchini. Serve over cauliflower rice.
Spicy fans: Add 1 diced jalapeño with the onion and finish with a dash of hot sauce at the table.
Creamy twist: Stir in 1/2 cup heavy cream or coconut milk at the end for a silkier texture that kids often love.

FAQ

How can I make the chili thicker without overcooking?

Stir in a tablespoon of tomato paste during the last 30 minutes or remove the lid for the final 20 to 30 minutes on high. A cornstarch slurry gives quick thickness: mix 1 Tbsp cornstarch with 2 Tbsp cold water, stir into the simmering chili, and cook 5 more minutes.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?

Yes. Soak dried beans overnight and simmer until tender before adding. If using the slow cooker for dried beans, cook them separately first. Canned beans shorten prep time and are consistent for weeknight cooking.

Is it safe to leave the slow cooker on all day?

Yes, slow cookers are designed for long, unattended cooking. Make sure your slow cooker is in good condition, placed on a heat-safe surface, and not overloaded. For safety, avoid leaving it on overnight unattended.

Can I make this in an Instant Pot?

Yes. Use the sauté function to brown the beef and onions, then add all ingredients and cook on Manual high pressure for 10 minutes with a quick release. Thicken on Sauté if needed.

How do I reduce sodium without losing flavor?

Rinse canned beans and use low-sodium tomato products. Add a splash of vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime at the end to brighten flavors without extra salt.

Conclusion

I hope this Classic Slow Cooker Chili becomes one of your go-to family meals. It is forgiving, flavorful, and perfect for busy days when you want a warm, homey dinner waiting at the end of the day. For additional inspiration and similar slow cooker methods, I like the flavor balance in Slow Cooker Chili Recipe – NatashasKitchen.com and the crowd-friendly approach in Classic Slow Cooker Chili (So Easy!) – Preppy Kitchen. Keep a pot simmering, invite loved ones, and enjoy the simple comfort of a homemade bowl of chili.