Slow Cooker Chili Recipe with Ground Beef and Beans

When your day is packed and dinner needs to wait its turn, a one-way ticket to comfort land is this “Slow Cooker Chili Recipe with Ground Beef and Beans.” It fills your home with mouthwatering aromas, requires minimal prep, and delivers richly layered flavor by dinnertime. In this detailed guide, I’ll explain why this chili is a must-have for weeknights, walk you through step-by-step instructions, share clever variations, offer practical tips, weave in helpful internal links to other go-to recipes, sprinkle in FAQs, and wrap up with a warm invitation to make it your own tradition.

Why This Slow Cooker Chili Steals Weeknights

Set It and Forget It Simplicity

On hectic mornings, you can brown the meat and layer ingredients in the slow cooker. Then go about your day, and return to a meal that practically serves itself. The ease of this approach makes dinner feel like a reward, not a chore.

Flavor That Builds Itself

Over hours of slow simmering, spices blend, beef releases juices, and beans soften into the mix. The result is warmth and depth with minimal effort—a homey flavor that tastes like you spent all day in the kitchen (even if you didn’t).

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Ingredients You’ll Want to Keep on Hand

Main Components

• 1 lb ground beef – a hearty and familiar base
• 1 medium onion, diced – brings sweetness and texture
• 2 garlic cloves, minced – aromatic depth
• 1 can (14 oz) red beans – fiber-rich and filling
• 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans – adds bulk and texture
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes – brightness with each spoonful
• 1 cup tomato sauce – silky body and consistency
• 2 tbsp chili powder – signature chili taste
• 1 tsp ground cumin – warm and slightly smoky
• ½ tsp smoked paprika (optional) – for smoky nuance
• Salt and pepper, to taste – essential balance
• ½ cup beef broth or water – binds flavors and keeps it moist

Optional Add-Ins for Flavor Layers

• 1 diced bell pepper – sweet crunch
• 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce – umami lift
• Shredded cheddar and green onions – lively garnish

Step-by-Step Chill-Free Cooking Guide

Step 1: Brown the Base

Heat a skillet over medium heat, then brown the ground beef and onion until the onion turns translucent. Add garlic in the last 30 seconds—just enough to release its fragrance without burning. This small step boosts the chili’s base flavor.

Step 2: Layer and Go

Transfer browned meat and onions into your slow cooker. Add both cans of beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika (if using), salt, pepper, and broth. Stir gently to unify everything.

Step 3: Set It, Forget It, and Let It Simmer

Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4. A longer cook gives you richer flavor, while a shorter one works for busier evenings—both lead to tender vegetables, softened beans, and harmonious taste.

Step 4: Taste, Adjust, and Garnish

When time’s up, give it a final stir. Taste and tweak seasonings—perhaps a touch more salt or a dash of Worcestershire. Ladle into bowls and top with cheese and green onions. If you love homey comfort meals, also check out my One‑Pot Hearty Chili Recipe – Family Dinner Favorite or this warming Hearty Ground Beef Chili Recipe for Cozy Weeknights—similar feel, different settings, all delicious.

Custom Variations and Smart Tips

Quick Flavor Splash-Ups

• Mix in chopped chipotle or hot sauce for heat.
• Add corn kernels or diced sweet potato for texture.
• Experiment with beans—black or navy give nice variety.

Prep Hacks That Save Time

Dice onions and mince garlic at night. Toss everything in the slow cooker before bed. Wake up to a home filled with paprika and chili aromas—cozy dinner awaits with zero evening fuss.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why This Recipe Earns Repeat Nights

This “Slow Cooker Chili Recipe with Ground Beef and Beans” blends minimal effort with maximum warmth. It fits your schedule, treats your taste buds, and keeps cleanup to a minimum—exactly the recipe home cooks return to when they need both comfort and ease. I hope it becomes a fall-back meal you make by heart, week after week.