Slow Cooker Chili Recipe (2024)

By Sarah DiGregorio

Slow Cooker Chili Recipe (1)

Total Time
4 hours, 30 minutes
Rating
4(4,797)
Notes
Read community notes

A great chili should be richly spiced, with layers of deep, savory flavor. Here, that big flavor comes from the usual contenders, but also from the unexpected additions of unsweetened cocoa, soy sauce and Worcestershire, which provide complexity. This recipe makes a thick, comforting chili that can be prepared in a slow cooker or in a Dutch oven on the stovetop. Chili is perhaps the ideal slow-cooker dish because its flavor improves with a long, slow simmer. This makes a big batch, perfect for a cold-weather get-together, but if you’re making it for a smaller group, the leftovers freeze well.

Learn: How to Make Chili

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Ingredients

Yield:6 to 8 servings

  • 2tablespoons olive oil
  • 1large yellow or red onion, finely chopped
  • Kosher salt
  • 2pounds ground beef, 80 percent lean, 20 percent fat
  • 8garlic cloves, finely chopped
  • 1(6-ounce) can tomato paste
  • 1tablespoon sweet paprika
  • 2teaspoons chipotle powder
  • 2teaspoons ground cumin
  • 2teaspoons garlic powder
  • 2teaspoons onion powder
  • 2teaspoons mustard powder
  • 2teaspoons hot smoked paprika
  • ½teaspoon cayenne powder
  • ½teaspoon ground cinnamon
  • ¼teaspoon ground cloves
  • 12ounces (1½ cups) pilsner beer, such as Modelo Especial
  • 1(14-ounce) can diced or crushed tomatoes in juice
  • ¼cup cider vinegar
  • 2tablespoons maple syrup or dark brown sugar
  • 2tablespoons soy sauce
  • 2teaspoons beef stock bouillon paste, such as Better Than Bouillon
  • teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
  • 2(14-ounce) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2(14-ounce) cans pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • Hot sauce, grated sharp Cheddar, sliced scallions, sour cream and crushed tortilla chips, for serving

Ingredient Substitution Guide

Nutritional analysis per serving (8 servings)

612 calories; 29 grams fat; 10 grams saturated fat; 1 gram trans fat; 13 grams monounsaturated fat; 2 grams polyunsaturated fat; 53 grams carbohydrates; 13 grams dietary fiber; 11 grams sugars; 35 grams protein; 1157 milligrams sodium

Note: The information shown is Edamam’s estimate based on available ingredients and preparation. It should not be considered a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.

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Slow Cooker Chili Recipe (2)

Preparation

  1. Step

    1

    Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium. Add the onion, season with salt, and cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion is softened and translucent, about 8 minutes. Increase the heat to medium-high, add the beef and garlic, season with salt and cook, breaking the beef into crumbles with a spatula, until the beef has lost its pink color, 8 to 10 minutes. Stir in the tomato paste and cook until slightly darkened and caramelized, about 1 minute. Stir in all the spices and cook until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the beer and stir, scraping the bottom of the pan.

  2. Transfer the beef mixture into a 5- to 8-quart slow cooker. Stir in the tomatoes, vinegar, maple syrup, soy sauce, beef bouillon paste, cocoa, beans and ½ cup water. Cover and cook on low for at least 4 hours and up to 6 hours. (The chili can hold well on warm for an additional 2 hours.)

  3. Step

    3

    When ready to serve, stir in the Worcestershire sauce. If the chili is too thick, stir in a bit of water until the texture is to your liking. Season to taste with salt. Serve in bowls and pass the toppings at the table.

Tip

  • You can also cook the chili in a Dutch oven on your stovetop in about 1 hour. In step 2, add 1 cup water instead of ½ cup and let the mixture come to a simmer over medium-high. (Because the cooking liquid reduces further on the stovetop, this method starts with more water.) Reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally, about 35 minutes.

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Private Notes

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Cooking Notes

Deb

I’ve been making chili for years, merging all types of recipes, but couldn’t resist trying one more. And didn’t-due to my work schedule. So gave recipe and ingredients to my college kid living at home. She tweaked it again, slightly charring hamburger and adding lemon zest towards end. Best chili ever! But maybe that’s cause I could just walk in the door from work and devour it. Smokey, with very slight citrus lift. I’d probably halve the sugar. It’s a keeper; so is my daughter.

Kate

Why oh why oh why do people insist upon commenting upon recipes they don't make??? Too many ingredients? Too much fat? Hate chili? MOVE ALONG. Plenty of other recipes out there, people. Let's keep the comments relevant to the taste/success/failures of the recipes as made. It's not rocket science.

Ellie

Just like other herbs, dried & fresh both have their own properties. Fresh gives you 9fresh flavors you often desire: dried gives more concentrated flavors that hold up better during long periods of cooking. Dont think of the dried as shortcuts...think of them as embellishments. Fresh & dried serve two distinctly different purposes. Take time to learn the science of cooking through a local extension class or cooking school - its really interesting & fundamental in developing layers of flavor

Rachel

This was so delicious. I didn't have any chipotle powder, mustard powder or hot paprika, so I substituted chile powder, 2 TBSP spicy brown mustard and regular paprika, respectively. I was worried about it being too thick but it wasn't at all.

Tom

I tried beer in chili many years ago and wondered what was the purpose? It’s like adding water which doesn’t help the flavor. So I substituted beef broth and wow it really enhanced the chili flavor, especially homemade broth. So now never beer, it dilutes the chili flavor and adds nothing in return.

Claudia

I made it according to the recipe and it is the best chili I ever made or ate. So much flavor, so good.

TommyD

Excellent Recipe; rich, complex with enough heat but not too much! Made it almost exactly as written. Used my Instant Pot Slow Cooker function for the first time. Even the sautéing in Step 1 done in the Pot! What I discovered is that LOW in the IP Slow Cooker function is TOO LOW - I ended up using the high setting and it worked beautifully. Glad I did some research as it might not have been 'enriched' enough after 6 hours on Instant Pot Low in Slow Cook!

PJD

If you are going to go to the trouble of cooking the onions and beef in a Dutch oven you might as well cook the entire recipe in the Dutch oven. What is the point of dirtying two pots when one would suffice?

Erin

This chili is rich with flavor! Stuck inside with a winter storm outside, I only had to switch out the beans. I used 1 can each of kidney, cannelloni, and black beans along with 1 cup of frozen corn. Don’t skip all of the spices. It makes for a complex and delicious chili!

Lyn

Just to clarify, Better Than Bouillon has no MSG in it. MSG stands for mono sodium glutamate.

Liz K.

Just won a chili cook off with this easy recipe with a few modifications: Used a 24 ounce can of diced tomatoes, about 1/2 T less chocolate powder (Droste), did NOT use the "Better Than Bullion" b/c this is MSG (aka hydrolized soy protein). Instead upped kosher salt. Used 1 ounce of canned chipotle instead of chipotle powder. Used more Worcestershire sauce at the end. Crowd pleaser. Some thought a bit too sweet so ok to lessen maple syrup and/or cinnamon if desired. Made 1 day ahead.

Tipitina

As I am not a cowboy, I made this and was quite delighted with the results. I followed the recipe except for using canned chipotles, doubled the canned tomatoes, no water, and changed up for the instant pot (8 min) in the final step bc I ran out of time to do it in slow cooker. Lots of ingredients, but all pretty much pantry staples. The flavor was rich, smoky, and warm. Served with chips and cornbread and crudités on the side, as this chili is light on vegetables! Hit with entire family.

Me

Wow! Such deep flavor, restaurant quality! Yes, a million ingredients but we had a snow day and I had time to cook. Didn't have any hot paprika so just used regular, but between that and the other peppers it was enough heat for my weak mouth! I halved the recipe for just 2 adults and it was perfect, with leftovers.

Hannah

I haven't tried this recipe and probably won't. I lived in New Mexico for a time and had great chili there. The secret to their great chili? Simplicity. Chili is considered a cowboy food. Cowboys working the ranches needed hearty food to replenish their bodies after long days herding and traveling with the cattle. Chili had protein, some heat, great flavor and it filled their bellies. Add a little cornbread or sourdough bread for sopping up. Too many ingredients in this recipe. It's unnecessary.

Lynette

I'll be cooking this tomorrow. I'd like to ask (a sincere question, not a challenge) Why does the recipe include onion powder and garlic powder in addition to the fresh onions and garlic? I assume there must be a reason.

Kevin Lee

Due to pantry items, substituted ancho chili powder for chipotle powder and upped cayenne by 1/4 teaspoon to make up for ancho’s lesser heat & Used neighborhood microbrewed IPA instead of the Modelo pilsner. Trader Joe’s organic canned beans are 15.5 oz each—rather than 14. Final dish wasn’t too beanie. Due to time, only used Dutch oven on stovetop. This turned out amazing, multi layered tastes including a little mole due to the unexpected cocoa. This will part off the dinner rotation. Thanks!

Anita

Tried this and everyone raved, complex flavors and the long cooking time helps deepen the flavor.

Kayla

Best. Chili. EVER. My tweaks: - 2 cans of cannellini beans and 1 can kidney beans (we like a less bean-forward chili)- Add 1 thinly diced red bell pepper just for kicks - 1 lb ground beef and 1 lb mild Italian sausage

Eved

I made this and we didn’t particularly like it. I wouldn’t recommend it. However, I only had one kind of paprika so perhaps that’s why. I’m not intrigued enough by the results to repeat it.

J

This may be the best chili ever - the ingredient list goes on for miles, but everything is well worth it. We amped it up by adding canned chipotles in addition to the ground chipotle. It's richly aromatic and a fantastic entrée on a rainy day.

catherine

this was great -- maybe just a little less cinnamon and cloves. Definitely not too many beans! Used two cans dark red kidney, plus one can black beans and one can corn.

AtlCozinha

We loved this recipe! It’ll be a staple for us. We added a bit more spice, because we like heat. But we would have enjoyed it as described as well. We let the chili simmer in the slower cooker. It was very easy to clean up too. It’s a must-try if you’re looking for a relatively easy chili recipe.

Val Garcia

First time making chili and I just want to say for starters this recipe it's going to fill-up your pantry. I'm already looking for recipes that have "Unsweetened Cocoa Powder" as a main ingredient. So much fun making it, delicious flavor too. Highly recommended for first timers.

A cook from SF

Made a half recipe of this and followed the directions mostly. Added a whole can of whole tomatoes since I didn’t want leftovers. Reduced the sugar a bit based on reviews. Made on stovetop in Dutch oven. It was very sharp the first night. Second day much better.

whitney

This was so delicious! I let it simmer for an hour in my Dutch oven instead of slow cooking and it worked great. I made it as written except I didn’t strain the beans and I omitted the water. Really good recipe, all the spices are worth adding.

Angie

Was looking for a new chili recipe and this was a winner. Loved the spices and I actually used 1 lb beef and added some vegetables I needed to use--> 3 peppers, carrots. Came out delicious and will definitely make again

matt

This is a great recipe. It’s super involved but not in a fussy way, just a lot of ingredients. I think it is is very “complex” as the author intended. It’s very tasty. I think chili comes down to regions though. In my experience being from the Mid South, chili is tomato forward. Besides the paste and some diced tomatoes, this recipe really accentuates the beans and beef. I can see this being a great chili recipe for anyone not from the south. For me, this is a 4/5 - good but not quite the mark.

Robin E

Made this tonight as written (stove top version) for our Super Bowl party and it was very good. Nice amount of spice, but not “spicy” - will definitely make again. Go Chiefs!!

Maxine W

Made this Friday for dinner and saved leftovers for the Super Bowl. We all liked it very much. The only changes I made were chili powder for chipotle powder and half the beans. We’re not huge bean eaters and 4 cans seemed like just too much. I’m not a big fan of cinnamon in savories and the cloves scared me, but they just added to the complexity of the sauce. Yeah, it’s a little of spices, but just line up the jars and sit down with a small bowl and measuring spoons. It doesn’t take much work.

Robin

I am going to my vegetarian daughter's home for Superbowl. Might I sub the beef out for Beyond Beef? Thoughts? Thanks

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Slow Cooker Chili Recipe (2024)

FAQs

Is a slow cooker better for chili? ›

Hours of low and slow cooking in a crock pot creates the best chili! Why? All of the flavours and spices marry into each other and the meat becomes incredibly tender, just the way a GREAT chili should be.

Do you have to brown meat before slow cooker chili? ›

Do you have to brown the meat for slow cooker chili? Technically, no. The beef, bell pepper, onion, and garlic will all cook in the slow cooker, but browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker brings much more flavor to the chili. You'll be glad you did—promise!

Why does my crockpot chili taste bland? ›

Insufficient seasoning, such as chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt, can lead to bland chili. Chili relies on a combination of spices and seasonings for its distinctive flavor. Be sure to taste your chili during the cooking process and adjust the seasonings as needed.

Can you overcook chili in a slow cooker? ›

Yes, but it would take a while. I have cooked this chili for 9 hours on low and it was delicious but ever-so-slightly burnt on the top. The tomatoes contain sugar, which caramelizes in the slow cooker, and will eventually burn if it cookes for too long. Anything longer than 10 hours on low is risky.

Do you drain kidney beans for chili? ›

You'll want to drain the kidney beans, but rinsing them is optional. Doing so will reduce the amount of sodium that gets carried into the dish. I choose to let mine sit in the strainer for awhile, but I don't rinse them.

Does chili get thicker the longer it cooks? ›

Thin chili may just need time to cook down. Cook it uncovered low and slow, at least one hour, for it to thicken on its own. Cooking it uncovered allows for evaporation to reduce and concentrate the chili.

Can you put raw ground beef in chili? ›

Yes, you can totally cook raw beef in a slow cooker. Many slow-cooker chili recipes have a step for browning the beef before it goes into the Crock-Pot. While this step isn't necessary, caramelizing the meat creates richer, bolder flavors.

Should I drain the grease from ground beef for chili? ›

The best ground beef for chili has some fat, so 85% lean is ideal. Don't be tempted to use extra-lean beef or drain off the fat after browning the meat. The fat bastes the meat during cooking, which adds richness to the sauce and keeps the meat moist.

Do you cook onions or meat first for chili? ›

Making homemade chili is quite simple. You'll first need to cook the onions and garlic. Then you'll add your beef and cook it through. You'll finally add the peppers and seasonings, stirring it together to get that beautiful flavor together.

What secret ingredient will deepen the flavor of your chili? ›

Stir some puréed pumpkin into your chili just after sautéing your aromatics (onions, garlic, etc...) and before adding any liquid. This will deepen and sweeten its flavor, making it a great balance for all the chile peppers and heat.

What adds the most flavor to chili? ›

Elevate with Extra Flavor

Elevate your chili recipe by adding an extra layer of flavor. Cocoa powder, bacon, cinnamon, ground coffee and tomato paste will all add a rich sweet & salty flavors that are sure to surprise and delight.

Do people put sugar in chili? ›

The chili tastes completely different without the brown sugar so if you like a subtle sweetness in your chili then you've just got to go for it! Trust me, it will not make your chili taste like candy. It's all about balance between spicy, smoky, and sweet.

What is the trick to a good chili? ›

Five Tips for Better Chili
  1. Make Your Own Chili Powder. Okay, if you're using a store-bought shaker of “chili powder” please get up from your computer, walk to your pantry, and throw it away. ...
  2. Use Beans from a Bag, Not from a Can. ...
  3. Roast your Chiles. ...
  4. Vary your Meat. ...
  5. A Hoppy Bottle of Beer Brings it all Together. ...
  6. Chili Powder.
Nov 29, 2016

Do you put corn in chili yes or no? ›

Many chili aficionados add a little sweetness to their chili with some brown sugar or even maple syrup to complement the earthy peppers and balance out some of the spice. But adding corn cobs to your chili is the secret to bringing natural sweetness without adding sugar.

When to add sour cream to chili? ›

Stir in beans, chicken broth, green chiles, salt, cumin, oregano, black pepper, and cayenne pepper; bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer until flavors have blended, about 30 minutes. Remove chili from heat; stir in sour cream and whipping cream until incorporated. Serve hot and enjoy!

Does chili taste better the longer it cooks? ›

Chili is most commonly prepared at a low temperature and for an extended period of time (low and slow), which develops a deeper, spiced aroma. But, the longer cook time can often result in a flat flavor.

How do you keep chili from getting watery in a slow cooker? ›

Mix in a scoop of cornstarch, all-purpose flour, or oats.

In a small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water, then stir this into the pot of chili. For 1 tablespoon of flour, use 2 tablespoons of water. No slurry is required for the absorbent oats; simply stir in 1 to 2 tablespoons.

Which is better a crockpot or slow cooker? ›

If you're planning to cook your meals mostly when you're not home or overnight, then sticking to a Crockpot might be a better choice, since the heat distribution is more even and there is no need to stir at all.

Can I leave chilli in the slow cooker all day? ›

'” So here's the verdict when it comes to chili food safety: You can leave it in the slow cooker for hours after it's done cooking if the cooker is set to the “low” or “keep warm” setting.

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