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This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is a hearty, comforting classic that’s perfect for busy weeknights, football parties, and chilly fall evenings. Made with lean ground beef, hearty beans, diced tomatoes, and a simple shortcut using McCormick chili seasoning, this crockpot chili delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor with minimal effort.

Top each bowl with cheddar cheese, sour cream, peppers, and onions, then serve with warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.

Servings, Prep Time & Cook Time

Servings: 8

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 4–6 hours

Total Time: About 5 hours

Why You’ll Love This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

  • Easy dump-and-go crockpot meal
  • Perfect for meal prep
  • Family-friendly comfort food
  • Rich, hearty flavor
  • Great for game day gatherings
  • Even better the next day

Ingredients for Easy Slow Cooker Chili

The Chili Base

2 pounds lean ground beef, cooked and drained

2 (14½-ounce) cans diced tomatoes, undrained

1 can kidney beans, rinsed

1 can pinto beans, rinsed

½ cup water

The combination of hearty beef, tomatoes, and beans creates a thick, satisfying chili that’s packed with flavor.

The Seasonings

2 packages McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning

2 tablespoons brown sugar

The chili seasoning provides classic Southwestern flavor while a touch of brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes.

Optional Toppings

Diced bell peppers

Diced red onions

Shredded cheddar cheese

Sour cream

Fresh toppings add crunch, creaminess, and even more flavor to every bowl.

Equipment We Love for This Recipe

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Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
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Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe

This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is a hearty, comforting classic that's perfect for busy weeknights, football parties, and chilly fall evenings. Made with lean ground beef, hearty beans, diced tomatoes, and a simple shortcut using McCormick chili seasoning, this crockpot chili delivers rich, slow-simmered flavor with minimal effort.
Top each bowl with cheddar cheese, sour cream, peppers, and onions, then serve with warm cornbread for the ultimate comfort meal.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 5 hours
Total Time 5 hours 15 minutes
Servings 8

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef cooked and drained
  • 2 packages McCormick Mild Chili Seasoning
  • 2 14½-ounce cans diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can kidney beans rinsed
  • 1 can pinto beans rinsed
  • ½ cup water
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • Diced bell peppers
  • Diced red onions
  • Shredded cheddar cheese
  • Sour cream

Instructions

  • Brown the ground beef in a skillet and drain any excess grease.
  • Add the cooked beef, chili seasoning, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, water, and brown sugar to the slow cooker.
  • Stir until everything is well combined.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours.
  • Ladle into bowls.
  • Top with diced bell peppers, red onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream.
  • Serve warm with cornbread.

How to Make Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Begin by browning the lean ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat. Drain any excess grease before transferring the beef to your slow cooker.

Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, pinto beans, chili seasoning, brown sugar, and water. Stir everything together until well combined.

Cover and cook on LOW for 4 to 6 hours, allowing the flavors to slowly blend together into a rich, hearty chili.

Before serving, stir the chili one last time and ladle it into bowls. Top with shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced bell peppers, and red onions for the perfect finishing touch.

Serve with warm cornbread for a comforting Southern meal.

What to Serve with Easy Slow Cooker Chili

This hearty chili pairs perfectly with:

It’s also delicious served alongside:

  • Tortilla chips
  • Saltine crackers
  • Baked potatoes
  • Cinnamon honey butter

Finish the meal with Chocolate Chip Pound Cake Recipe or Classic Homemade Pumpkin Pie Recipe for dessert.

Storage & Reheating

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Freezing

Freeze cooled chili in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat or microwave individual servings until heated through. Add a splash of water or beef broth if needed to loosen the chili.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this on HIGH instead?

Yes! Cook on HIGH for about 2½ to 3 hours if you’re short on time.

Can I make this spicier?

Absolutely! Add diced jalapeños, cayenne pepper, crushed red pepper flakes, or your favorite hot sauce.

Why add brown sugar to chili?

A small amount of brown sugar balances the acidity of the tomatoes and creates a richer, more rounded flavor.

Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! Chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop, making it an excellent meal prep recipe.

Final Thoughts

This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe is one of those dependable comfort food meals you’ll find yourself making all year long. Rich, hearty, and incredibly easy, it’s perfect for everything from busy weeknights to football parties and family gatherings. Just add your favorite toppings, serve with warm cornbread, and enjoy a bowl of classic homemade chili.

If you make this recipe, tag us so we can see. We love seeing how you style your food and bring a little Southern hospitality into your home.

Enjoy!

McKaylee & Michele
MckMich Collective