Go Back
Crockpot chili with ground beef, kidney beans, cannellini beans, diced tomatoes and onion in a thick red sauce

Slow Cooker Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

Brown beef with onion and garlic, then slow cook with tomatoes, broth, spices, and two kinds of beans for this crockpot chili. Serves 6 at 450 calories.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Course: Main
Cuisine: American
Calories: 450
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • 2 lbs ground beef choose lean beef to cut down on fat
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 28 oz can diced tomatoes fire-roasted adds extra depth
  • 3 cups beef broth use vegetable broth instead for a lighter version
  • 3 tbsp tomato paste helps thicken the chili
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce brings a savory umami boost
  • 2 tbsp chili powder tune to your heat preference
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin grinding fresh boosts the fragrance
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika contributes mild smokiness
  • 1 tsp dried oregano substitute fresh oregano when on hand
  • ½ tsp garlic powder skip if you favor fresh
  • ¼ tsp cayenne pepper modify for heat level
  • salt and pepper as needed
  • 2 bay leaves be sure to take them out before serving
  • 2 cans dark red kidney beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cans cannellini beans 15 oz, rinsed and drained

Method
 

  1. Brown the ground beef along with the chopped onions and finely chopped garlic in a skillet over medium heat. Continue cooking until no pink remains in the beef, roughly 5-7 minutes.
  2. Transfer the browned beef mixture into your crockpot.
  3. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Then scatter in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, cayenne, salt, and pepper.
  4. Stir the contents thoroughly so the ingredients combine and the spices spread evenly across the pot.
  5. Put the lid on and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 3-4 hours.
  6. Roughly 1 hour prior to serving, carefully fold in the rinsed kidney and cannellini beans.
  7. Spoon the chili into bowls and finish with shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, jalapeños, or whichever toppings you enjoy most.