Slow Cooker Beef Chili

Slow Cooker Beef Chili

This simple slow-cooker beef chili recipe is everything you could hope for:

It’s simple and easy and since you cook it in a slow cooker, the meat becomes fall-apart tender, and develops a deep and satisfying flavor.

After a couple minutes of chopping, and a few minutes of browning and sautéing, you can pop all of the ingredients into a slow cooker and forget about it for several hours.

If your slow cooker has a browning setting, you can brown the meat and sauté the vegetables in the same pot, making clean up even easier.

Definitely consider doubling this recipe if your slow cooker has a large enough capacity. Freeze unused portions for a future weeknight win!

Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

4.15 from 49 votes
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Slow Cooker Beef Chili

This simple slow-cooker beef chili recipe is everything you are hoping for. The meat becomes fall-apart tender, and develops deep and satisfying flavor.

Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Keyword chili
Prep Time 15 mins
Cook Time 4 hrs 41 mins
Total Time 4 hrs 56 mins
Servings 6 servings, about 1 cup each
Calories 300 kcal
Author BODi

Ingredients

  • 2 Tbsp. olive oil
  • lbs. extra lean beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 1 medium green bell pepper, chopped
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
  • 1 (15-oz.) can diced tomatoes, no salt added
  • ¼ cup tomato paste, no sugar added
  • 2 Tbsp. chili powder
  • ¾ tsp. sea salt (or Himalayan salt)
  • ½ tsp. ground black pepper
  • 1 (15-oz.) can kidney beans, drained, rinsed

Instructions

  1. Heat oil in medium nonstick skillet over high heat.
  2. Add beef; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until browned. Reduce heat to medium-high.
  3. Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 3 to 4 minutes.
  4. Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
  5. Place beef mixture in a 3-quart slow cooker.
  6. Add tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, and pepper. Mix well; cover. Cook on high for 3 hours.
  7. Add beans; cover. Cook for 1 to 1½ hours, or until beef is tender.

Recipe Notes

To make this recipe in an Instant Pot (programmable pressure cooker), follow these instructions:

  • Turn 6-quart Instant Pot to high sauté setting.
  • Heat oil to hot.
  • Add beef; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until browned.
  • Add onion and bell pepper; cook, stirring frequently, for 4 to 5 minutes, or until onion is translucent.
  • Add garlic; cook, stirring frequently, for 1 minute.
  • Add 1 cup water, tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, salt, pepper, and beans. Follow manufacturer’s guidelines for locking lid and preparing to cook. Set to pressure cook on high for 10 minutes.
  • Follow manufacturer’s guide for quick release, and wait until cycle is complete. Carefully unlock and remove lid, taking care that there is no remaining steam.
Nutrition Facts
Slow Cooker Beef Chili
Amount Per Serving (1 cup)
Calories 300 Calories from Fat 90
% Daily Value*
Fat 10g15%
Saturated Fat 3g19%
Cholesterol 57mg19%
Sodium 585mg25%
Carbohydrates 21g7%
Fiber 7g29%
Sugar 4g4%
Protein 31g62%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Slow Cooker Beef Chili Recipe

Container Equivalents
1 Green
1 Red
1 Yellow
1 tsp.

2B Mindset Plate It!
Add a side salad or more veggies to make a great lunch option. For dinner, omit the beans and add a side salad or more veggies.

Photographs by Kirsten Morningstar