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Easy Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Kidney Beans

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This easy crockpot chili with ground beef and kidney beans is the kind of meal that feels like a warm blanket on a cold day. It’s simple, forgiving, and packed with flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds (900g) ground beef (80/20)
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 28 ounces (794g) canned diced tomatoes (fire-roasted preferred)
  • 15 ounces (425g) canned crushed tomatoes
  • 30 ounces (850g) canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed (two 15-ounce cans)
  • 1 cup (240ml) beef broth (low-sodium)
  • 3 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt, plus more to taste
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper (freshly ground)
  • 1 bay leaf
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, sliced jalapeños, crushed tortilla chips

Instructions

  1. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. Aim for about ¼-inch pieces on the onion.
  2. Crumble the raw ground beef directly into the bottom of the slow cooker.
  3. Scatter the diced onion and minced garlic over the beef. Give it a gentle stir to combine.
  4. Pour in the diced tomatoes (with their juices) and the crushed tomatoes. Stir until the beef is mostly coated.
  5. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans and the beef broth. Stir gently to combine.
  6. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and bay leaf. Stir until the spices are evenly distributed.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours.
  8. About 30 minutes before serving, remove the bay leaf and taste. Adjust seasoning as needed (more salt, cayenne for heat, or lime juice for brightness).
  9. Ladle into bowls and top with desired toppings. Serve with warm cornbread or crusty bread.

Notes

Don’t brown the beef first; the slow cooker makes it tender. Use a slow cooker liner for easy cleanup. If chili is too thick, add extra broth; if too thin, leave lid off for last 30 minutes. Leftovers keep for up to 5 days in the refrigerator or 3 months in the freezer.

Nutrition

Keywords: crockpot chili, slow cooker chili, ground beef chili, easy chili recipe, kidney bean chili, comfort food, game day chili

Find it online: https://freshforkful.com/easy-crockpot-chili-with-ground-beef-and-kidney-beans/