Easy Crockpot Chili is a classic go-to recipe for busy weeknights during the fall and winter. Repurpose leftovers on baked potatoes, nachos, and more! 

This recipe is the BEST Crockpot Chili because it serves ten and only costs $15.14 to make. That’s just $1.52 per serving!

Make some Sour Cream Cornbread or Cheesy Green Chile Cornbread to go with this chili for the perfect comfort meal on a chilly night.  

Two bowls of Crockpot Chili

Easy Crockpot Chili

Homemade Chili is a staple during the Fall and Winter months, and it is super simple when you make it in the crockpot. Chili is pure comfort food, and a total crowd-pleaser packed full of protein and hearty ingredients. 

I love that you can take a simple bowl of chili and load it up with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, crackers, or sour cream. Or you can make the same Crockpot Chili but serve it differently every single time. 

You can serve this chili with a nacho bar, on top of your hot dogs and hamburgers, or serve it over a baked potato. Those are a lot of options that will not only please the whole family but are also good for the soul.  

Can I put raw meat in the Crockpot for chili?

While you can technically put raw meat directly in the crockpot with the rest of the ingredients, I prefer not to do that. I like to brown the meat first to give it a bolder and richer flavor to add to the overall flavor of the chili. 

Can you cook chili in a crockpot overnight?

Chili is one of those meals that tastes better the next day after the ingredients all blend together. You can make this the day before if needed and then let it rest in the refrigerator overnight. You can then warm it up before serving. 

Can you overcook chili in a slow cooker?

It is very easy to set the chili in your crockpot and walk away while the crockpot does all the work for you. However, don’t forget about it! It is possible to overcook the chili, turning it into sauce, if you cook it in the crockpot for too long.

How to make Crockpot Chili: 

STEPS ONE AND TWO: First, brown the beef in a large skillet. After it is almost done cooking, add the onions and garlic to cook for another 3-5 minutes. 

The cooked ground beef in a skillet with onion.

STEPS THREE AND FOUR: Next, drain the meat and place it in the slow cooker. Add the remaining ingredients and stir.

All of the ingredients in a crockpot before the chili is cooked.

STEPS FIVE AND SIX: Finally, cook on low for 4-6 hours. Serve with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

A spoon lifting up some of the crockpot chili


RELATED: Pumpkin Chili | White Chicken Chili 


How much will this Easy Crockpot Chili recipe cost to make: 

RECIPE COST: $13.50

PER SERVING COST: $1.52

All of the ingredients needed to make easy crockpot chili.

NOTE: The recipe prices are calculated by using grocery store websites. The actual cost of the recipe will vary depending on what ingredients you already have.

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef – $6.02
  • 1 large onion – $0.50
  • 2 garlic cloves – $0.10
  • 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes – $1.64
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) kidney beans – $0.58
  • 2 cans (15.5 oz) tomato sauce – $1.28
  • 2 cans (15.5 0z) chili beans – $1.72
  • 1 can (15.5 oz) pinto beans – $1.00
  • 1/4 cup chili powder – $0.32
  • 2 teaspoons cumin – $0.06
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic salt – $0.10
  • 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce – $0.18

Cook’s Tools:

Skillet

Wooden spoon

Crockpot

More Crockpot and Slow Cooker Recipes:

A close up picture of the finished easy crockpot chili in a white bowl.
5 from 2 votes

Easy Crockpot Chili

Recipe Cost $ 13.50
Serving Cost $ 1.52
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 15 minutes
10 people
Easy Crockpot Chili is a classic go-to recipe for busy weeknights during the fall and winter. Repurpose leftovers on baked potatoes, nachos, and more!

Equipment

  • skillet
  • wooden spoon
  • Crockpot

Ingredients
 
 

MEAT MIXTURE:

  • 2 pounds lean ground beef
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 2 large garlic cloves minced

CHILI:

  • 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes undrained
  • 2 (15 oz) cans tomato sauce
  • 2 (15.5 oz) cans chili beans mild or hot and undrained
  • 1 (15.5 oz) can kidney beans drained
  • 1 (15.5 oz) can pinto beans drained
  • ¼ cup chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons cumin
  • 1 Tablespoon garlic salt
  • 3 Tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

TOPPINGS:

  • Sour cream
  • Shredded cheese
  • Green onions sliced

Instructions

COOK MEAT MIXTURE:

  • In a large skillet over medium-high heat, add the beef and use a wooden spoon to break it into smaller pieces. Cook, stirring often, for 4 minutes.
  • Then, add onions and garlic and continue to cook until the beef is no longer pink, about 3-4 minutes longer.
  • Drain off the fat and then transfer the mixture to a Crockpot.

COMBINE REST OF CHILI MIXTURE AND COOK:

  • Add the rest of the ingredients to the Crockpot.
  • Cover and cook on LOW for 4-6 hours or HIGH for 2-3 hours.

SERVE:

  • Serve with your favorite toppings like sour cream, shredded cheese, and sliced green onions.

Notes

  • This recipe makes enough for a crowd. It can easily be cut in half (leave out pinto beans) Or serve and freeze leftovers for another meal.
  • To Make-Ahead: Cook the ground beef, onions, and garlic and store it in the refrigerator in a covered container for 1-2 days prior to making chili.

Nutrition

Serving: 2cups | Calories: 378kcal | Carbohydrates: 49g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 7g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 56mg | Sodium: 2414mg | Potassium: 1844mg | Fiber: 14g | Sugar: 18g | Vitamin A: 2455IU | Vitamin C: 24mg | Calcium: 163mg | Iron: 9mg

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An overhead picture of the finished chili in bowls.

Easy Crockpot Chili is a classic go-to recipe for busy weeknights during the fall and winter. Repurpose leftovers on baked potatoes, nachos, and more! 

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4 Comments

  1. LOVE how easy and inexpensive this is! My family all loved it!

  2. Made this for our Sunday dinner and my family devoured it. Thank you for sharing!

  3. Lauren Evans says:

    Any changes you would suggest if I want to do bean free for this? Besides leaving out the beans lol