Nothing beats the chill like chili!
There’s no doubt about it…fall is in the air. The trees are putting on their annual show, all dressed up in red and yellow. The nights are growing longer, and there’s a distinct nip in the air by the time everyone comes in for supper.
Which means, of course, that it’s a perfect time for chili. Isn’t it funny how something so warm and cozy is pronounced just like “chilly”? On the other hand, maybe that makes perfect sense, since it goes so well with chilly weather.
This recipe is a spin-off of my husband’s Famous Vegetarian Chili, the recipe that won my heart—by way of my stomach—all those years ago. The main difference is that it’s now made in my favorite appliance, the crockpot. With the help of this go-to kitchen tool, you can now put a pot of chili on to cook in the morning and have a hot meal ready and waiting when everyone comes home in the evening.
The other tweak on the recipe is that I’ve created a heartier, meaty version of the chili for all my non-vegetarian readers. It’s just a little bit more work than the veggie version, since you have to brown the beef with a touch of seasoning before you toss it into the crock, but it gives this dish a definite stick-to-your ribs boost. But vegetarians needn’t worry…you can still make this a veggie-friendly dish by substituting your favorite brand of soy crumbles.
Serve it up hot, with your favorite toppings. We love it with corn chips and cheese, but sour cream is good too. And if there’s any left over, don’t worry—it will keep beautifully in the freezer, ready to be thawed out on a day when you were too rushed even to load up the crockpot in the morning.
Easy Crockpot Chili
- After beef is browned, and grease drained, place in crockpot. Add in kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes, chili seasoning and water. Stir until well combined.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as cheese, sour cream or corn chips!
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Easy Crockpot Chili
Ingredients
- 1 lb ground beef browned
- 2 15 oz cans dark kidney beans, drained
- 1 14.5 oz can of tomato sauce
- 1 14.5 oz can tomatoes
- 1 packet of chili seasoning
- 2 cups water
- cheese for topping
- corn chips for topping
Instructions
- After beef is browned, and grease drained, place in crockpot. Add in kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomatoes, chili seasoning and water. Stir until well combined.
- Cook on LOW for 6-7 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Serve with your favorite chili toppings, such as cheese, sour cream or corn chips!
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Nutrition Information:
Nutrition Disclaimer
Family Fresh Meals is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is only an estimate. We recommend running the ingredients through an online nutritional calculator if you need to verify any information.
Amy McNiel says
Hi Corey,
What brand chili seasoning do you use?
Thank you! ? love your recipies!
Corey says
Hi Amy!
I use whatever I have on hand. Usually Trader Joe’s brand 🙂
Nisreen says
Hello, if i wanted to use fresh tomoatoes, do you have a recommendation on how many? Will it turn out ok or stick to the canned?
Thanks
Nancy says
So easy and so good! My last attempt at making a white chili was really sad, but this is a keeper! I tripled the batch to almost overflowing because I had almost 4 lbs of burger that I wanted to get cooked up. I played and used a combo of kidney, chili & great northern beans. I also cooked it a little longer and hotter due to the quantity. Toward the end I decided to thicken it so I shook up a little cornstarch with a 1/2 cup or so of cold milk and added it. Perfect. I sent my husband to work today with a generous helping topped with shredded cheese and some sour cream and chopped green onion on the side…and a roll for dippin’! Baaad me! I forgot to pick up cornbread fixins!
Nancy says
Oh yeah…I froze 4 good sized containers, so I can pull them out for winter lunches!
Roe says
Quick question. When you mention tomatoes…what brand do you use? Like San Marzano plum tomatoes? Just a small can? Just want to make sure I get all the correct ingredients!
Corey says
I usually use store brand diced tomatoes. I think any brand would work just fine.
Roe says
Hi, Corey – thank you for your response. If I use a small can of regular diced tomatoes should I drain them before adding them to the crock pot?
Corey says
Nope,dump the whole thing in 🙂
Roe says
Great! Thank you so much”
Raylyn Dunlap says
Im not a cook at all and always looking for easy ways to make dinner. My mother who is an excellent cook was stunned. She could not believe I made this chili. Thank You
Breeannah says
Hehe I make chili like this all the time. The exact same ingredients but I do it all on the stove. Dinner is done in 25 minutes. But I make double the size and I season the mea ,but I do not use water
Judi Fotherby says
BREEANNAH, do you use the 2 cups of water when you do this on the stovetop?
Nikki says
Are you suppose to drain the beans??
Corey says
Yes 🙂
Kim says
Awwee. I didn’t drain my beans. Will it still be good?
Roe says
Hi. For the chili seasoning what is that exactly? The taco envelope packet?
Corey says
Yes it will look like a taco envelope packet, but will say chili seasoning on it.
Judy says
Hi Corey, If I double this recipe will it fit in my 7 qt slow cooker? Thanks!
Cassie says
Hi Corey! Quick question, the recipe calls for a 14.5 oz can of tomato sauce – is this like tomato paste or like spaghetti sauce?? Just want to make sure I get the right thing! Thank you!!
Corey says
Hi Cassie. It is neither. On the can it will sauce tomato sauce. It is usually found by the canned diced tomatoes and paste, but is way different than tomato paste. I hope that helps!
Cassie says
Thanks for the reply Corey! I made this a couple of weeks ago and it was amazing and yummy! I’m making it again tonight!! I love your recipes!!
rachel says
I have a question ? Can you use the dice tomatoes with basil garlic oregano ?
Corey says
I haven’t before. That might change the flavor of the chili.
rachel says
Ok thanks
Jessica says
That’s what I typically use and it adds more flavor. I like to add some garlic also
Ronda says
Corey, thank you for the chili recipe, trying it out today, but the only thing I changed was I added bell peppers instead of canned tomatoes and added a link of sausage to the chili. I usually stove top but I lost everything to a divorce, and lately do a lot of slow cooking foods these days, to last me for awhile .
Emily says
My chili has an hour and 20 minutes left and it’s still really watery will that get better in an hour?
Katoe says
This is what happened to me too. I added 15 oz cans of tomatoes though…not sure if this would matter. Any tips?? Not very good in the kitchen so any help would be great!!
Rachel Szell says
I don’t know if either of you still need help but generally anytime I need to thicken something (soup, chili, stew, gravy, sauces etc) I just take a tablespoon or two of flour and mix it in a small Tupperware with some cold milk or water or broth and shake it til there’s no lumps. Then add it to the chili or whatever and simmer a bit longer. Do make sure to cook it until you’re sure any flour taste is gone. You can always repeat if you still want it a bit thicker. 🙂
Randy says
Hi Rachel:
Thanks for that suggestion! I do run into that issue quite frequently where I need to thicken one thing or another. So I just went out and bought a bag of Organic Flour and will keep it handy in my cabinet.
I assume it would work for spaghetti sauce too. It is generally recommended to use tomato paste, but I don’t always have tomato paste handy.
Nikki says
I made this recipe and it was fabulous! I just wanted to say that I added a jar of salsa and it was awesome! Thanks for the recipe!
Natalie couch says
I made the today, and doubled the recipe exactly!! But it’s so watery and cooked it on high for almost double amount of time. Am I doing something wrong?
Corey says
I’ve never had a problem with this being watery Natalie. Maybe check your ingredients again? If you still feel it’s too watery, would could simmer stove-top to cook off some of the liquid.
Maggie says
Mine came out soupy as well. I’m quite disappointed. I think next time I’ll either use half a cup or just use extra sauce. We never used water before I actually didn’t intentionally mean to. I was just so excited and got carried away.
Also I cut out the canned tomatoes and diced up a fresh tomato. I also added an onion and used the Chili-o packet. My boyfriend LOVES garlic so I also added some minced garlic for a sense of garlic.
Jessica says
When you are cooking something in a crock pot and it’s too watery normally turning it up to high and taking the lid off for the last 30 mins will cook the excess water off. I’ve done it with a few different recipes.
Aremia White says
Cut back on the water. There will be enough juices with the other ingredients. Believe me. 2 cups is over kill
Maggie says
Oops. I meant to give a 3 star rating! If I can fix it I will!
Jessica says
You forgot one ingredient. Onions!
Randy says
Good Morning – found your yummy chili recipe on here.
Does the packet of chili seasoning come in just one size? I will be heading into my local Trader Joe’s so I will purchase it if I can find it.
Alternatively, can I use chili powder? I have a whole bottle of Organic Chili Powder sitting in my cabinet that I have never used.
If I can, in fact, use the chili powder instead: how many tablespoons would be the equivalent of the packet?
Thanks.
Amanda says
Mine seems water just started cooking an hour ago
Jennette says
Just finished putting in crockpot, so easy. Do you have a calorie count on this receipe?
Patricia Burton says
If it’s too watery, you can add masa. It’s a great thickening, and add the chili flavor. Use like you would cornstarch
Trish says
I just made this and turned out delicious! I used 1/2 cup of water and worked out great. I was wondering if you knew what the nutritional value was?
Thanks so much!
Christy says
Hi corey! Can i make this without meat or the vegetarian crumbles?
Corey says
Sure thing Christy! We make it all the time with veggie crumbles. If you don’t want to use the crumbles, I would just adding a couple extra cans of beans 🙂 I hope that helps. Enjoy!
Randy says
I’ve looked in a few different stores, but cannot find a packet of “Chili Seasoning” anywhere. The closest item that I can find is a packet of “Taco Seasoning Mix” at Trader Joe’s. Will this work instead?
Becky says
I was wondering the same thing about the taco seasoning packet instead of chili packet. I accidentally got the wrong one. Would it be ok or change the taste?
Jenny says
the chili seasoning is in the spice packet section, next to the taco seasoning and spaghetti sauce packets and such. Usually I get McCormick brand, Carroll Shelby’s (it comes in a box) or Chili O seasoning
Randy says
Thank you Jenny! I will look for those 3 brands on my next shopping trip. Great time of the year to make chili!
Analeah says
Can I use chili powder instead of chili seasoning packet?
Corey says
There are other seasonings in the seasoning packet Analeah. If you would like to make your own instead of using a packet, google DIY Chili Seasoning.
Randy says
I guess Corey didn’t want to answer my question from October 14th – but definitely do NOT use the packet of Taco Seasoning that I had asked about.
It was WAY too hot the end result of which I had to throw the whole thing out. That packet of Taco Seasoning has 12 servings. This Chili recipe is just about enough for 2 servings.
Also, per other commenters on here – yes, this chili is very watery and very soupy and thin and surprisingly – not all that much chili after all is said and done. Just enough for 2 large bowls – two meals for one person or one meal for two people.
Corey says
Sorry I missed your questions about taco seasoning Randy. I have only made this recipe as written with chili seasoning… as they are completely different seasonings. As far as the servings go… how big of a bowl are you using Randy! haha. A serving is about 1.5 cups. I hope that helps 🙂
Randy says
Hi Corey,
Thanks for getting back to me a couple of weeks back. I tried it again, and this time it came out perfect!
Definitely the difference between taco seasoning and chili seasoning. I finally found the chili seasoning in the gravy section of the local supermarket.
The taco seasoning packet has 12 servings and the chili seasoning packet has 4 servings. Might make a difference:)
So your chili recipe is really good. I am having it tonight, with rice pilaf mixed with peas and corn, and corn bread and butter. I will make it again. I am now subscribed to your website, so I am sure that I will find some more good recipes.
Merry Christmas!
Randy
Lauren Elizabeth says
I’m making this recipe with a half cup of the kidney bean juice and half cup of water, and I also added onions and will be adding salsa, cheese, and sour cream afterwards! Thank you for the recipe!
Stumpy says
I have a few suggestions. To thicken try adding a few corn tortillas that you’ve torn up and run thru a small blender. If no blender, take a chef’s knife and slice small strips off the tortilla and work them into a fine “grind “. Second always use at least 1/2 or a full onion. I like using a tbl. of chipotle w/ adobo sauce to this. Adds some heat and a nice smoky flavor. Also look for the chili seasoning packet where they sell the packaged gravies.
Stumpy says
Question for Corey. Ever made a green chili (chile verde) in the crock?? I make 1 that’s killer good.
Cass says
I made this with whole chopped tomatoes (instead of the can), soy “chorizo” instead of the ground beef, and a half cup of chickpeas rather than the second can of kidney beans.
I also threw in an onion boullion cube, a heaping tablespoon of srirachi chili sauce, some pumpkin spice and cinnamon, parsley flakes…
it came out AMAZING!!!
Jenny says
I use lean ground beef and have never bothered browning it and it always comes out fine. Can even throw it in frozen and just add another 30mins to and hour.
Holley says
If I use fresh beans instead of canned, should I soak them, then put in crock pot or soak and cook per package instructions and then put in crock pot? Thanks!
Corey says
Yes, if you use fresh, that is what I would do Holley.
Sarah says
I found mine to be a little too watery for my personal tastes as well. But I just took the lid off and kept it on high for about a half an hour to reduce it a little. I think next time I’d only use a cup or even less.
Overall, I found it easy and delicious though. I did add a can of whole kernel corn to it to give it something extra. But I’d definitely make this again!
Gary Drozel says
Hi Corey,
I actually added yellow and red onions and gren,yellow, and red bell peppers to your ingredients and it came out even more amazing. I really like using your recipes and the family loves them as well!!
Kailey says
This was a good base, but came out way too watery for my taste, like many other comments have mentioned. I made a few small changes: I added an onion, seasoned the beef with salt, pepper, and garlic, used beef broth instead of water, and a splash of whiskey. Overall, it was pretty good, but I would drastically reduce the water used to half of cup.
Thank you for posting!
Sarah says
This was delicious! I used dices tomatoes with green chilis and chopped up tomato from my garden. I added a half cup less of the water. It seemed a little watery at the end so I thickened it up a little with flour. It was great! I served it with rice and cheese. My husband ate two bowls full. I will be making it again! Maybe just add one cup of the water.
Casey says
This is my first time using a crockpot. And I wanted to make chilli like my moms which meant using bathe beans not canned I had already mixed all my ingredients and was just reading some of the comments and one stood out to soak the beans before hand …. I didn’t do that is my chilli going to come out ruined or is it ok will the beans still cook???? Any advice to save my dinner would be highly appreciated I will never live it down if I ruined the meal.
EdIth Pedraza says
I made this chili without water. It turned out delicious! Thank you for the simple recipe.
Brittany says
This was super helpful as I tried as quickly as possible to put chili into the crock pot that would finish in time for half time of the afternoon’s game. Thanks!!
Debbie says
If you do not have a chili packet , how many tablespoons of chili powder do you use? Or do chili packets have more seasoning to it than just chili seasoning? Sorry…. maybe a dumb question but I’m still learning!
Corey says
I believe it is about 2 TB
Jenny says
chili seasoning packets have more than just chili powder in them, so use the packet
Jenny says
here is a make at home chili seasoning: https://www.pinterest.com/pin/439452876112335473/
or
INGREDIENTS
1 Tbsp chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp onion powder
1 tsp salt
1/4 tsp approximately freshly ground pepper
INSTRUCTIONS
Add all of the ingredients to a bowl and stir to combine. Store in an air-tight container, away from heat and moisture for up to six months.
RECIPE NOTES
Makes enough for one pot of chili (about 6 servings).
Taylor says
If you double the recipe how long would you cook it for, still the 4 hours or 8?
Corey says
Yes, you would still cook it for about 4 hours. You might want to add on an additional hour, depending on your crockpot.
Matthew says
Great Recipe really easy and good. The only problem, the first time I did it, was I didn’t make enough. I doubled the recipe the second time.
Corey says
Haha. So happy you loved it Matthew!
Anita says
This is the first time I made Crockpot Chili. I used all the exact brands of beans and tomatoes, but opted for the low/no salt versions. I added half a small yellow onion and half a small bell pepper. I cooked for 4 hours on high. It came out good, my brothers loved it, but I found it had a acid/vinegar taste. Is it the low/no salt option or the onion/peppers? I have heard that sometimes tomatoes can be acidic tasting. Your input would be greatly appreciated.
Jenny says
Hi Anita, i don’t usually use the low/no salt versions, so that my be what the problem was. Try using the regular kind next time. also, did you cook your onion and bell pepper with your ground beef first? I would do that, chop up the onion and pepper, cook it with your beef, then drain and add it all into the crock pot. I cook mine for 6 hours or so on low, slow and low is always better, in my opinion. also, I don’t drain my kidney beans and I don’t add any additional water. the liquid in the beans and tomatoes is enough. Let me know if i can help you further, I love to cook in my crock pot so if you need any recipes, let me know! jenny2013marie@gmail.com Happy Cooking! -Jenny
Anita says
Thanks Jenny for the info. I have used raw onions and bell peppers before with stew, pot roast and chicken, with no problems, but never anything with tomatoes. I will cook them with the meat next time. I added the two cups water as listed in the recipe and it was too soupy. I will try our suggestion on that also. Thanks again. Planning on making another batch this weekend.
Ruth says
What size Crock-Pot do you recommend?
Corey says
4-6qt would be my recommendation.
Tabitha says
This was amazing! Made it tonight for dinner. I followed the recipe except I seasoned my ground beef while cooking and only added a 1/4 cup of water instead of two. I used Great Value kidney beans (don’t forget to drain and rinse), tomato sauce and diced tomatoes and McCormick chili seasoning. Cooked on low for 6 hours. Didn’t turn out bland or watery at all! Highly recommended and will be making again. Thank you!
Corey says
So happy you loved it Tabitha!
Heath says
Can I make the Chili in a 2 quart crockpot?
Corey says
You will probably have to cut the recipe in half.
Lindsey says
We loved this
Marie Kozekwa says
What is the serving size for the nutrition information? It just says 6 servings, but not the serving size….
Corey says
About 1 & 3/4 cup.
Krystie says
I keep coming back to this one over and over. It’s easy, just a few ingredients, all my family loves it, and it creates leftovers.
Stephanie R Dodaro says
Made this last night. YUM!
Simple, easy & delicious!
Deanna says
This is delicious! I’m currently making it for the second time this month right now! I do everything exact, except only add 1/4 cup of water. Absolutely amazing!