Easy Crockpot 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.
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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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TOOLS USED FOR THIS EASY CROCKPOT CHILI
Slow Cooker: Here is one of my favorite crockpots!
Slow Cooker Liners: Do you love easy clean-up jobs? Give these liners a try.
Easy Crockpot Chili
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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!
Nutrition
Nutritional 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.
Did You Make This Recipe?
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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!
Hi corey! Can i make this without meat or the vegetarian crumbles?
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!
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?
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?
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
Thank you Jenny! I will look for those 3 brands on my next shopping trip. Great time of the year to make chili!
Can I use chili powder instead of chili seasoning packet?
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.
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.
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 🙂
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