Easy Beef Chili
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You asked for more slow cooker meals, and here’s the first one — my classic beef chili. It’s rich, cozy, and full of that deep, simmered-all-day flavor we love this time of year. The slow cooker makes this recipe foolproof. You brown the beef, add everything to the pot, and let it work its magic while you go about your day. By the time dinner rolls around, the house smells incredible, and the chili is perfectly tender and flavorful. This is the kind of comfort food that never goes out of style — hearty enough for a weeknight dinner, simple enough for meal prep, and always a crowd-pleaser on game days. Serve it with a scoop of rice, a sprinkle of cheese, or a slice of cornbread. However you do it, this easy slow cooker chili is pure comfort in a bowl.
Why You’ll Love This Easy Beef Chili
- Hands-off cooking: Whether you use the slow cooker or Instant Pot, it practically makes itself.
- Full of flavor: The blend of spices gives it that slow-simmered, rich taste in a fraction of the time.
- Perfect for any night: Cozy enough for Sunday dinner, easy enough for a weeknight.
- Freezer-friendly: Makes great leftovers — it actually tastes even better the next day.
- Family favorite: Mild enough for everyone, but easy to spice up with extra chili powder or hot sauce.
- One pot, easy cleanup: Everything cooks in one pot, so there’s minimal mess.
Ingredients Needed To Make Easy Beef Chili
- Ground beef
- onion
- green pepper
- diced tomatoes
- tomato paste
- beef broth
- black beans
- kidney beans
- chili powder
- cumin
- paprika
- Worcestershire sauce
- garlic powder
- onion powder
- salt
- pepper
How To Make Easy Beef Chili
Start by browning the ground beef until it’s nice and caramelized — that’s where the flavor begins. Add your onion and green pepper, cooking until they soften and start to smell amazing. Stir in the tomato paste, beans, tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings.
If you’re using an Instant Pot, pressure cook it on high for about 15 minutes, then let it naturally release for 10. If you’re using a slow cooker, cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4. Either way, you’ll end up with a thick, hearty chili that tastes like it simmered all day.
Spoon it into bowls, add your favorite toppings, and dig in. It’s classic comfort food, made easier.
Variations and Substitutions
- Sweet Heat: Stir in a little brown sugar, honey, or maple syrup to balance the spice.
- Turkey Chili: Swap the ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner version that’s still hearty and flavorful.
- Vegetarian: Leave out the meat and double up on beans or add lentils, quinoa, or diced sweet potatoes.
- Spicy Kick: Add a diced jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- Smoky Flavor: Mix in smoked paprika or a small amount of chipotle chili powder.
- Chunky Chili: Use diced stew meat instead of ground beef and cook low and slow until it’s fork-tender.
- Bean-Free Chili: Skip the beans altogether if you prefer a more Texas-style chili — just add an extra cup of diced tomatoes or broth to balance the texture.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Chili always tastes better the next day as the flavors deepen. Store it in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
Can I use ground chicken instead of beef?
Absolutely. Ground chicken or turkey both work well — just add a little extra oil when browning since they’re leaner meats.
Can I skip the beans?
Yes, this recipe works with or without beans. If you leave them out, add an extra ½ to 1 cup of broth to keep the chili thick but not dry.
What toppings go best with chili?
Some of my favorites: shredded cheese, sour cream or Greek yogurt, diced avocado, green onions, jalapeños, or a squeeze of lime. Don’t forget a side of cornbread or rice.
Can I double this recipe?
Yes, as long as your slow cooker or Instant Pot is large enough to handle it. It freezes beautifully, so it’s a great option for meal prep.
How do I thicken chili if it’s too watery?
Let it simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste. A small handful of crushed tortilla chips also works in a pinch.
Is this chili spicy?
No, it’s mild and family-friendly as written, but you can easily increase the chili powder or add hot sauce to taste.
Easy Beef Chili
Equipment
- 1 Dutch oven or stockpot
- 1 Or Dream Cooker
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef
- 1 green pepper, diced
- 2 onions, diced medium
- 2 cups beef broth
- 6 oz tomato paste
- 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
- 15 oz diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp ancho chili powder
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
Instructions
For the Instant Pot
- Turn on Sauté mode and add the ground beef. Cook until browned, using a spoon to break it up.
- Add the onions and green pepper. Sauté for about 5 minutes, until the onions are translucent.
- Stir in the tomato paste, beans, diced tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all seasonings.
- Secure the lid and set the Instant Pot to Pressure Cook (Manual) on High for 15 minutes.
- Allow a 10-minute natural release, then quick-release any remaining pressure.
- Stir, taste, and adjust seasoning before serving.
For the Slow Cooker
- In a skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked. Drain excess fat.
- Transfer the beef to your slow cooker, then add the onions, green pepper, tomato paste, beans, diced tomatoes, broth, Worcestershire sauce, and seasonings. Stir to combine.
- Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
- Stir well before serving and season to taste.
- Serving SuggestionsTop your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or avocado. Serve it with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Hi there,
I am new to the Dream Cooker and using any type of pressure or slow cooker generally. I was super excited to find your recipe which you specifically used the Dream Cooker for! However, I’m a bit confused as to what setting you are using. When you say “Set it to the correct cooking setting to finish the cooking process.” – does this mean use the slow cook or pressure cook setting? Or do you continue to use the Saute setting?
Thanks!
Slow Cooker Setting 🙂