If you are craving a hearty, comforting meal that fills your kitchen with irresistible aromas and makes everyone come running to the table, look no further than this Creamy Beef and Bean Crock Pot Chili Recipe. This dish combines tender ground beef, flavorful beans, and a rich, creamy tomato base, all slow-cooked to perfection in your crock pot. The wonderful blend of spices, the subtle sweetness from brown sugar, and the smooth texture make each spoonful a delight. Whether it’s a busy weeknight or a chilly weekend, this chili is your perfect, fuss-free go-to meal.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating a deep, satisfying flavor and texture. From fresh vegetables that add crispness and sweetness to the carefully chosen spices that build layers of taste, this list is simple but powerful enough to turn basic items into a wholesome feast.
- Onion: Adds a natural sweetness and depth when sautéed.
- Green bell pepper: Brings a mild, fresh crunch and bright color.
- Garlic cloves: Provides that essential aromatic punch that wakes up the dish.
- Ground beef (80/20): A perfect balance of meat and fat for juicy, flavorful chili.
- Kidney beans: Classic chili beans that add hearty texture.
- Chili hot beans: Amp up the spice level and complement the beef wonderfully.
- Diced tomatoes: Freshness and acidity that balance the richness.
- Tomato sauce: Creates a smooth, creamy base.
- Chili powder: Gives warmth and signature chili flavor.
- Cumin: Earthy, smoky tones that jazz up the chili flavor profile.
- Onion powder: Enhances the onion flavor throughout.
- Brown sugar: Just a touch to balance acidity with gentle sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Adds consistent garlic flavor beyond the fresh garlic.
- Salt: Brings all the flavors together perfectly.
- Olive oil (or any cooking oil): For sautéing the veggies and starting the flavor base.
How to Make Creamy Beef and Bean Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare Your Veggies
Start by dicing the onion, green bell pepper, and garlic cloves. The fresh diced aromatics are key to building a fragrant base that will carry throughout the chili. Sautéing them briefly softens their texture and helps release those vibrant flavors early on.
Step 2: Sauté Vegetables
Heat up a tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Toss in the diced onion, bell pepper, and garlic, stirring occasionally for about 2 to 3 minutes until they become tender and fragrant. This step is essential for unlocking their full goodness before adding the beef.
Step 3: Brown the Ground Beef
Add the ground beef to the skillet. Break it up as it cooks, stirring frequently so it browns evenly but doesn’t dry out. This step concentrates the meat’s flavor and texture, creating that rich foundation the chili needs.
Step 4: Season the Meat
Once the beef is nearly browned, sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder over it to infuse those bold, spicy notes right in the pan. Continue cooking until the meat is fully browned; this ensures a deep flavor that will permeate the entire crock pot chili.
Step 5: Combine and Transfer
Transfer the sautéed veggies and beef mixture into your slow cooker. Add the drained kidney beans and chili hot beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and the remaining 1 tablespoon chili powder, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything gently but thoroughly to combine all the flavors evenly.
Step 6: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your crock pot and set it to low heat. Let it cook slowly for approximately 4 hours. The slow cooking melts the flavors into one another, tenderizes the beef even more, and leaves you with a creamy, comforting chili that tastes like it’s been simmering all day.
How to Serve Creamy Beef and Bean Crock Pot Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings add an exciting layer of texture and freshness. Try dolloping sour cream or Greek yogurt for creaminess, sprinkling shredded cheddar or pepper jack cheese for melty richness, and chopping some fresh cilantro or green onions to brighten the bowl. For heat lovers, jalapeño slices or a dash of hot sauce can amp up the excitement.
Side Dishes
This chili pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Crispy cornbread or warm crusty bread are perfect for mopping up the sauce. A simple green salad with zesty vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast. For a heartier meal, serve alongside fluffy white rice or loaded baked potatoes for extra comfort.
Creative Ways to Present
Make your chili experience even more fun by serving it in a bread bowl or topping it with crushed tortilla chips for an enjoyable crunch. Layering it over nachos or using it as a filling for stuffed baked potatoes creates a delightful twist that keeps everyone coming back for more.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once your chili has cooled completely, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 4 days. This makes it an excellent option for meal prepping or enjoying easy lunches later in the week.
Freezing
This creamy beef and bean crock pot chili freezes beautifully. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty ziplock bags. Freeze for up to 3 months, and label each container so you know exactly what comfort food awaits on busy days ahead.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw the chili overnight in the refrigerator. Warm it gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring often, until it’s heated through and steaming. You can also microwave it in microwave-safe dishes for quick weeknight meals, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner option, though it may result in a slightly lighter flavor. Be sure to brown it properly and adjust seasoning to taste for the best outcome.
Do I need to soak the beans first?
For this recipe, canned beans are perfect and convenient, so there’s no need to soak them. Just drain and rinse to reduce excess sodium and improve texture.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Definitely! You can increase the chili powder, add cayenne pepper, or include chopped fresh chili peppers like jalapeño. Adjust it gradually to keep the heat balanced with your taste preferences.
What if I don’t have a crock pot?
No crock pot? No problem. You can simmer this chili on the stove over low heat for about 1 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally to meld flavors and prevent sticking.
Is this recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?
Yes, it is naturally gluten-free as long as your seasoning blends and canned beans don’t contain hidden gluten. Always check labels if you have strict dietary restrictions.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to try this Creamy Beef and Bean Crock Pot Chili Recipe. It’s one of those dishes that brings comfort, warmth, and smiles with every bite. Whether for a family dinner or a casual gathering, this chili delivers bold, satisfying flavors without the fuss, letting your crock pot do all the hard work. Gather your ingredients, set it slow, and prepare to enjoy bowl after bowl of absolute comfort food joy.
Print
Creamy Beef and Bean Crock Pot Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 10 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
A hearty and flavorful Crock Pot chili recipe that combines sautéed vegetables, ground beef, beans, and tomatoes simmered slowly for a perfect, comforting meal. This easy slow cooker chili is ideal for game day, family dinners, or meal prep, offering a balanced blend of spices and rich textures.
Ingredients
Vegetables
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Meat
- 2 pounds ground beef (80/20)
Beans and Tomatoes
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 15.5 ounces chili hot beans, drained and rinsed
- 29 ounces diced tomatoes
- 8 ounces tomato sauce
Spices and Seasonings
- 3 tablespoons chili powder, divided
- 2 tablespoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ½ tablespoon garlic powder
- ½ tablespoon salt
Other
- 1 tablespoon olive oil (or other cooking oil)
Instructions
- Prepare Vegetables: Dice the onion, green bell pepper, and mince the garlic cloves into small pieces to ensure even cooking and flavor distribution.
- Sauté Vegetables: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced onion, green bell pepper, and minced garlic. Sauté for about 2 to 3 minutes until the vegetables are softened and fragrant.
- Cook Ground Beef: Add the 2 pounds of ground beef to the skillet with the softened vegetables. Cook the beef until it is nearly browned, breaking it apart with a spatula as it cooks for even browning.
- Season Meat: Sprinkle 1 tablespoon of chili powder over the meat and vegetables in the skillet. Continue cooking until the ground beef is fully browned and well seasoned.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned meat and vegetable mixture into a slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, chili hot beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, remaining 2 tablespoons chili powder, cumin, onion powder, brown sugar, garlic powder, and salt. Stir everything together until well combined.
- Slow Cook: Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set to low heat. Allow the chili to cook for approximately 4 hours to let the flavors meld and the ingredients become tender and rich.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add extra chili powder or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for ground beef for a leaner version.
- Drain and rinse the beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
- If you prefer a thicker chili, stir and cook uncovered in the slow cooker for the last 30 minutes.
- Serve with toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for extra flavor.
