Easy Slow Cooker Chili

Making chili in a crock pot is such an easy way to have a delicious meal ready to go by dinner time. 

Should you use dried beans or canned beans in homemade chili?

You can use either or. Now, dried beans require more prep and time as they have to be soaked in water overnight. 

For a quicker version, but still just as tasty, grab some canned pinto beans.

My recipe requires 1 pound of dried pinto beans, so just substitute for 2 cans of pinto beans. 

Should you use fresh tomatoes or canned tomatoes?

This is all a preference, but I personally always go with fresh tomatoes. Also, I leave the skin on them. 

Is there a vegetarian alternative to this chili?

For those of you vegetarians out there who love a great bowl of chili, you can still use this recipe. Just leave the meat out. It will be just as tasty and flavorful!

Ingredients needed to make Slow Cooker Chili

• 1 lb pinto beans dried or 1 (29oz) can Goya pinto beans
• 3 teaspoon salt (for soaking beans overnight)*
• water to cover pinto beans (for soaking overnight)*
• 2 cups sliced tomatoes
• 1 cup chopped onions
• 1 lb ground beef, cooked and drained
• 1 (6 oz can) tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz can) tomato sauce
• 2 cups water
• 1 tablespoon chili powder
• ¼ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
• ½ teaspoon garlic salt
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• ½ teaspoon salt

*If you are using canned pinto beans, don't worry about the salt or water to cover the beans. You won't need to soak them, they are ready to be used right away!

How to make this delicious chili

The first thing you will do is soak your dried beans overnight for at least 8 hours in water and salt.

Next, drain the beans and add them to your slow cooker. Then, add in 2 cups sliced tomatoes.

Then, cook your 1 pound of ground beef, and then fully drain it before adding it to your slow cooker. Next, slice up ½ of an onion and add to the slow cooker.

Then, mix together your chili seasonings. This is where you can get creative and add different levels of spice to your chili. I use chili powder, chipotle chili powder, garlic salt, salt and pepper. Mix these all together and then set aside.

Next, add tomato paste and water to a medium mixing bowl. Whisk this together and then add in your seasonings.

Whisk this together and then pour it into your crock pot. Give all of the contents a good stir so it's coated everything nicely.

With most slow cooker meals, you need enough liquid to adequately cook everything, so you will then add in one (15 oz) can of tomato sauce. Mix one last time and then place your lid on your crock pot.

Cook on low heat for 8-10 hours or on high heat for 6-8 hours. It takes a long time, but this ensures that your beans are cooked all the way and on the softer side.

Ladle out the chili into bowls and serve with crackers, cheese, and sour cream...or whatever it is you like to eat with chili!

Refrigerate any left overs in a sealed container.

Thanks for stopping by! If you enjoyed this chili recipe, please remember to share it on Pinterest or leave me a comment below. 🙂

More Slow Cooker Recipes you might like:

• Slow Cooker Pot Roast
• Crock Pot Brisket
• Crockpot Italian Chicken