Looking for a hearty, hands-off dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Chilli Recipe Crockpot for Cowboy Chili is your answer! Thanks to the magic of the slow cooker, this dish is super easy Just toss everything in, let it simmer, and come home to a warm, delicious meal. Known as Cowboy Chili, this Chilli Recipe Crockpot twist adds beans to a traditional chili base, making it filling and family-friendly. It’s perfect for busy days, game nights, or cozy evenings when you want comfort food without the fuss. Let’s dive into this simple Chilli Recipe Crockpot that’ll have your house smelling amazing!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Why is this Chilli Recipe Crockpot a must-try? It’s all about convenience and taste! The crockpot does the heavy lifting, cooking the chili low and slow for 6-8 hours—or faster on high in 3-4 hours—so you can set it and forget it. Packed with ground beef, beans, and zesty tomatoes, this Cowboy Chili offers a fun twist on classic chili recipes. It’s hearty enough to satisfy big appetites, and the addition of beans (sorry, Texas purists!) makes it extra filling. Whether you’re a chili newbie or a seasoned fan, this Chilli Recipe Crockpot delivers a delicious, no-stress meal everyone will love.
Tools Needed
To whip up this Chilli Recipe Crockpot, you’ll need a few kitchen basics. Don’t have what you need? Visit Our Shop for quality tools to make your cooking a breeze!
- Slow Cooker: A 6-quart model is ideal to fit everything (Serious Eats guide to top slow cookers).
- Skillet: For browning the ground beef before it goes in.
- Cutting board and knife: To chop onions and peppers.
- Wooden spoon: For stirring it all together.
- Can opener: To open those tomato and bean cans with ease.
These tools make this Chilli Recipe Crockpot a snap to prepare and cook.
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need for this tasty Chilli Recipe Crockpot Cowboy Chili (serves 6-8):
- 1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped (green, yellow, or orange work too)
- 1 cup beef broth
- Optional: 1 jalapeño, diced (for extra heat)
These ingredients create the bold, hearty flavor of this Chilli Recipe Crockpot.
Directions
Ready to make your Chilli Recipe Crockpot Cowboy Chili? Here’s how:
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Load the Crockpot: Add browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Toss in chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, chopped bell pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and the chili thickens.
- Check and Serve: Stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!
For a stovetop option, brown the beef, onions, and peppers in a pot, add remaining ingredients, and simmer 20-25 minutes.
Expert Tips for Perfect Chilli Recipe Crockpot
Want your Chilli Recipe Crockpot to shine? Try these:
- Brown the beef: It adds depth—don’t skip this step.
- Hide the veggies: Red bell peppers blend in after cooking, perfect for picky eaters.
- Adjust heat: Add jalapeño for spice or skip it for mild flavor.
- Thicken if needed: Simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes on high if it’s too thin.
- Taste test: Season at the end to balance flavors.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 6-8
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes (low) or 3-4 hours 15 minutes (high)
This Chilli Recipe Crockpot fits any schedule!
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Don’t trip up on these:
- Skipping browning: Raw beef in the crockpot lacks flavor—brown it first.
- Overloading salt: Start light—beans and broth add saltiness.
- Wrong pot size: A 6-quart crockpot prevents overflow—don’t go smaller.
- Not draining beans: Rinse them to avoid excess starchiness.
Variations
Customize your Chilli Recipe Crockpot with these ideas:
- Bean Swap: Use pinto, black, or navy beans instead of kidney.
- Meat Twist: Try ground turkey or sausage for a change.
- Extra Veggies: Add diced zucchini or corn for texture.
- Spice Boost: Toss in cayenne or hot sauce for heat.
- No Beans: Skip them for a Texas-style take.
Storage and Reheating
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for 5-7 days.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over medium heat with a splash of broth (5-10 minutes).
- Freezing: Freeze for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
This Chilli Recipe Crockpot holds up great for leftovers!
More Crock Pot Recipes You Will Love:
- Tender Crockpot Beef Short Ribs Recipe
- Southern Slow Cooker Oxtails Recipe
- Crock Pot Steak and Potatoes
- Easy Slow Cooker Shredded Chicken
- Slow Cooker Cube Steak and Gravy
FAQs
- Why Cowboy Chili?
It’s inspired by cattle drive meals—simple, hearty, and bean-filled for stretch. - Can I skip beans?
Yes, for a bean-free version—Texas folks will approve! - No crockpot?
Simmer on the stovetop for 20-25 minutes after browning. - Too spicy?
Omit jalapeño and reduce chili powder to 2 tbsp. - Gluten-free?
Naturally gluten-free—just check your broth label. - Topping ideas?
Cheddar cheese, sour cream, red onions, or cornbread.
Why This Recipe Works
This Chilli Recipe Crockpot shines because it’s effortless yet packed with flavor. Browning the beef locks in taste, while the slow cooker melds spices, tomatoes, and beans into a hearty stew. The cowboy twist—adding beans—stretches the meal and adds texture, making it perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers. It’s forgiving too—swap ingredients or adjust heat to suit your crew. Whether you’re a chili purist or a bean lover, this Chilli Recipe Crockpot delivers comfort in every bowl.
Serving Suggestions
Scoop this Chilli Recipe Crockpot into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced red onions, or crumbled Saltines for crunch. Serve with warm cornbread on the side—its sweetness pairs perfectly with the chili’s spice. For a lighter touch, add a green salad with a tangy dressing. It’s a complete meal that’s easy to customize and sure to satisfy.
Conclusion
This Chilli Recipe Crockpot for Cowboy Chili is your ticket to a stress-free, flavorful dinner. With minimal prep and the crockpot doing the work, you’ll have a warm, hearty meal ready to go. Try it out, tweak it to your taste, and grab essentials at Our Shop for more easy recipes. Find the full recipe at eatingonadime.com—just search “Cowboy Chili.” Rate it five stars and let me know how it goes—I can’t wait to hear! Happy cooking!
Easy Chilli Recipe Crockpot Recipe
Course: crockpot recipes, RecipesCuisine: American15
minutes5
hours5
hours15
minutesLooking for a hearty, hands-off dinner that’s bursting with flavor? This Chilli Recipe Crockpot for Cowboy Chili is your answer! Thanks to the magic of the slow cooker
Ingredients
1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 medium onion, chopped
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 tsp salt
½ tsp black pepper
1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
1 (14.5 oz) can stewed tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
¼ cup chili powder
1 tsp ground cumin
1 red bell pepper, chopped (green, yellow, or orange work too)
1 cup beef broth
Optional: 1 jalapeño, diced (for extra heat)
Directions
- Brown the Beef: In a skillet, cook ground beef over medium heat until browned. Drain excess grease.
- Load the Crockpot: Add browned beef to a 6-quart slow cooker. Toss in chopped onion, minced garlic, salt, pepper, crushed tomatoes, stewed tomatoes, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, chopped bell pepper, and beef broth. Stir everything together.
- Cook: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, until flavors meld and the chili thickens.
- Check and Serve: Stir before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings!