Easy Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chili Recipe

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Looking for an easy crock pot dinner idea that’s both delicious and satisfying? Look no further than this flavorful Slow Cooker beef and bean chili recipe! Made with McCormick chili seasoning and slow-cooked to perfection in a crock pot, this hearty beef recipe is sure to warm you up on even the coldest of nights. 

Packed with protein and easy to customize to your taste preferences, this beef and bean chili is a must-try recipe for any home cook looking to add a little spice to their dinner routine. So, grab your slow cooker, and let’s get cooking!

Homemade Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili Recipe: Perfect for Any Occasion

This slow cooker beef & bean chili recipe is such an easy recipe for a weeknight meal, but it is also a great homemade chili for any special occasion. Take this to a Super Bowl party, church function, or another gathering you have.

It is a savory winter staple meal for those cold nights. Once it is done, top it with some cheddar cheese, sour cream, and hot sauce. Then garnish with green onions and serve with saltine crackers, cornbread, or tortilla chips. 

When I make this recipe, I also love to make this Homemade Sourdough Bread that is made with a potato flake starter or this Homemade White Bread. Both go great with this slow-cooker chili. 

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What makes this recipe SO easy?

A few years ago I found this recipe on the back of a McCormick seasoning package. The McCormick seasoning packet has all the common components of chili seasoning.

It is a great spice blend. Up until then, I always came up with my mix. But by following the recipe they have, and making a few tweaks of my own, it became an easy go-to meal to make on a busy weekday. 

​No lie, this recipe is so easy, anyone can put this together and have a complete meal ready to go when they get home from work. The main thing that makes this recipe so easy is that the only cooking you do is browning the hamburger meat.

You could cook the meat and beans in a large Dutch oven on the stove, but if you have the right slow cooker, you can do it all right there in the same pot. Talk about easy!

After that, you just dump all the ingredients in the Slow cooker, dump your pre-measured package of McCormick Chili mix in, stir, set the time, and you are done.

This could be ready to eat in as little as 1 hour, but I like to simmer it on low all day while I am at work so the flavors all meld together. 

One more thing, in this recipe post I am going to share a few tips and tricks that make this even easier than what the package says. But before we get into the tips and tricks, let’s talk about the ingredients.

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Ingredients

This slow cooker beef and bean chili recipe requires very few ingredients. The majority of them are pantry staples that you probably already have on hand. Either way, let’s go over the ingredients list.

• 1 lb of lean ground meat: For this recipe, you are going to need 1lb of lean ground meat. This could be lean ground beef, ground chicken, or ground turkey. 
• 2 -15-ounce cans of Beans: The original recipe calls for two cans of beans. I prefer pinto beans and red kidney beans. Another great addition is black beans. 
• 1 – 14-ounce cans of Diced Tomatoes:  I like to use one regular can of diced tomatoes.
• 1 – 10-ounce can of Rotel Tomatoes. Rotel has green chilies mixed in it and it gives it a wonderful flavor and a little heat. 
• 1 – 8-ounce can of Tomato Sauce
• 1 Package of McCormick Chili Seasoning Mix: Buy the 1.25oz package of McCormick Chili Seasoning mix. I love this mix because it has all the wonderful flavors of spices that you need and it is already pre-measured for you. It is a flavor-packed chili mix. 
• 1/4 teaspoon salt.
• 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
• Optional Garnish: Green onions, chives, and cilantro make excellent optional garnishes. 

Equipment Needed

The equipment needed is pretty basic and most people will have these on hand.

• Slow Cooker: I like to use the Ninja Cook System slow cooker. I will explain this further below in the tips and tricks section. 
• Ladel: For serving the Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chili after it is done. 
• Mix and Chop, Potato Masher, or a Wooden Spoon: The Chop and Stir utensil is a product made by Pampered Chef but you can find off brands on Amazon. If you do not have one, a potato masher will work, or a wooden spoon. This is to chop and stir the meat as it browns.

Step by Step Instructions on making Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chili

1. Start by browning the ground meat. If you do not have a slow cooker that has a stovetop function, you will do this on the stovetop. Grab a large pot or large Dutch oven. 

2. Turn the stove on medium-high heat and add in a tablespoon of neutral-tasting oil such as canola or vegetable. Additionally, you could also use olive oil as I do here. 

3. Next, add in the meat. Then, add the salt and black pepper. While using a mix and chop, potato masher, or even a wooden spoon, break up the meat. Continue to stir until it is all brown. If you prefer, you can drain the meat to remove the excess fat.  

5. After that, add the browned meat mixture to your slow cooker. Add beans, tomatoes, and tomato sauce into the slow cooker. You will not drain the beans or the tomatoes. 

6. Now add the Packet of seasoning. 

7. Stir to combine. 

8. Finally, cook on low for at least 1 hour but up to 8 hours. I prefer to cook mine all day for up to 8 hours on low. The extra time allows for the best flavor. 

9. Once it is done, ladle chili into a Small Bowl or a medium bowl. Top with cheddar cheese, and sour cream, and garnish with green onions. 

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Tips and Tricks

• ​For the easiest meal possible, you can use a slow cooker that has a stovetop function on it. At this point, you can brown the meat inside the slow cooker, then turn it to slow cook. After that, you will add in the rest of the ingredients. 

• A Chop and Stir utensil makes life so much easier. I have one from Pampered Chef and I think they are the ones that created it. Although you can find them at stores and on Amazon under various other brand names now. What I like about it is you can chop up the meat while it is browning. Then afterward,  you can use it to stir the mixture anytime you need to stir it. This eliminates the need for multiple utensils, therefore, making cleaning up a breeze. 

• Speaking of Pampered Chef, I just love this can opener they have. This is the old style and I do not think they make it anymore but if you can find one somewhere, grab it because it is durable. It cuts the lids and leaves no sharp edges.

• Additionally, If you want to stretch this recipe, add an extra can of beans or two.

• If you want to cook this meal even quicker, try it in the Instant Pot. Get the same great taste and flavor in under 25 minutes. 

​Sides that go with Slow Cooker Beef & Bean Chili

• Old Fashioned Buttermilk Cornbread
• Homemade White Bread
• Sourdough Bread 
• Marinated Cucumbers
• Spaghetti Pasta Salad

Conclusion

In conclusion, this beef and bean chili recipe is a delicious and satisfying crock pot dinner idea that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of McCormick chili seasoning and slow cooking in a crock pot creates a flavorful and hearty meal that will warm you up on even the coldest of nights or on game day. 

​The best part is that this recipe is easy to customize, so you can adjust the spice level to your liking or add your favorite toppings to make it your own. Pair it with some homemade bread, and crackers, and you’ve got yourself a comforting and delicious meal that will leave everyone wanting more. So, give this recipe a try and impress your friends and family with your culinary skills!

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FAQ’s

What can I do with the leftovers?

If you have leftover chili, store it in an airtight container. Place in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days. Beef and Bean Chili is even better the next day.

Can I use different beans in this recipe?

​Of course, you can. Additionally, feel free to experiment. The typical beans that are used are light and dark kidney beans, pinto beans, and black beans. 

Can I add vegetables to this recipe?

Yes, you can add vegetables. Some of the ones I would look to add are corn, carrots, green peppers, tomatoes, celery, and onions. Beyond that, you would have to experiment. 

Can I adjust the spice level of this recipe?

Yes. However, this recipe will make mild to medium heat chili but If you prefer a spicier chili, you can add a small amount of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to adjust the heat level. 

Can I freeze the leftovers of this recipe?

Yes, this recipe freezes well. Allow the beef chili to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container or bag. It can be stored in the freezer for up to three months.

Can I make this recipe in advance?

Yes, you can make this recipe in advance and reheat it when ready to serve. It actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had a chance to meld together. 

Thanks for stopping by Southern Food Junkie. It is our hope that you enjoy this recipe sharing it with friends, family, and coworkers. Make sure to take time to give thanks to the creator, God, by which all blessings flow.
John 6:35

-Ronnie | Let’s Get Food Junked

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