This Slow Cooker Chili is thick, hearty, and packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and smoky spices. Cocoa powder is my secret ingredient for adding extra richness and depth! With just 15 minutes of prep, it’s an easy make-ahead dinner that’s perfect for chilly nights.

We love making healthy chili recipes at home! For something a little lighter, try our Slow Cooker Turkey Chili, and if you want to skip the meat, our Vegetarian Quinoa Chili is a quick and easy stovetop dinner you will love!

A bowl of Slow Cooker Chili topped with sour cream, chopped red onions, sliced red chili, and fresh cilantro, served with a gold spoon in the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • All you need is 15 minutes to throw this chili together then you can let the slow cooker do the rest of the work for you!
  • Packed with flavor. Cocoa powder adds richness and depth, while chipotle chili powder gives the chili a subtle smoky kick.
  • Perfect for meal prep. This chili tastes even better the next day and reheats beautifully, making it great for make-ahead dinners and leftovers.
  • Easy to customize. Adjust the spice level and pile on your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, avocado, or green onions.

Why Add Cocoa Powder to Chili?

Unsweetened cocoa powder is my secret ingredient for adding extra depth to slow cooker chili. It enhances the savory, smoky flavors without making the chili taste like chocolate. You only need a small amount to give the sauce a richer, more complex flavor.

A close-up of Slow Cooker Chili in a pot, showing beans, ground meat, and tomato chunks in a rich, red sauce. A white spoon is partially submerged, scooping up the chili.

Ingredients and Substitutions

  • Ground beef: Ground beef gives this chili a hearty, savory flavor. I like to brown it before adding it to the slow cooker for even more flavor. Ground turkey or chicken can also be substituted for a lighter option.
  • Onion and garlic: Fresh onion and garlic create the flavorful base for the chili and pair perfectly with the tomatoes and smoky spices.
  • Crushed tomatoes: Two cans of crushed tomatoes create a thick, rich tomato base without making the chili too watery. I’ve also made this chili with fire roasted tomatoes too!
  • Beef broth: A little broth is added to thin out the chili. I always add a little bit more when I reheat the chili as well to thin it out.
  • Seasonings: Oregano, chili powder, and cumin give the chili its classic savory, warm flavor.
  • Cocoa powder: This is my secret ingredient! Unsweetened cocoa powder adds richness and depth to the chili without making it taste like chocolate. A little goes a long way.
  • Chipotle chili powder: Chipotle chili powder adds smokiness along with a little heat. You could add in the sauce from chipotle in adobo as well too! When I make this for my family I always add a bit less chili powder for my kids.
  • Beans: I use a combination of kidney beans and black beans for plenty of texture and heartiness. Make sure to drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to the slow cooker.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chili

  1. Saute the onions, garlic and beef (Adds so much flavor!): I know it’s an extra step by taking the extra 5 minutes and getting some color on the onions, garlic and beef really make a difference and take this chili to the next level!
browning ground beef and onion in large skillet
  1. Add everything to the slow cooker except for the beans.
cooked slow cooker chili in crockpot
  1. Cook the chili on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. 30 minutes before serving add in the beans. Season with salt and pepper to taste then serve with your favorite toppings! I love to load mine up with sharp cheddar cheese, red onion, sour cream and hot sauce!
  2. This chili recipe is great for meal planning and is a great freezer friendly meal! Freeze it in an airtight container or ziploc freezer bag for up to 3 months. Thaw it completely at room temperature before following the reheating instructions.
A white ladle scoops up hearty Slow Cooker Chili with ground beef, kidney beans, black beans, and tomatoes from a pot.

How Long Should I Cook Chili in a Slow Cooker

Cook the chili on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. 30 minutes before serving I add in the beans to heat them through. This ensures they are still nice and firm and aren’t mushy.

What To Serve With Crockpot Chili

A bowl of Slow Cooker Chili topped with sour cream, chopped red onion, sliced red chili, and cilantro, with a spoon resting inside.

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    A bowl of Slow Cooker Chili topped with sour cream, chopped red onions, sliced red chili, and fresh cilantro, served with a gold spoon in the bowl.
    Recipe

    Slow Cooker Chili

    5 from 3 votes
    Slow Cooker Chili simmered low and slow for 4 hours! A quick and easy make ahead meal that makes tons of leftovers!
    Prep Time: 15 minutes
    Cook Time: 5 hours
    Total Time: 5 hours 10 minutes
    Serves 6 people
    Rate Print

    Ingredients 

    • 1 tbsp olive oil
    • 2 lbs lean ground beef
    • 1 large onion, diced
    • 4 cloves garlic, minced
    • 2 28 ounce cans crushed tomatoes
    • 1/2 cup water
    • 2 tsp dried oregano
    • 1 tbsp chili powder, less if you don't want it as spicy
    • 1 1/2 tbsp ground cumin
    • 2 tsp cocoa powder
    • 1 tsp chipotle chili powder, less if you don't want it as spicy, you can substitute chilies in adobo sauce as well
    • 15 ounce dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
    • 15 ounce black beans, drained and rinsed
    • salt and pepper, to taste

    For serving

    • shredded cheddar cheese
    • sour cream
    • green onions
    • tortilla chips

    Instructions

    • Heat a large skillet with olive oil.
      Add in ground beef and onion. Cook until meat is browned and no longer pink. Drain excess grease.
    • Add the ground beef and onion mixture to a slow cooker.
      Add in the rest of the ingredients except the beans.
    • Cook the chili on low for 4-5 hours or on high for 2-3 hours. 30 minutes before serving add in the beans.
    • Season with salt and pepper to taste.
      Serve immediately with your favorite toppings!

    Notes

    Original recipe from chefsavvy.com. Please do not publish my recipe or pictures without linking back to the original post. Thank you!

    Nutrition Information

    Calories: 254kcalCarbohydrates: 5gProtein: 33gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 93mgSodium: 149mgPotassium: 645mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 820IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 55mgIron: 5.4mg
    A bowl of Slow Cooker Chili topped with sour cream, chopped red onions, sliced red chili, and fresh cilantro, served with a gold spoon in the bowl.

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