Slow Cooker Ground Beef Chili - Hearty ground beef and bean chili cooked low and slow in a slow cooker/crockpot. Serve with chopped green onions and a dollop of sour cream!

Chili is one of my absolute favorite meals to eat during the cooler winter months. This recipe is one of my go-to's because it is not only so easy to make but is absolutely delicious! The warm scents of chili will fill up your home all day while the chili cooks!

This recipe is budget friendly and kid friendly! It does call for jalapeno, so if you are cooking for your kids, feel free to leave the jalapeno out. The chili will serve about four people giving each person a pretty generous portion. If you are cooking for a large crowd, you can easily double this recipe.

What ingredients do I need to make ground beef chili?

Ground Beef - I used 85/15 fat ratio ground beef but you can use whatever you have on hand. You'll need one pound.

Kidney Beans - One 15 oz. can. yYou can also use cannellini beans, great northern beans or pinto beans in substitution.

Great Northern Beans - One 15 oz. can. You can also use cannellini beans, kidney beans or pinto beans in substitution.

Diced Tomatoes - One 15 oz can. If you don't have a can of diced tomatoes, you can use fresh chopped tomatoes (2 cups).

Onion - Yellow, white or red onion all work great in this recipe.

Garlic - Fresh garlic is best in this recipe!

Oregano - I used dried oregano but you can also use fresh, just double the amount for fresh.

Chili Powder - A good quality chili powder is best.

Jalapeno - You can skip this ingredient if you don't like a lot of heat.

Green Bell Pepper - You can use green bell pepper, hatch chile pepper or any other mild green pepper.

Tomato Sauce - One 8 oz can or equivalent to 1 cup.

Cumin - Adds a delicious warm flavor to the chili.

Paprika - Adds a nice flavor or spice to the chili.

Apple Cider Vinegar - If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can also use white wine or red wine vinegar.

Salt & Pepper - I almost always use sea salt in all of my recipes and fresh cracked black pepper.

**Full measurements and instructions listed below.

Tools to have on hand for this recipe:

Slow Cooker/Crockpot - To cook your chili in.
Cutting Board - Prepping the veggies.
Chef Knife - Prepping the veggies.
Measuring Spoons and Cups - To properly measure all of your ingredients.
Skillet - To brown the ground beef prior to adding to the slow cooker.

How to make the best ground beef chili in a slow cooker:

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef. Transfer to slow cooker when done.

Add remaining ingredients to the slow cooker and stir to fully combine.

Cook chili on high for 4 hours or on low for 7 hours. When done serve chili with your favorite toppings. Enjoy!

If you prefer making this chili on the stove, use the following instructions:

In a large pot, add ground beef, onions and peppers and cook until beef is browned.

Add all remaining ingredients to the pot and stir to fully combine. Bring to a low simmer, cover and let cook for about 45 minutes stirring occasionally.

When done serve with your favorite toppings! Enjoy!

My favorite side dishes to serve with homemade chili:

Creamy Corn Casserole - Creamy, cheesy and comforting corn casserole is slightly sweet, mostly savory and absolutely mouthwatering delicious! This recipe has quickly become one of my favorite side dishes.

Cornbread Muffins - Serve warm cornbread muffins with butter and honey.

Buttermilk Rolls - Warm, soft and fluffy buttermilk rolls with a golden outer crust make these the best buttermilk rolls ever. Well, at least the best buttermilk rolls I’ve tried!

Homemade Tortilla Chips - Store bought tortilla chips just don’t do the trick like warm homemade tortilla chips and they are so easy to make. Totally worth the extra effort to have fresh tortilla chips!

If you loved this recipe, you'll love these too!

Slow Cooker Chili with Chicken and Sweet Potato - A warm and cozy chili full of delicious flavors like shredded chicken, sweet potato, beans, and warm spices.

Stovetop Chicken Chili - Warm and comforting stovetop chicken chili loaded with chicken, black and white beans, corn, tomatoes, jalapeño and onions.

Minestrone Soup - Made with veggies, beans and noodles in a delicious tomato based broth. This minestrone soup is super easy to make and really hits the spot!

Chicken Tortilla Soup - Chicken Tortilla Soup cooked on the stove using shredded rotisserie chicken and topped with homemade tortilla strips, fresh avocado and shredded jack cheese.