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Easy 5-Ingredient Crockpot Chili (Beef and Beans)

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This easy 5-ingredient crockpot chili delivers deep, slow-cooked flavor with minimal effort. Just brown the beef, dump in the canned ingredients and seasoning, and let your slow cooker do the work.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound ground beef (80/20 or 90/10)
  • 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 (15-ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 (8-ounce) can tomato sauce
  • 1 packet (1 ounce) chili seasoning mix
  • 1/2 cup water or beef broth (optional, for thinner chili)
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or a squeeze of lime

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat until no longer pink, about 5-7 minutes. Drain excess fat, leaving about a tablespoon for flavor.
  2. Transfer the browned beef to a 4-6 quart crockpot using a slotted spoon.
  3. Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, undrained diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce to the crockpot. Stir to combine.
  4. Sprinkle the chili seasoning packet over the top and stir thoroughly to distribute evenly. Add any optional ingredients (broth, diced onions, bell peppers) at this time.
  5. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Stir halfway through if possible.
  6. About 30 minutes before serving, taste and adjust seasonings. Add salt, pepper, cumin, or smoked paprika if desired. If too thick, add a splash of broth; if too thin, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
  7. Let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes with the lid on, then ladle into bowls and serve with desired toppings.

Notes

For best flavor, brown the meat well. Rinse canned beans to reduce sodium. This chili tastes even better the next day. For a vegetarian version, skip the meat and double the beans. For an Instant Pot version, use the sauté function to brown the meat, then cook on high pressure for 10 minutes with natural release.

Nutrition

Keywords: easy chili, crockpot chili, 5-ingredient chili, beef chili, slow cooker chili, weeknight dinner, comfort food

Find it online: https://sweetstirring.com/easy-5-ingredient-crockpot-chili-beef-and-beans/