17+ Hearty Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

There’s just something so satisfying about a big bowl of hearty chili, and this Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili is comfort food at its best. It’s thick, rich, and full of deep, smoky flavor — the kind of meal that warms you up from the inside out. I love how easy it is to make, too. You just toss everything into the slow cooker and let it simmer all day while the flavors come together perfectly.

The beef becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, the beans soak up all the spices, and every bite is bursting with that cozy chili goodness. It’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or even game day when you need something crowd-pleasing and filling. Serve it with a sprinkle of cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or a slice of cornbread on the side — it’s the ultimate bowl of homemade comfort you’ll crave again and again.

Slow Cooker Beef and Bean Chili

Classic Beef and Bean Chili

A hearty, rich chili made with tender beef, beans, and smoky spices for the perfect comfort meal.
Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, tomatoes, onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin.

Steps to Make Classic Beef and Bean Chili

• Brown the beef in a skillet.

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

• Stir well before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 320 calories, 25g protein, 22g carbs, 12g fat.

Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili

Smoky and spicy with chipotle peppers for that deep, bold flavor you’ll crave on cold nights.
Ingredients: Ground beef, black beans, chipotle peppers, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin.

Steps to Make Smoky Chipotle Beef Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Mix well and cover.

• Cook on low for 7 hours.

• Stir and top with fresh cilantro before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 340 calories, 27g protein, 18g carbs, 14g fat.

Sweet Corn Beef and Bean Chili

A cozy, slightly sweet twist with corn and beef for a hearty, balanced flavor.
Ingredients: Ground beef, pinto beans, corn, diced tomatoes, chili powder, garlic, onion.

Steps to Make Sweet Corn Beef and Bean Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir everything to combine.

• Cook on low for 8 hours.

• Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 310 calories, 24g protein, 28g carbs, 10g fat.

Spicy Jalapeño Beef Chili

Packed with spice and flavor, this one’s for the heat lovers.
Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, jalapeños, diced tomatoes, cumin, paprika, onion.

Steps to Make Spicy Jalapeño Beef Chili

• Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.

• Stir to mix.

• Cook on low for 6–7 hours.

• Add sour cream or cheese if desired.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 335 calories, 26g protein, 21g carbs, 13g fat.

BBQ Beef and Bean Chili

A smoky-sweet BBQ flavor that makes this chili taste incredible and unique.
Ingredients: Ground beef, black beans, BBQ sauce, onions, tomatoes, garlic, chili powder.

Steps to Make BBQ Beef and Bean Chili

• Place beef and beans in the slow cooker.

• Add BBQ sauce, spices, and tomatoes.

• Stir and cook on low for 7 hours.

• Mix well before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 350 calories, 28g protein, 25g carbs, 11g fat.

Veggie-Packed Beef Chili

Loaded with extra veggies for a wholesome, hearty meal that’s still full of flavor.
Ingredients: Ground beef, beans, zucchini, bell peppers, corn, tomatoes, onions, garlic.

Steps to Make Veggie-Packed Beef Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir to combine.

• Cook on low for 8 hours.

• Stir again before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 300 calories, 23g protein, 24g carbs, 9g fat.

Creamy Beef and Bean Chili

A rich, smooth version with cream cheese for extra flavor and texture.
Ingredients: Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, cream cheese, garlic, onion, chili seasoning.

Steps to Make Creamy Beef and Bean Chili

• Add beef, beans, and tomatoes to the slow cooker.

• Stir and cook on low for 7 hours.

• Mix in cream cheese before serving.

• Stir until creamy and smooth.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 370 calories, 26g protein, 20g carbs, 16g fat.

Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Chili

Source: Pinterest

A bold, flavorful chili with Mexican spices and hearty texture.
Ingredients: Ground beef, black beans, corn, tomatoes, taco seasoning, onion, garlic.

Steps to Make Tex-Mex Beef and Bean Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir and cover.

• Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

• Serve with lime wedges or avocado.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 330 calories, 25g protein, 23g carbs, 12g fat.

Beer-Infused Beef Chili

A flavorful twist made with a splash of beer for depth and richness.
Ingredients: Ground beef, pinto beans, beer, tomatoes, onion, chili powder, garlic.

Steps to Make Beer-Infused Beef Chili

• Brown the beef in a skillet.

• Add it to the slow cooker with remaining ingredients.

• Cook on low for 8 hours.

• Stir well and serve warm.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 360 calories, 27g protein, 22g carbs, 14g fat.

Mild and Creamy White Bean Beef Chili

Source: Pinterest

A lighter, creamier version that’s mild yet full of comforting flavor.
Ingredients: Ground beef, white beans, chicken broth, cream cheese, garlic, onions, cumin.

Steps to Make Mild and Creamy White Bean Beef Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir gently to combine.

• Cook on low for 7 hours.

• Stir until creamy before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 345 calories, 24g protein, 19g carbs, 15g fat.

Cheesy Beef and Bean Chili

A creamy, cheesy twist that makes this chili extra comforting and rich.
Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, shredded cheddar cheese, tomatoes, garlic, chili powder.

Steps to Make Cheesy Beef and Bean Chili

• Brown the beef and drain excess fat.

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir and cook on low for 7 hours.

• Stir in cheese before serving until melted.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 380 calories, 27g protein, 20g carbs, 17g fat.

Garlic Lover’s Beef and Bean Chili

 

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Loaded with garlic flavor and bold spices, this chili is a must for garlic fans.
Ingredients: Ground beef, black beans, minced garlic, onions, tomatoes, cumin, paprika.

Steps to Make Garlic Lover’s Beef and Bean Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir to combine evenly.

• Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

• Stir well and serve hot.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 330 calories, 25g protein, 22g carbs, 12g fat.

Italian-Style Beef and Bean Chili

A tomato-rich chili with Italian herbs and a hint of Parmesan for unique flavor.
Ingredients: Ground beef, cannellini beans, tomatoes, basil, oregano, garlic, Parmesan cheese.

Steps to Make Italian-Style Beef and Bean Chili

• Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.

• Mix well and cook on low for 8 hours.

• Stir and top with Parmesan before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 340 calories, 26g protein, 24g carbs, 11g fat.

Sweet Potato Beef and Bean Chili

A hearty and slightly sweet version loaded with chunks of tender sweet potatoes.
Ingredients: Ground beef, kidney beans, sweet potatoes, tomatoes, chili powder, onions.

Steps to Make Sweet Potato Beef and Bean Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir gently to combine.

• Cook on low for 8 hours.

• Stir before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 370 calories, 28g protein, 26g carbs, 13g fat.

Bacon Beef and Bean Chili

 

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Smoky bacon adds a delicious layer of flavor to this hearty chili.
Ingredients: Ground beef, pinto beans, bacon, tomatoes, onions, garlic, chili powder.

Steps to Make Bacon Beef and Bean Chili

• Cook bacon until crispy and set aside.

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Cook on low for 7 hours.

• Stir in bacon before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 390 calories, 29g protein, 20g carbs, 18g fat.

Cornbread Beef and Bean Chili

The perfect combo of chili and cornbread flavor in one comforting dish.
Ingredients: Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, cornmeal, chili seasoning, onions.

Steps to Make Cornbread Beef and Bean Chili

• Add beef, beans, and tomatoes to the slow cooker.

• Stir in cornmeal and spices.

• Cook on low for 6–7 hours.

• Serve warm with sour cream.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 360 calories, 26g protein, 25g carbs, 13g fat.

Mild Tomato Basil Beef Chili

A lighter, tomato-forward chili with gentle basil flavor for a soothing twist.
Ingredients: Ground beef, beans, tomatoes, basil, garlic, onion, olive oil.

Steps to Make Mild Tomato Basil Beef Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir and cook on low for 7 hours.

• Garnish with fresh basil before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 320 calories, 24g protein, 22g carbs, 10g fat.

Mexican Street Corn Beef Chili

A flavorful, fun twist with creamy corn and a hint of lime.
Ingredients: Ground beef, beans, corn, cotija cheese, chili powder, lime, garlic.

Steps to Make Mexican Street Corn Beef Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Mix well and cook on low for 8 hours.

• Top with cotija and lime juice before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 375 calories, 27g protein, 24g carbs, 15g fat.

Chipotle Lime Beef and Bean Chili

Smoky chipotle and zesty lime give this chili a vibrant, bold flavor.
Ingredients: Ground beef, black beans, chipotle peppers, lime juice, tomatoes, garlic.

Steps to Make Chipotle Lime Beef and Bean Chili

• Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

• Stir thoroughly.

• Cook on low for 6–8 hours.

• Garnish with extra lime before serving.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 340 calories, 25g protein, 23g carbs, 12g fat.

Creamy Coconut Beef Chili

A unique twist with coconut milk for a rich, slightly tropical taste.
Ingredients: Ground beef, beans, coconut milk, tomatoes, onions, curry powder, garlic.

Steps to Make Creamy Coconut Beef Chili

• Combine all ingredients in the slow cooker.

• Stir and cover.

• Cook on low for 7–8 hours.

• Stir until creamy and smooth.
  Nutritional Information (Per Serving): 390 calories, 27g protein, 19g carbs, 17g fat.

FAQ

How long should I cook beef and bean chili in the slow cooker?

For the best flavor and texture, cook your chili on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours. This allows the spices to blend beautifully and the beef to become perfectly tender.

Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?

It’s not required, but browning the beef first adds a richer, deeper flavor and helps reduce excess fat in your chili.

Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?

Yes! Canned beans work perfectly — just drain and rinse them before adding to avoid extra saltiness.

What can I serve with beef and bean chili?

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or crusty bread. You can also top it with cheese, sour cream, or avocado.

Can I freeze leftover chili?

Absolutely! Let it cool completely, then store it in airtight containers. It freezes well for up to 3 months — just thaw and reheat when ready.

How can I make this chili spicier?

Add extra jalapeños, chili flakes, or chipotle peppers for an extra kick. You can always adjust the heat to your liking.

Can I make this chili dairy-free?

Yes! Simply skip the cheese or creamy toppings and make sure to avoid recipes that include cream cheese or dairy.

Can I add vegetables to this chili?

Definitely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn blend beautifully with the beef and beans for extra flavor and nutrition.

How do I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?

Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes of cooking to let it simmer down, or stir in a spoonful of tomato paste.

What toppings go best with this chili?

Try shredded cheddar, green onions, jalapeño slices, sour cream, or fresh cilantro — they all add delicious texture and color.