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Spicy Crockpot Chili

This Spicy Crockpot Chili is a hearty, bold, and flavorful slow-cooker meal made with ground beef, three kinds of beans, tomatoes, jalapeño, and smoky chili spices. It's easy to prepare, customizable for your preferred heat level, and perfect for busy weeknights, game days, family dinners, and meal prep. If you're searching for the best damn chili recipe, easy crockpot chilli, or a best chili recipe award winning style meal, this recipe delivers plenty of rich, satisfying flavor.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 6 hours
Servings: 6
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 1½ pounds ground beef
  • 1 medium yellow onion diced
  • 1 red bell pepper diced
  • 1 jalapeño finely chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 can 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 can 15 oz pinto beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 cans 14.5 oz each diced tomatoes
  • 1 can 8 oz tomato sauce
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 2½ tablespoons chili powder
  • 2 teaspoons ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ cup beef broth

Method
 

  1. Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and diced onion.
  2. Cook for 6–8 minutes, breaking up the beef, until browned and the onion is softened. Drain excess grease.
  3. Add the minced garlic and chopped jalapeño. Cook for another 30–60 seconds.
  4. Transfer the beef mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
  5. Add the diced bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, pinto beans, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, and beef broth.
  6. Add the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, black pepper, and salt.
  7. Stir thoroughly until all ingredients are combined.
  8. Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
  9. Stir the chili before serving and taste. Adjust the salt or heat as desired.
  10. Let the chili rest for about 10 minutes before serving with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • For a milder chili, remove the jalapeño seeds and reduce or omit the cayenne.
  • For extra heat, add another jalapeño, crushed red pepper, or hot sauce.
  • Browning the beef first adds better flavor and allows excess fat to be removed.
  • For deeper flavor, add ½ teaspoon unsweetened cocoa powder if desired.
  • Ground turkey can be substituted for ground beef.
  • Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
  • Freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.