This Easy Slow Cooker Chili really is easy. Cook up meat and onions, open some cans, dump some spices, and walk away. The slow cooker does all the work for you!
In a large skillet, brown the ground beef and onions over medium-high heat until the meat is cooked through and the onions go clear, about 10 to 15 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper.
1 ¼ lb ground beef, ¼ onion, salt and pepper
Using a slotted spoon, transfer the meat mixture to the crock of a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the beans, tomatoes, tomato sauce, water, and spices. Stir to combine.
2 29-ounce can pinto beans, 1 30-ounce can black beans, 8 oz tomato sauce, 1 14.5-ounce can petite diced tomatoes, 1 cup water, 1 tablespoon chile powder or ground chile, 1 teaspoon ground cumin, ½ teaspoon dried oregano, ¼ teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
Cook on LOW for 6 to 8 hours or on HIGH for 4 hours.
Remove the lid and stir in enough masa harina to thicken the liquid to your desired consistency.
2 to 4 tablespoon masa harina
Chili can be chilled and frozen in an airtight container for up to 2 months.
Notes
Nutritional values are approximate and are based on ⅛ of the recipe using ground beef. Refrigerate leftovers promptly and use within 4 days.To Make a Meal Prep: I often prepare this dish in plastic meal prep dishes for easy lunches during the week. Prep the recipe as directed, allow the steam to blow off. Divide the chili among eight meal prep boxes. Cover and chill until ready to serve. Consume within 4 days.Freeze Extra for Later: This chili is perfect for freezing! Feel free to make a double batch and freeze for another time.To freeze: chill the soup completely before storing in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 2 months.Variations: there are lots of other things you might like to add to this easy slow cooker chili, such as chopped bell pepper, chopped green chiles, or hominy.Toppings: Chili is so fun with a bunch of toppings. Consider any of the following: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onion, salsa, chopped cilantro, chopped avocado. Be sure to check out our recommendations for what to serve with chili as well!