Easy Crockpot Chili

Easy Crockpot Chili recipe with bacon, ground beef, and Italian sausage. This sweet crockpot chili delivers award-winning flavor every time. Ready in 6-8 hours!

Hi, I’m Linda, and welcome to Tasty at Home—where bold flavors meet everyday kitchens. Last October, I was frantically prepping for my husband’s company tailgate party when disaster struck. Well… let me tell you, my stovetop chili boiled over, creating a smoky mess that set off every alarm in the house.

Man, oh man, was I embarrassed! However, that kitchen catastrophe led me to discover this incredible easy crockpot chili recipe. After testing this recipe fifteen times—yes, fifteen!—I finally nailed the perfect balance of sweetness, heat, and hearty satisfaction.

You know what makes this special? It’s the secret blend of seasonings and that touch of sugar that transforms good chili into award-winning greatness. Whether you’re feeding a hungry crowd or meal-prepping for the week, this recipe delivers consistent results every single time.

What Makes This Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe Extraordinary

This famous chili recipe stands apart because it combines three proteins with carefully balanced seasonings. Furthermore, the slow-cooking process allows all those flavors to meld together beautifully.

During my recipe development journey, I discovered that browning the meat properly creates the foundation for exceptional flavor. Additionally, sautéing the vegetables first releases their natural sweetness, which complements the chili’s robust character perfectly.

The secret ingredient? That tablespoon of sugar balances the acidity from the tomatoes. Consequently, you get a harmonious blend that’s neither too sweet nor too acidic.

Premium Ingredients for Maximum Flavor

Bold Add-ins and Seasonings

Shopping Tips for US Grocery Stores

When shopping for this best chili recipe award winning easy, focus on quality ingredients. First, choose ground beef with 80/20 fat ratio for optimal flavor and texture. Next, select Italian sausage based on your heat preference—mild works perfectly for family-friendly versions.

Look for chili beans in the canned goods aisle. Oops! I almost forgot—Bush’s and Hunt’s both make excellent options. Additionally, petite diced tomatoes break down better than regular diced varieties during the long cooking process.

For the best results, visit your grocery store’s meat counter for freshly ground beef. Similarly, many stores offer fresh Italian sausage that’s superior to pre-packaged versions.

International Substitutions

Canadian readers can substitute ground chuck for ground beef. Meanwhile, UK readers should look for “mince” instead of ground beef. Also, replace Italian sausage with seasoned pork sausage if unavailable.

For metric conversions, use 907g ground beef and 454g Italian sausage. Furthermore, 1.4L chili beans and 1.6L diced tomatoes work perfectly.

Quality Selection Indicators

Choose ground beef that’s bright red with minimal gray areas. Fresh Italian sausage should feel firm and have even coloring. Moreover, quality bacon should have good meat-to-fat ratio with minimal water added.

Select bell peppers that are firm, glossy, and heavy for their size. Similarly, onions should be firm with papery outer skins. Fresh garlic cloves should be plump and free from soft spots.

Essential Equipment and Preparation Steps

Equipment You’ll Need

This easy crockpot chili recipe requires minimal equipment. You’ll need a 6-quart slow cooker for this batch size. Additionally, use a large skillet for browning meat and sautéing vegetables.

Don’t have a slow cooker? No worries! Use a heavy-bottomed Dutch oven and cook on low heat for 2-3 hours instead. However, the slow cooker method produces superior results because it maintains consistent temperature.

Other essential tools include a sharp chef’s knife, cutting board, and wooden spoon for stirring. Furthermore, keep paper towels handy for draining bacon grease.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Bacon Foundation

Start by cooking 5 chopped bacon slices in a large skillet over medium heat. Cook until crisp, approximately 6-8 minutes. The bacon should render enough fat to coat the pan nicely.

Remove bacon with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels. However, leave the rendered bacon grease in the skillet—this liquid gold adds incredible flavor to the vegetables.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetable Base

Add diced bell peppers, celery, onion, and optional jalapeño to the bacon grease. Sauté over medium heat for 5-8 minutes, stirring occasionally. The vegetables should become tender but still have slight bite.

Next, add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Then, stir in all the seasonings and tomato paste. Cook for 1-3 additional minutes until the mixture becomes aromatic.

Transfer this flavorful base to your slow cooker immediately. This step prevents the vegetables from overcooking while you prepare the meat.

Step 3: Add the Liquid Components

Add chili beans with their liquid, diced tomatoes with juice, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and crumbled bouillon cubes to the slow cooker. Stir everything together gently but thoroughly.

The liquid should cover most ingredients at this point. Don’t worry if it seems like too much liquid—it will reduce during cooking.

Step 4: Brown the Meat Properly

This step makes the difference between good and award-winning chili. Heat the same skillet over high heat. Add ground beef and Italian sausage in batches if necessary.

Cook without stirring initially, allowing the meat to develop a deep brown crust. Then, break it up with a spoon and continue browning. This process should take 8-10 minutes total.

Drain excess fat, leaving just enough to keep the meat moist. Add the browned meat and reserved bacon to the slow cooker.

Step 5: The Magic Happens

Stir all ingredients together thoroughly. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours. The long, slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Resist the urge to lift the lid frequently—each peek releases heat and extends cooking time. Trust the process and let your slow cooker work its magic.

Common Mistake I Made (And How to Avoid It)

Initially, I made the mistake of not browning the meat properly. Consequently, the chili lacked depth and richness. The solution? Take time to achieve a proper sear on the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.

Furthermore, I used to skip sautéing the vegetables. However, this step is crucial for developing the flavor base. Raw vegetables simply don’t provide the same depth of flavor.

Expert Tips for Perfect Crockpot Chili Results Every Time

Pro Tips from the Kitchen

First, brown your meat in batches if your skillet isn’t large enough. Overcrowding creates steam instead of browning, which reduces flavor development significantly.

Second, taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Salt levels can vary depending on your bouillon cubes and chili beans. Additionally, you might want to add more chili powder for extra heat.

Third, let the chili rest for 10-15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and the texture to thicken slightly.

Creative Variations for Every Occasion

Regional Variations

Texas Style: Omit the beans entirely and add extra beef. Use beef broth instead of bouillon cubes. Additionally, increase the chili powder and add chipotle peppers for smoky heat.

Cincinnati Style: Serve over spaghetti noodles with shredded cheese, diced onions, and kidney beans on the side. This unique presentation originated in Ohio and has devoted followers.

Southwest Style: Add a can of corn, black beans, and diced green chiles. Furthermore, substitute ground turkey for half the beef for a lighter version.

Dietary Adaptations

Keto-Friendly: Replace the sugar with stevia and omit the beans. Add extra bell peppers for volume and fiber.

Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free when using certified gluten-free seasonings and bouillon cubes.

Dairy-Free: The base recipe contains no dairy. Simply choose dairy-free toppings like avocado and fresh cilantro.

Storage and Make-Ahead Instructions

This sweet crockpot chili actually improves in flavor after a day in the refrigerator. The spices continue to meld, creating even more complex flavors.

To reheat, add a splash of beef broth if the chili seems too thick. Heat gently on the stovetop, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Perfect Pairings and Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty chili with warm cornbread or crusty sourdough bread. Our simple apple crumble makes an excellent dessert that complements the savory flavors beautifully.

For beverages, consider serving with ice-cold beer or sweet tea. Coffee also pairs surprisingly well with chili’s rich flavors.

Top with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and fresh cilantro for the classic presentation. However, diced avocado and lime wedges add fresh contrast to the rich flavors.

Consider serving alongside our quick lasagna soup for a comfort food feast that will satisfy any crowd.

Holiday and Seasonal Serving Ideas

During football season, this chili becomes the star of tailgate parties. Serve in thermal containers with an array of toppings for a build-your-own chili bar.

For Halloween parties, add orange cheddar cheese and call it “Pumpkin Patch Chili.” The kids love the playful presentation, while adults appreciate the sophisticated flavors.

During cold winter months, pair with our white chocolate raspberry dream cake for a warming meal followed by decadent dessert.

Easy Crockpot Chili FAQs

The Final Word on Comfort Food Perfection

This easy crockpot chili recipe has become my go-to solution for feeding crowds, meal prepping, and creating lasting memories around the dinner table. The combination of smoky bacon, tender meats, and perfectly balanced seasonings creates something truly special.

Remember that October tailgate disaster I mentioned earlier? Well, this chili recipe completely redeemed that embarrassing moment. Now, my husband’s coworkers specifically request this chili for every company gathering.

The beauty of this recipe lies in its forgiveness and flexibility. Whether you prefer it mild or spicy, with beans or without, this foundation adapts beautifully to your family’s preferences. Moreover, the aroma alone will have neighbors knocking on your door!

Why not try pairing it with our best apple crisp recipe for a complete autumn feast? The sweet and spicy combination creates the perfect ending to a hearty meal.

I’d love to hear about your chili adventures! Tag us on social media when you make this recipe, and don’t forget to share your favorite topping combinations. After all, the best recipes are meant to be shared and celebrated together.

So grab your slow cooker, gather these simple ingredients, and prepare to create your own award-winning chili memories. Trust me—once you try this famous chili recipe, you’ll understand why it’s become such a beloved staple in kitchens across America.

Easy Crockpot Chili

This easy crockpot chili recipe combines smoky bacon, ground beef, and Italian sausage with a secret seasoning blend and a touch of sugar for perfectly balanced, award-winning comfort food. Slow-cooked for 6–8 hours, it delivers hearty, flavorful results every time.

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Prep Time 25 minutes mins

Cook Time 8 hours hrs

Total Time 8 hours hrs 25 minutes mins

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 8 servings

Equipment

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Large skillet
• Chef’s knife
• Cutting board
• wooden spoon
• Paper towels

Ingredients

  

Essential Proteins

• 2 pounds Ground beef (80/20) 907g
• 1 pound Italian sausage 454g
• 5 slices Bacon, chopped

Fresh Vegetables

• 1 medium Red bell pepper, diced
• 1 medium Green bell pepper, diced
• 1 small Yellow onion, diced 150g
• ½ cup Celery, diced 75g
• 1 small Jalapeño (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Garlic, minced 15ml

Pantry Staples

• 48 oz Chili beans in sauce 1.4L
• 56 oz Petite diced tomatoes 1.6L
• 6 oz Tomato paste 170g

Spice Blend

• 4 tablespoons Chili powder Use quality brand
• 2 teaspoons Cumin Freshly ground preferred
• 1 tablespoon Dried oregano Mexican oregano works well
• 1 teaspoon Paprika Adds color and mild heat
• 1 teaspoon Cayenne pepper Optional for heat lovers
• 1 tablespoon Sugar Balances acidity
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
• 2 cubes Beef bouillon Crumbled

Instructions

 

• Cook chopped bacon in a skillet until crisp, about 6–8 minutes. Remove bacon, leaving grease in pan.
• Sauté bell peppers, celery, onion, and optional jalapeño in bacon grease for 5–8 minutes. Add garlic, cook 1 minute, then stir in spices and tomato paste. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
• Add chili beans, diced tomatoes, sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and bouillon cubes to the slow cooker. Stir gently.
• Brown ground beef and Italian sausage in the same skillet until deeply seared, about 8–10 minutes. Drain excess fat, then add meat and reserved bacon to slow cooker.
• Stir everything together, cover, and cook on low for 6–8 hours. Let rest 10–15 minutes before serving.

Notes

Brown the meat in batches for maximum flavor, and don’t skip sautéing the vegetables—this builds depth. For regional twists, try Texas-style (no beans, extra beef), Cincinnati-style (over spaghetti with cheese), or Southwest-style (with corn, black beans, and green chiles).

Keyword award winning chili, easy crockpot chili recipe