Everyone should have a go-to chili recipe. There are so many versions out there! I love a white chicken chili as much as the next person, this vegan instant pot chili looks amazing, and this buffalo chicken chili is on my menu for next week. Sometimes though, you just need the classic ground beef and bean combination. This version is packed with protein, and it’s the recipe you think of when people say they want a bowl of chili. With three beans, ground beef, and tons of spices and seasonings, it simmers in the slow cooker all day for a delicious and hearty dinner. I highly recommend using the slow cooker verses stovetop becasue truly the low and slow cooking gives this recipe the best flavor.
You can serve this for game day, or for a great weeknight dinner that makes enough for leftovers, or for a freezer meal. Really, is there ever not a good time to have a bowl of the best chili? Topped with shredded cheddar cheese, green onions, sour cream, sliced avocado, or whatever your other favorite chili toppings are, it is sure to be a hit. Also, we always have our chili with cornbread. I know oyster crackers are another popular add-in, but cornbread is king in our house.
I’ve been making this chili for years, and this is the first time I’ve taken the time to write down the recipe. Trust me, this is the best chili recipe when you are thinking of a classic stick-to-your-ribs recipe! You can certainly customize the seasonings to your liking! I’m a bit of a baby when it comes to spicy food, but if you like you’re chili on the hotter side, add in another jalapeño or some extra chili powder.
- 2 lbs. ground beef
- 1 yellow onion, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno, seeded and finely diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 can black beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 can pinto beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes
- 1 7 oz. can diced green chilis
- 1 cup beef broth*
- 2 tsp. salt + more to taste
- ¼ tsp. ground black pepper
- 2 tsp. smoked paprika
- 1½ tsp. chili powder
- ½ tbsp. cumin
- ½ tbsp. dried oregano
- In a large pot, brown ground beef. Add garlic, onion, jalapeño, and bell pepper and cook until onions are translucent.
- Add all ingredients to a crock pot. Stir to combine.
- Cook on low for 8-10 hours.
- Taste, adjust seasonings, and enjoy!
How big is a serving? This nearly filled my 6 quart crock post, I would estimate about 22 cups worth of chili. 6 servings would be 3 2/3rds cups. That is a LOT of chili. I would say this is closer to 12-14 servings. I did add some more spices.
Thanks for your feedback! We must eat larger servings of it. I’ve also never been able to stick to just one bowl! But I can update the recipe as well 🙂