Q: How long do you cook chili in a crockpot on high?

A: Cook this easy crockpot chili on high for 5 to 6 hours. If you would rather use low, plan on about 8 hours.

Q: Do you have to brown ground beef before putting it in the crockpot?

A: Yes, I always brown it first. Browning adds flavor and lets you drain off the grease, so your chili isn't greasy.

Q: Why is my slow cooker chili watery?

A: Home canned tomatoes can be juicier than store bought. Take the lid off for the last 30 to 45 minutes, or stir in a little more tomato paste.

Q: Can you freeze crockpot chili with beans?

A: Yes. Cool it completely, then freeze it in airtight containers for up to 3 months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove.

Q: How long does leftover chili last in the fridge?

A: Keep it in a covered container in the fridge for 3 to 4 days.

Easy Crockpot Chili with Ground Beef and Beans

Ingredients

Units Scale

1 pound ground beef
2 bell peppers, seeded and chopped
2 cans dark red kidney beans (about 15 ounces each), drained and rinsed
2 tablespoons dried onion flakes
2 quarts home canned tomatoes, or two 28 ounce cans diced tomatoes with their juices
2 cans tomato paste (6 ounces each)
2 packets McCormick 30% Less Sodium Chili Seasoning Mix
Black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium heat, about 8 to 10 minutes. Drain the grease.
Spray the inside of the slow cooker with cooking spray.
Add the beef, bell peppers, kidney beans, onion flakes, tomatoes with juices, tomato paste, and chili seasoning. Stir well.
Cover and cook on high for 5 to 6 hours.
Taste, add black pepper, and serve hot with cornbread.

Notes

1. Two quarts of home-canned tomatoes equal two 28-ounce cans or four 14.5-ounce cans of diced tomatoes.
2. To cook on low, plan on about 8 hours.
3. No seasoning packets? See the homemade chili seasoning section in the post.
4. Use a 6-quart slow cooker for this batch.
5. Store leftovers in the fridge for 3 to 4 days, or freeze up to 3 months.

Author: Susan Buonpane
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5 hours
Category: Main Dish
Method: CrockPot
Cuisine: American