This easy 5 ingredient crockpot chili recipe is the easiest you will ever make. Just dump everything into your slow cooker in the morning and enjoy for dinner! You can spice it up if you like or leave it as is. Serve it inside baked potatoes or on top rice for the perfect hearty dinner.
I came up with this 5 ingredient crockpot chili recipe years ago. It worked well on a day when I was going to be away. It’s great when it’s “chilly” outside! 😉 It’s one of our very first and our most popular crockpot recipes. (originally published 12/12, post may contain affiliate links)
Even when it is warm outside this few ingredient recipe is our go to meal! It’s actually pretty healthy and inexpensive to make…not to mention it tastes great and I love it because it is really a dump and go meal we all enjoy!
Here is what you will need and just how easy it is to prepare this easy 5 ingredient crockpot chili recipe in your slow cooker / crockpot.
- Ground beef (or ground turkey, ground spicy sausage is great, or omit entirely)
- Kidney beans (I usually use these)
- Diced tomatoes (I like these)
- Tomato sauce (this small can is perfect)
- Chili seasoning or a blend of your own spices
Diced or minced onions are optional but I’ll usually add them in too if I have some on hand.
If you’re in a real hurry you can make this in under 30 minutes flat. Use our easy Instant Pot chili directions here.
Here is basically how we make our 5 ingredient crockpot chili recipe
- First brown ground beef or sausage on your stovetop over medium high heat until outsides are no longer pink. Pour cooked beef into the crockpot
- Then dump all other remaining ingredients into the crock pot on top of that.
- add chili powder and/or red peppers if you want some heat to it
- Let it cook all day long on low which makes the means really soft and flavorful as they, and the meat, soak up the good juices from the sauce.
- We typically serve it on top of rice or inside potatoes, here’s the best way to make baked potatoes
- It’s a great meal and quite healthy too!
- If you don’t like meat just make it vegetarian.
I like to use a smaller crockpot to make my 5 ingredient crockpot chili recipe
- Smaller meaning it still feeds the 5 of us with leftovers for lunch the next day. It’s about a 3 quart size crockpot, like the one you see here .
I swear by my rice cooker and pressure cooker. Jasmine rice is our go to as far as serving goes. It is cheap and everyone just loves it. If you don’t have one I would HIGHLY suggest picking either one up!
They aren’t expensive and last forever.
You can serve this mild hearty chili over rice or we have even put some inside crockpot baked potatoes with some shredded sharp cheese on top!
What goes with chili for a party?
Let me tell you, if you have a large crowd you have got to make a chili bar with all the fixings! It is super cheap to put together and people love it!
Some of the best chili toppings are as follows:
- Cheese is a given of course
- Diced onions give it a bit of texture
- Tobasco or diced jalapenos give it a real kick of heat
- Sour cream is actually a new favorite of ours
What bread goes best with chili?
- Our garlic pull apart bread is to die for
- You could always go with this easy roll recipe
Best way to serve chili:
- In bowls
- Inside baked potatoes
- On top of rice – Instant Pot white rice is the best
Looking for more easy crockpot recipes?
- Crockpot macaroni and cheese recipe
- Bloody mary chili can be made in the crockpot
- Easy crockpot lasagna recipe
5 Ingredient Crockpot Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 can diced tomatoes we like petite, 15 oz.
- 1 can tomato sauce 8 oz.
- 1 can kidney beans 15 oz.
- 1 lb. ground beef or ground turkey
- 1 packet chili seasoning spice aisle (or use 1 tsp. Lawry's + 1 tsp garlic salt + 1 tbsp. dry minced dehydrated onions + 1/4-1/2 tsp chili seasoning)
- 1/3 c. water only if you want a thinner version
- 1 tsp chili powder optional - if you want a bit of spice
Instructions
- Brown your ground beef on the stovetop
- Drain meat and add to your crockpot.
- Add all other ingredients and stir
- Put on low in your crockpot to cook all day but at least for 4 hrs minimum.
Star says
I’ve made this recipe 10+ times and my family and I LOVE it!
Today I made it, and 4 hours later I realized I forgot to plug in my crockpot! 😭
I’m hoping it does well cooking on high because I don’t have 4 hours anymore! I usually cook my chili from noon to 7 or 7:30.
The Typical Mom says
So glad you love it too. High should be fine, you’re just warming the ingredients since the meat is cooked beforehand.
Maureen says
I just made this. I have not tasted it yet. Because it is a ‘basic’ recipe you can adapt it as you like. I added 2 medium cans pinto beans, 1 can black beans and 4 cans kidney beans …we like our chili with brans!
Belinda says
Sounds great! I may try to adapt it for my Instant Poy.
The Typical Mom says
There’s a link to that in the post, turns out great.
Jessica Formicola says
I’ve been craving fall dinners, so I made this last night! It was so comforting and delicious, and I already can’t wait to make it again!
Sheri says
Did you cook it on low for 4 hours? I wanted to start it later in the day since my husband works till like 9pm.
Beth says
Tasty & easy, that’s how I roll these busy weekdays!! Thank you!!
Kelly says
What size crockpot is used for this recipe?
Milisa says
So easy and delicious! I will make this again.
Layne says
This looks so easy and delicious. I love that you make it in the crock pot – such a simple way for me to get dinner on the table for my family!
Karla says
So easy and so good! This is totally perfect for Game Day munchies.
Joanne M. says
So easy! Of all the chili recipes I’ve looked at on Pinterest, this is the number one favorite. THANK YOU!
The Typical Mom says
OH I am so glad you love it too.
Donna says
I am going to homemade a chili soup on Halloween for dinner yummy…
Have a great day and stay safe for Halloween trip.
Stay good healthy ?????
Erica says
Made this recipe and it was delicious. I have never made chili before and wanted to start of with an easy recipe. This recipe was easy, although I added more chili mix than the recipe calls for. Thank you for the recipe. I will definitely make this more often.
The Typical Mom says
Yeah!! Glad you enjoyed it.
Nata Etherton says
Where I was raised (Texas) beans were not put in chili. They were a side dish.
Brandy says
Does the ground beef get drained before adding it to the crockpot?
Karie Young says
How many hours is it suppose to cook for?
Kim says
How many does it serve
Yona Williams says
I love the design of your crockpot – it’s so cute.
The Typical Mom says
Thanks, it is my favorite one
Holly says
I now add 1/2 can or so, of beef broth, as to cut down on the richness, also a tiny bit worchestshire.
Melissa says
how long should it cook? and do you put the green peppers in when you put the onions in?
Robyn says
How many people does this serve?
lauren says
how many hours did you leave it on low? cant wait to make! 🙂
Bruce eaton says
Great teceipe
mimi says
Followed the recipe but added some onions and bell peppers and it was amazing…yes same recipe on the back of chili seasoning!!
TQponer says
Our favorite!
Heather says
Yumm – O! Making this on Saturday! Thanks!