There’s something timeless and comforting about slow-cooker chili with beans simmering away. It’s the kind of meal that brings people together; perfect for family dinners, game days, potlucks, or chilly evenings when you want something hearty and satisfying. This all-time favorite chili is known for its rich aroma, bold flavor, and cozy, home-cooked appeal that never goes out of style.
Please note that I will show you how to use your freeze-dried meats, vegetables, and fruits in several of my recipes. Mark and I have decided we must use our freeze-dried food to save money on groceries. Additionally, at our age, we aren’t passing it down to our kids, who likely won’t want it. In other words, what are we saving all this food for? At this stage of our lives, we need to use it now.
I’d like to share a chili story with you that I learned many years ago from Harry, who is a member of our forum and whom we all love. In Texas, chili does not have BEANS. Well, on Christmas Eve, Mark and I were invited to a friend’s house, where family from Texas was coming to stay.
After a few appetizers, I had to ask this sweet Texas guy, who is my friend’s brother, how he makes his chili. I said, “Does your chili have beans?” I laughed. He told me that Texas chili has zero beans. If beans are added, it’s called soup. Not chili. He said he shreds meat and adds a variety of chilies and some spices; no beans and certainly no tomatoes. I got the giggles so bad because that is how I met Harry the first time through my blog while discussing what constitutes chilli.
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Why Slow Cooker Chili With Beans Is Popular
Chili with beans has long been a staple in American kitchens because it’s filling, flavorful, and endlessly adaptable. Beans add heartiness and texture, soaking up all those warm spices while stretching the dish to feed a crowd. Combined with a savory base and slow-simmered seasonings, chili becomes one of those meals that tastes even better the next day.
Flavor Profile You’ll Love
This beloved chili strikes the perfect balance between savory, smoky, and mildly spicy. Each spoonful delivers depth and warmth without overpowering the palate. The flavors develop as the chili simmers, creating a rich, comforting dish that’s bold but familiar—just the way classic chili should be.
Perfect for Any Occasion
One of the best things about chili with beans is how versatile it is:
- Ideal for weeknight dinners
- A crowd-pleasing option for tailgates and game days
- Easy to make ahead for parties and potlucks
- A comforting choice during the fall and winter months
It’s also easy to customize for different tastes, whether you like it mild, smoky, or with a little extra heat.
Serving Ideas
Slow Cooker Chili With Beans is hearty and satisfying on its own, but pairing it with the right sides makes it an even better meal. Here are some delicious serving ideas that work for family dinners, gatherings, or game day:
Classic Sides
- Cornbread or Corn Muffins: A timeless pairing that soaks up every bit of chili.
- Crackers or Saltines: Simple, crunchy, and perfect for dipping.
- Dinner Rolls or Buttery Biscuits: Soft breads balance the bold chili flavors.
Toppings to Set Out
- Shredded Cheddar or Colby-Jack Cheese
- Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt
- Chopped Green Onions or Red Onions
- Sliced JalapeƱos or Hot Sauce
- Fresh Cilantro or Parsley
Fresh & Light Pairings
- Green Salad with a light vinaigrette to balance the richness
- Coleslaw for crunch and a touch of sweetness
- Fruit Salad for a refreshing contrast
Fun & Filling Add-Ons
- Tortilla Chips or Corn Chips
- Baked Potatoes topped with chili and cheese
- Hot Dogs or Chili Dogs
- French Fries or Tater Tots topped with chili
For Entertaining or Game Day
- Nachos with chili, cheese, and toppings
- Quesadillas or Grilled Cheese Sandwiches
- Slider Buns for mini chili sandwiches
A Comfort Food That Never Fails
There’s a reason this dish is called a classic chili. It’s reliable, comforting, and always welcome at the table. Whether you’re feeding a hungry family or serving guests, chili with beans delivers big flavor with minimal fuss—making it a go-to recipe again and again.
Why And How We All Need To Store Lots Of Beans
20 Award-Winning Instant® Pot Chili Recipes
Instructions
Step One: Gather Ingredients

Step Two: Fry the Meat or Rehydrate Freeze-Dried Meat and Bell Peppers

Red Bell Peppers Rehydrating

Step Three: Combine All Ingredients

Add Tomato Paste

Step Four: Turn on the Slow Cooker
I used a 3-1/2 quart slow cooker, and yes, it did boil over a bit. I kept checking it because I had given away my larger slow cooker. Luckily, Mark and I were able to clean up the overflowing liquids. Just giving you a heads up, this slow cooker was a bit too small. Live and learn, but life is still good!

Finished Product


Slow Cooker Classic Chili With Beans
Ingredients
- 2 pounds Ground beef or freeze-dried reyhydrate as directed on can.
- 2 Onions finely chopped
- 2 Red or green bell peppers (chop into bit size pieces). Or freeze-dried peppers rehydrated as directed on can.
- 2 Cloves of garlic (chopped)
- 2-15.5 ounce Cans of kidney beans, undrained
- 2-16 ounce Cans of chili beans (undrained)
- 2-14.5 ounce Cans of diced tomatoes
- 1 teaspoon Sweet basil
- 1-8 ounce Can tomato paste
- 2- 1.25 oz. Packages of chili seasoning or your favorite chili spices
Instructions
-
Grab a frying pan and brown the hamburger, drain the fat and add the onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cook until tender.
-
OR: Rehydrate your freeze-dried ground beef or peppers as directed on the cans. Drain excess water.
-
Add all the ingredients into your slow cooker and set it on low for 6 hours or until heated through.
Ingredient Breakdown: What Makes This Chili a Classic
The heart of a classic chili with beans lies in its simple, well-balanced ingredients. Each one plays an essential role in building rich flavor, satisfying texture, and that slow-simmered taste everyone loves.
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the savory foundation of this chili. It brings richness and depth, creating a hearty base that makes each bowl filling and comforting. As it cooks, it absorbs the flavors of the spices and tomatoes, ensuring every bite is packed with classic chili goodness.
Onions
Onions add natural sweetness and aroma, helping to balance the chili’s bold spices. When cooked, they soften and blend seamlessly into the sauce, creating a flavorful backbone that enhances the dish’s overall depth.
Bell Peppers
Bell peppers contribute a subtle sweetness and gentle crunch that brightens the chili. Their mild flavor complements the beef and beans without overpowering the dish, adding color and texture to every spoonful.
Garlic
Garlic delivers a warm, savory note that enhances the chili’s complexity. It deepens the flavor profile and ties together the beef, vegetables, and spices, making the chili taste slow-cooked and robust.
Could you skip the Beans?
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans are a classic chili staple. Their firm texture holds up well during simmering, while their mild, earthy flavor absorbs the surrounding spices and tomato base. They add heartiness and make the chili more satisfying.
Chili Beans
Chili beans bring an extra layer of flavor, often already seasoned to complement chili dishes. They enhance the richness of the sauce and reinforce the bold, traditional chili taste that many people love.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes provide brightness and balance. Their slight acidity cuts through the richness of the beef and beans, keeping the chili from feeling heavy while contributing a chunky, comforting texture.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste adds concentrated tomato flavor and thickens the chili. It deepens the color and creates a more decadent and robust sauce that clings perfectly to the beef and beans.
Sweet Basil
Sweet basil adds a subtle herbal note that softens the bold chili spices. It brings a gentle freshness that rounds out the flavor and gives this chili a unique, well-balanced finish.
Chili Seasoning
Chili seasoning is what brings everything together. This blend of spices adds warmth, depth, and that unmistakable chili flavor. It allows the dish to be bold without being overwhelming, making it appealing to a wide range of tastes.
How to Store Chili in the Refrigerator
- Let the chili cool slightly before storing (don’t leave it out more than 2 hours).
- Transfer it to an airtight container.
- Store in the refrigerator for 3–4 days.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop, in the microwave, or back in the slow cooker until heated through.
How to Freeze Slow Cooker Chili With Beans
Chili freezes beautifully, making it perfect for meal prep.
- Allow the chili to cool completely.
- Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- If using bags, lay them flat to save freezer space.
- Leave about 1/2 inch of headspace to allow for expansion.
- Label with the content name and date.
- Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality (it’s often safe longer, but flavor is best within this time).
Thawing Frozen Chili
- Overnight in the refrigerator is the safest method.
- For faster thawing, place the sealed container in cold water.
- You can also reheat directly from frozen on the stovetop or in a slow cooker; stir occasionally.
Reheating Tips
- Reheat until the chili reaches a safe internal temperature and is steaming hot.
- Add a splash of water or broth if it has thickened too much.
- Stir occasionally to keep the texture smooth and even.
Final Word
Slow cooker chili with beans is incredibly versatile. Whether you keep it simple with cornbread or turn it into a fun chili bar with toppings, these sides help create a comforting, crowd-pleasing meal every time.
Together, these ingredients create a chili that’s hearty, flavorful, and timeless. Warm, hearty, and full of classic flavor, this dish is proof that simple comfort food never goes out of style. When you need something cozy, filling, and universally loved, a bowl of chili with beans is always the right choice. May God bless this world, Linda
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