Key Takeaways
This Slow Cooker Easy Three-Bean Chili is the perfect solution for a hassle-free, hearty meal. It’s an easy recipe with ground beef that comes together with minimal prep, cooks hands-off in your crockpot, and is incredibly versatile. You can easily make it vegetarian, it freezes beautifully for future easy dinners, and the flavor only gets better as it sits. It’s a crowd-pleasing comfort food that requires almost no effort.
Why This Is the Ultimate Easy Ground Beef Recipe
Hello, I’m Patricia from Patricia Universe, where I’m passionate about creating easy recipes with ground beef that deliver maximum flavor with minimum fuss. If you’re looking for a dependable, delicious, and truly simple ground beef dinner that practically cooks itself, you’ve found it. This chili is my go-to for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and feeding a hungry crowd without stress. It’s the kind of easy ground beef recipe that becomes a permanent favorite in your meal rotation.
Why This Simple Crockpot Meal Is a Lifesaver
In the whirlwind of daily life, the magic of a simple crockpot meal cannot be overstated. This recipe embodies that perfectly. After a quick 15-minute prep of browning the beef (if using) and opening cans, your work is done. The slow cooker takes over, gently simmering the ingredients for hours. This not only melds the spices and beans into a deeply flavorful harmony but also fills your home with an irresistible, comforting aroma. It’s the ultimate plan-ahead easy dinner that’s ready when you are.
The Flavor Secret of Easy Three-Bean Dinners
The beauty of an easy three-bean dinner like this chili is in its layers and balance. Using a trio of beans—black, kidney, and pinto—creates a wonderful mix of textures and a complete, hearty base. The key to depth lies in the spice blend: chili powder and cumin provide the classic warmth, while a touch of smoked paprika adds a subtle, smoky undertone that elevates the entire pot. It’s a masterclass in how simple ingredients can create complex, satisfying comfort food.
Easy Ground Beef Prep for a Hands-Off Start
For the best texture and flavor, taking a few minutes to properly brown the ground beef is worth it. Cook it with the onions until no pink remains, then drain any excess grease. This step caramelizes the meat and onions, building a rich flavor foundation. If you’re short on time, many grocery stores now sell pre-cooked, seasoned ground beef, which can be a fantastic shortcut for this quick and easy recipes with ground beef.
Easy Ground Beef Chili for Meal Prep & Freezing
This chili is a meal-prepper’s dream and a prime example of easy recipes for dinner that save future you time. It tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. Let it cool completely, then portion it into airtight containers. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or in the freezer for 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge (if frozen) and warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave. It’s the perfect healthy easy recipes solution for lunches or a future effortless dinner.
Perfect Pairings for Your Simple Ground Beef Chili
While this chili is a complete meal in a bowl, the right sides can turn it into a feast. A wedge of warm, buttery cornbread is the classic, can’t-be-beat companion for dipping. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a tangy vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. And don’t forget the toppings! Set out bowls of shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and fresh cilantro so everyone can customize their perfect bowl of this quick and easy ground beef recipes masterpiece.
Recipe: Slow Cooker Easy Three-Bean Chili
(The full recipe with ingredients and step-by-step instructions is provided in the dedicated recipe card above.)
Notes & Tips for the Best Results
- Make it Vegetarian: Simply omit the ground beef, use vegetable broth, and consider adding a cup of cooked quinoa or lentils for extra heartiness.
- Control the Heat: For a milder chili, reduce the chili powder or use a mild variety. For more kick, add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Thicken It Up: If your chili is too thin after cooking, mix 1-2 tablespoons of cornmeal or masa harina with a few tablespoons of the hot chili liquid to form a paste, then stir it back into the pot and cook for an additional 15-20 minutes.
- Bean Varieties: Feel free to use any combination of canned beans you like. Great northern beans, cannellini beans, or even black-eyed peas work wonderfully.
Slow Cooker Easy Three-Bean Chili (With or Without Ground Beef)
Ingredients
For the Chili
- 1 lb ground beef (optional)
- 1 medium yellow onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can pinto beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef or vegetable broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and black pepper to taste
For Serving (Optional)
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- Sliced jalapeños
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Cornbread or tortilla chips
Instructions
If Using Ground Beef
- In a skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef with the chopped onion until the beef is browned and the onion is softened, about 8-10 minutes. Drain any excess fat. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for 1 more minute.
Combine in Slow Cooker
- Transfer the cooked beef and onion mixture (or just the chopped onion and garlic if making it vegetarian) to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Add the drained black beans, kidney beans, and pinto beans.
- Pour in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth.
- Add all the spices: chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Season with salt and pepper.
- Stir everything together until well combined.
Cook
- Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or on HIGH for 3-4 hours. The chili is done when the flavors are well blended and it’s heated through.
Serve
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Ladle the chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes like cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, and cilantro. Serve warm with cornbread or chips on the side.
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