Slow cooker chili recipes fill your kitchen with wonderful aromas and deliver comforting, healthy food many hours later!
It's hard to resist a bowl of warm, spiced, chili when the weather is chilly, too. We're partial to experimenting with this comfort food but we like the hands-off approach of letting it simmer in a slow cooker all day. Part of the fun, too, is the variety of not only the ingredients but the toppings: think cilantro, sour cream, plain Greek yogurt, and cheese. And then you can always serve it with a hunk of cornbread, crackers, or tortilla chips. Of course, there's also hot sauce, and then some.
Where Does Chili Come From?
Original chili recipes originated among Aztecs, Mexicans, and Southwestern Americans with influences from Spain and other cultures. According to the International Chili Society, ingredients vary often based on regions of the US. So, chili from Texas will likely differ from chili in North Carolina, Indiana, New Hampshire, Minnesota, or California—or even the famous Cincinnati chili, which is served over spaghetti!
There are so many ways to make chili, sure, but to cook it too. Most often, it's the stovetop but it can also be made in the oven, in an official Crock Pot (a.k.a. slow cooker), or in a branded Instant Pot or another pressure cooker. We have put together a wide variety of our 11 favorite slow cooker chili recipes to help you pinpoint your favorites for your meal-prepping needs.
White Chicken Chili
Enjoy all the rich flavors of white chicken chili in this Whole30-approved version. Coconut milk steps in for cow's milk, adding a creamy texture without digestive upset.
(Carbs: 14g - Protein: 44g - Fat: 14g)
Steakhouse Chili
Let the slow cooker or Instant Pot do all the work for a tender steakhouse-inspired chili that reheats in a pinch on busy days. This high-protein chili is full of veggies and beans for a balanced meal that is ready in under an hour!
(Carbs: 31g - Protein: 48g - Fat: 26g)
Pumpkin Chili
Pumpkin Chili is warming and slow-cooked to perfection for a hearty, comforting Whole30 meal!
(Carbs: 31g - Protein: 35g - Fat: 21g)
Natasha’s Kitchen Chili
We love this easy slow cooker chili recipe with ground beef, beans, tomato sauce, and the best homemade chili seasoning.
(Carbs: 41g - Protein: 33g - Fat: 6g)
Cooking Classy Chili
The flavor of the crockpot chili is rich and robust, and the texture of the beef is so tender after six hours of slow cooking.
(Carbs: 38g - Protein: 32g - Fat: 14g)
Cookie Rookie's Crockpot Chili Mac
It's chili with the benefits of elbow macaroni! Such a fun twist on a concept. Feel free to use gluten-free pasta if needed.
(Carbs: 64g - Protein: 34g - Fat: 23g)
Lisa’s Simple Joy Chili
This super straightforward slow cooker chili recipe uses ground beef or turkey, is full of flavor, and boasts a secret ingredient!
(Carbs: 29g - Protein: 20g - Fat: 10g)
Trish’s Mom on Timeout Chili
"This amazing Crockpot Chili recipe is delicious, hearty, and perfect for chilly weather! Super easy to make and perfect for loading up with all your favorite toppings! Great for parties, game day celebrations, and potlucks!"
(Carbs: 40g - Protein: 29g - Fat: 17g)
The Seasoned Mom’s Chili
This crockpot chili recipe is about as classic as it gets: a spicy stew containing chili peppers or chili powder, meat (usually beef), and often tomatoes and beans.
(Carbs: 32g - Protein: 25g - Fat: 9g)
Jessica’s Vegan Chili
"This Vegan Chili is hearty and cozy and takes only 10 minutes of prep! It goes right into your slow cooker and is perfect for meal prepping. It results in a thick, and delicious chili that is so filling!"
(Carbs: 37g - Protein: 10g - Fat: 2g)
