There’s something deeply comforting about a pot of beef chili simmering away, especially when the weather turns cold and everyone comes in hungry. This 5-ingredient slow cooker hearty beef chili is a true classic—simple, filling, and made with pantry staples. It’s the kind of recipe passed down through generations because it’s easy to make, affordable, and always satisfying. By adding the raw ground beef directly to the slow cooker, you save time and effort while still ending up with a rich, flavorful chili that tastes like it cooked all day—because it did.
Perfect for busy weekdays, game days, or casual family dinners, this chili is warm, familiar, and no-fuss. Serve it with cornbread, crackers, or over rice or baked potatoes for a meal that sticks to your ribs and keeps everyone coming back for seconds.
Ingredients (5 Ingredients Only)
1½ pounds ground beef (raw)
2 cans (15 oz each) chili beans, undrained
1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
1 small onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons chili seasoning (store-bought or homemade)
How to Prepare
Add Ingredients to the Slow Cooker
Place the raw ground beef into the slow cooker and gently break it apart with a spoon. Add the chopped onion, chili beans (with their liquid), crushed tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
Stir Well
Mix everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed and the beef is well combined with the tomatoes and beans.
Cook Low and Slow
Cover and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or on HIGH for 3–4 hours, stirring once or twice if possible. As it cooks, the beef will fully brown and the flavors will deepen.
Final Stir and Serve
Before serving, give the chili a good stir and taste. Adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving Suggestions
Serve hot with cornbread, saltine crackers, or buttered toast. For toppings, offer shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or sliced jalapeños. This chili is also delicious spooned over baked potatoes or plain white rice when feeding a crowd.