This 3-Ingredient Crock Pot Chili is the kind of simple, hearty meal that saves a busy day and still brings everybody to the kitchen asking when supper will be ready. It leans on pantry basics for big flavor with almost no prep, and the slow cooker does the work while the chili turns rich, thick, and comforting. It is a great back-pocket recipe for chilly evenings, game days, or anytime you need an easy family meal without a long ingredient list.
Serve this chili with cornbread, crackers, tortilla chips, or warm buttered toast for a cozy meal. For toppings, set out shredded cheddar, sour cream, diced onion, or sliced green onions so everyone can build their own bowl. A simple salad or some steamed rice on the side also stretches the meal nicely if you are feeding a crowd.
3-Ingredient Crock Pot Chili
Servings: 6
Ingredients
1 pound ground beef
2 cans chili beans in sauce, 15 ounces each
1 can tomato sauce, 15 ounces
Directions
1. Add the ground beef to the bottom of the slow cooker insert and break it up a little with a spoon.
2. Pour in the chili beans and tomato sauce. Stir everything together well so the beef is evenly mixed with the sauce and beans.
3. Cover and cook on Low for 6 to 8 hours or on High for 3 to 4 hours, stirring once or twice if convenient, until the beef is fully cooked and the chili is hot and thick.
4. Spoon into bowls and serve hot with your favorite toppings if you like.
Variations & Tips
For a milder bowl: If you are serving little ones or anyone who prefers very simple flavors, stick with mild chili beans and skip spicy toppings. A little shredded cheese on top makes it extra kid-friendly.
For extra seasoning: Even though this recipe is made to stay wonderfully simple, you can add chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, or a pinch of cumin if you want a bolder chili flavor from pantry spices you already have on hand.
For a thicker chili: Leave the lid slightly cracked during the last 30 minutes of cooking if you want some of the extra moisture to cook off. Stir well before serving so everything stays hearty and evenly combined.
For easy serving: This chili holds well on the Warm setting for gatherings, making it handy for busy evenings or casual get-togethers. Set out toppings and let everybody fix their own bowl just the way they like it.
For safe slow cooking: If you prefer, you can brown the ground beef first and drain it before adding it to the slow cooker. That gives a slightly different texture and lets you remove extra grease, which some families prefer.