If you're looking for a chili that's rich, bold, and loaded with flavor, this Spicy Crockpot Chili is about to become your new favorite. Made with seasoned ground beef, two kinds of beans, sweet corn, and a few unexpected ingredients, this slow cooker chili develops incredible flavor as it simmers low and slow.
Unlike traditional chili recipes, this one gets an extra boost from Bloody Mary mix and a splash of brewed coffee, adding layers of savory richness you won't find in an ordinary pot of chili. Whether you're feeding a crowd on game day, warming up on a chilly evening, or making a big batch for meal prep, this hearty homemade chili is always a hit.
Why you'll love this recipe
There's nothing quite like a big bowl of homemade chili that's been simmering away all day. The slow cooker does most of the work while filling your kitchen with an irresistible aroma, and the result is a comforting meal everyone will be asking for again. Here are just a few reasons this recipe is sure to become a favorite.
Easy to make - After browning the beef, simply add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the rest. It's a hands-off dinner that's perfect for busy days.
Unique ingredients - Bloody Mary mix, brewed coffee, ranch-style beans, and sweet corn give this chili a flavor that's anything but ordinary.
Bold flavor - This beef chili is rich, savory, slightly smoky, and has just the right amount of heat to keep every bite interesting.
Great for game day and cold winter days - Whether you're serving football fans or warming up after a day outside, this chili is hearty, satisfying, and always a crowd-pleaser.
Meal prep - This chili tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for lunches, quick dinners, or stocking the freezer with ready-to-go meals.
What makes this slow cooker chili so good
There are plenty of chili recipes out there, but this one stands out thanks to a handful of ingredients that build incredible depth of flavor while it cooks low and slow.
Bloody Mary mix instead of tomato sauce - Instead of relying solely on tomato sauce, Bloody Mary mix adds tomatoes along with savory seasonings and spices that create a richer, more complex flavor.
Sweet corn balances the heat - The natural sweetness of corn helps mellow the spice while adding pops of color and texture throughout the chili.
Ranch-style beans bring extra flavor - Unlike plain canned beans, ranch-style beans are already seasoned, adding another layer of flavor without extra work.
Two kinds of beans instead of one - Kidney beans and ranch-style beans create a variety of textures while making the chili even more hearty and satisfying.
Jalapeños for a kick of heat - Fresh jalapeños or red chili peppers let you customize the spice level to your family's taste.
Coffee adds richness and depth - Don't worry, your chili won't taste like coffee. A small amount simply enhances the beef and spices while adding richness to the finished dish.
Ingredients and their role in the chili
One of the reasons this chili is so flavorful is the combination of simple pantry staples with a few unexpected ingredients. Each one plays an important role in creating the perfect bowl. This is what you'll need:
- Lean ground beef - Forms the hearty base of the chili while providing rich, meaty flavor.
- Onion - Adds sweetness and builds flavor as it cooks with the beef.
- Garlic - Brings bold, savory flavor that complements the spices.
- Diced tomatoes - Create the hearty tomato base and add texture.
- Frozen corn - Adds sweetness and balances the spicy flavors.
- Water - Helps create the perfect consistency while allowing the flavors to blend together.
- Bloody Mary mix - Adds tomatoes, spices, and savory flavor that make this chili unique.
- Brewed coffee - Deepens the overall flavor without adding a coffee taste.
- Chili seasoning - Gives the chili its signature bold, smoky flavor.
- Kidney beans - Add protein, texture, and heartiness.
- Ranch-style beans - Bring extra seasoning and another layer of flavor.
- Lemon juice - Brightens the finished chili and balances the richness.
- Fresh cilantro - Adds freshness just before serving.
- Jalapeños or red chili peppers - Optional, but perfect for adding extra heat.
- Garnishes - Shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, tomatoes, and crushed tortilla chips add texture and let everyone customize their own bowl.
Homemade chili seasoning
One of the easiest ways to control the flavor of your chili is by making your own seasoning blend. It's simple to mix together, uses common pantry spices, and lets you avoid the preservatives often found in store-bought packets. Make a batch ahead of time and keep it on hand whenever chili is on the menu.
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon chili powder
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon ground oregano
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried red pepper flakes
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
Combine all of the ingredients in a small bowl until evenly mixed. Store the seasoning blend in an airtight container until ready to use.
How to make chili in a slow cooker
This homemade chili comes together quickly and lets the slow cooker do most of the work. Here's what to do:
- Brown ground beef and onions in a large skillet over medium heat. Break up the meat as it cooks so it cooks evenly.
- Add garlic and cook one minute more. Drain fat.
- Place meat in the crockpot then add the remaining ingredients.
- Stir well.
- Set your crockpot to low and cook for 6-8 hours or, if you're short on time, set to high and cook 3-4 hours.
Chef's Tip: If you prefer a thicker chili, stir together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water or liquid from the chili and stir it into the crockpot in the last 30 minutes. See more suggestions below.
Serve with your favorite chili toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, raw onions, chopped avocado, sour cream, and tortilla chips or cornbread.
Recipe tips for success
A few simple tips will help you make the best slow cooker chili every time.
- Brown the ground beef well before adding it to the slow cooker. The caramelization creates richer flavor.
- Drain excess grease after browning the meat so the chili doesn't become oily.
- Stir everything together well before cooking to evenly distribute the seasonings.
- Let the chili cook for the full recommended time whenever possible. The longer cooking time allows the flavors to fully develop.
- Taste the chili near the end of cooking and adjust the heat with additional jalapeños or red pepper flakes if desired.
- Let the chili rest for 10 to 15 minutes before serving. It will naturally thicken as it cools slightly.
How to thicken chili in a slow cooker
If your chili is thinner than you'd like, there are several easy ways to thicken it.
One of the simplest methods is to remove the lid during the last 30 to 60 minutes of cooking. This allows excess liquid to evaporate and naturally thickens the chili. This method is better for stovetop than slow cooker.
You can also mash some of the beans against the side of the slow cooker with a spoon. The starch released from the beans helps create a thicker consistency.
Another option is to stir in a slurry made from one tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with two tablespoons of cold water. Add it during the last 20 to 30 minutes of cooking and let the chili continue simmering until thickened. This is my preferred method.
If you prefer, stir in a small amount of tomato paste. It thickens the chili while adding even more rich tomato flavor.
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Recipe variations to make it your own
One of the best things about homemade chili is how easy it is to customize. Whether you're using ingredients you already have on hand or adapting the recipe to suit your family's tastes, these simple swaps make it easy to create your perfect bowl.
Ground beef - Ground bison is an excellent substitute and has a rich, slightly sweet flavor. Ground chicken or turkey creates a lighter chili while still providing plenty of protein.
Beans - Swap the kidney beans or ranch-style beans for black beans or pinto beans. You can even use a combination of all four if you'd like even more variety.
No bean chili - Prefer your chili without beans? Simply leave them out. The chili will still be rich, hearty, and full of bold flavor.
Bloody Mary mix - If you don't have Bloody Mary mix, substitute tomato juice. The chili will still be delicious, although you'll lose some of the extra seasoning and depth of flavor the Bloody Mary mix provides.
Gluten-free - This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as the ingredients you use are gluten-free. If you're using a store-bought chili seasoning mix instead of the homemade version, check the label to be sure it doesn't contain gluten.
Alternate cooking method - stovetop
Don't have a slow cooker? This chili can easily be made on the stovetop.
Brown the ground beef and onion in a large heavy pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat until the beef is fully cooked. Add the garlic and cook for one minute.
Drain any excess grease, then stir in the remaining ingredients. Bring the chili to a gentle simmer, cover, reduce the heat to low, and cook for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Make ahead
This chili is an excellent make-ahead meal because the flavors continue to develop as it rests. You can prepare it one to two days in advance, cool it completely, and store it in the refrigerator until you're ready to serve.
When it's time to eat, simply reheat it on the stovetop over medium-low heat or warm it in the microwave until heated through. It's one of those recipes that's often even better the next day.
What to serve with chili
A steaming bowl of spicy chili is satisfying on its own, but pairing it with your favorite sides turns it into a complete meal. Whether you're feeding a crowd on game day or serving dinner on a chilly evening, these side dishes are always great choices.
- Baked potatoes - Split open a fluffy baked potato and spoon the chili right over the top for a hearty, filling dinner.
- Buttermilk biscuits - Warm buttermilk biscuits are perfect for soaking up every last bite of chili.
- Cornbread - Slightly sweet cornbread is a classic partner for spicy chili and balances the heat beautifully.
- Garlic bread - Crispy air-fried garlic bread adds a delicious crunch and is perfect for dipping into the rich broth.
- Mixed green salad - A simple green salad with your favorite dressing adds a fresh contrast to the rich flavors of the chili.
- Rice - Serve the chili over cooked white or brown rice for an even heartier meal.
Favorite toppings
Let everyone customize their bowl with toppings like:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Chopped onions
- Chopped tomatoes
- Chopped avocado
- Sliced jalapeños
- Crushed tortilla chips
How to store, freeze, and reheat
Leftover chili stores beautifully, making it one of the best recipes for meal prep.
Refrigerator - Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezer - Chili freezes exceptionally well. Divide it into individual freezer-safe containers or freezer bags for easy single-serving meals. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Reheating - Reheat the chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. If it has thickened during storage, stir in a splash of water or beef broth to loosen it. Individual portions can also be reheated in the microwave, stirring halfway through for even heating.
Have Questions?
Scroll down below the recipe card to find frequently asked questions about homemade chili and this Crockpot recipe.
More chili recipes
If your family loves chili as much as we do, be sure to try some of these other favorites.
- Crockpot White Chicken Chili
- Leftover Turkey Chili
- Mexican Chili
- Pulled Pork Chili
- Southwest Chipotle Beef Chili
And if you're looking for even more comforting meals, be sure to browse all the soup, stew, and chili recipes plus slow cooker recipes here on 2CM.
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Spicy Crockpot Chili
Ingredients
- 2 pounds lean ground beef
- 1 onion chopped (about 1 ¼ cups)
- 5 garlic cloves minced or 2-½ teaspoons minced garlic
- 58 ounces diced tomatoes (14-½ oz each) undrained (4 14.4 oz. cans)
- 15.25 ounces corn kernels, drained optional (1 15.25 oz can)
- 1 cup water
- 1 cup Bloody Mary Mix (I like Mr. & Mrs. T's brand)
- ¼ cup strong coffee or espresso
- ⅓ cup chili seasoning (to make your own see recipe above)
- 15.5 ounces kidney beans, drained (1 15.5-oz can) or opt for black beans
- 30 ounces ranch-style beans (2 15-oz cans)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ⅓ cup fresh cilantro chopped
- 1 jalapeno, chopped or red chili peppers or red chili peppers (add more or less depending on spiciness desired)
- Garnish: shredded cheddar cheese, chopped raw onions, sour cream, avocado, sliced jalapeno, crushed tortilla chips
Instructions
- In a large skillet, cook beef and onion over medium heat until meat is cooked through.
- Add garlic; cook 1 minute longer. Drain off fat.
- Transfer the meat mixture to the crockpot and add all remaining ingredients except garnishes.
- Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
- Serve chili in single-serving bowls and top with your preferred garnishes. Garnishes can also be served on the side so everyone can fix it just the way they like it.
Notes
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Nutrition
Frequently asked questions
Can I make this chili without beans?
Absolutely. Simply omit the beans if you prefer a beanless chili. The beef and tomatoes still create a rich, satisfying meal.
Can I cook this chili on High instead of Low?
Yes. Cook it on High for 3 to 4 hours if you're short on time. Cooking on Low for 6 to 8 hours gives the flavors more time to develop, but both methods produce delicious results.
Why do you add coffee to chili?
Coffee doesn't make the chili taste like coffee. Instead, it enhances the savory flavors of the beef and spices while adding richness and depth.
Can I freeze homemade chili?
Yes! Chili is one of the best freezer-friendly meals. Store cooled chili in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 3 months.
How spicy is this chili?
This recipe has a nice kick, but it's easy to adjust. Leave out the jalapeños for a milder chili or add more peppers and red pepper flakes if you like extra heat.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Definitely. In fact, many people think chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had more time to meld together.
This post has been updated with new photos, step-by-step directions, and tasty sides. It was first published on February 1, 2015.
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