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Slow Cooker Beef & Black Bean Chili - Hearty, Cozy, and Easy

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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 7 hours
Total Time 7 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method

Ingredients
  

  • Ground beef: 2 pounds (80/20 or 85/15 for best flavor)
  • Black beans: 2 cans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed
  • Crushed tomatoes: 1 can (28 ounces)
  • Tomato paste: 2 tablespoons
  • Beef broth: 1 cup (low-sodium preferred)
  • Onion: 1 large, diced
  • Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
  • Red bell pepper: 1, diced (optional but adds sweetness)
  • Jalapeño: 1, seeded and minced (optional for heat)
  • Chili powder: 2 tablespoons
  • Ground cumin: 2 teaspoons
  • Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
  • Oregano: 1 teaspoon (Mexican oregano if you have it)
  • Cocoa powder (unsweetened): 1 teaspoon (adds depth; optional)
  • Brown sugar: 1 teaspoon (balances acidity)
  • Salt and black pepper: To taste
  • Olive oil: 1 tablespoon (for browning)
  • Lime juice: 1 tablespoon, fresh
  • Optional toppings: Sour cream or Greek yogurt, shredded cheddar, sliced scallions, chopped cilantro, diced avocado, hot sauce

Method
 

  1. Brown the beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high. Add ground beef, season with salt and pepper, and cook until well browned, breaking it into crumbles. Drain excess fat, leaving a little for flavor.
  2. Sauté aromatics: In the same pan, add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeño. Cook 3–4 minutes until softened. Stir in garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano. Cook 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Load the slow cooker: Transfer the beef and vegetables to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, black beans, beef broth, cocoa powder (if using), and brown sugar. Stir to combine. Taste the mixture and adjust salt and pepper now for a better base.
  4. Set and forget: Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours. The flavors will deepen as it cooks, and the texture will thicken.
  5. Finish and brighten: Stir in lime juice just before serving. If the chili is too thick, splash in a bit more broth. If it’s too thin, uncover and cook on High for 15–20 minutes.
  6. Serve with toppings: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorites. A dollop of sour cream, a shower of cheddar, and some scallions make it feel complete.