This Slow Cooker Three Bean Beef Chili is a healthy, easy dinner idea for any night of the week! A microwave shortcut makes makes it a one pot meal and cuts down on prep time.
This Slow Cooker Three Bean Beef Chili was originally a recipe I made from a cookbook review, but I wanted to spend a little time adjusting the recipe more to our family’s tastes and I am so happy with the results.
This crockpot chili is thick, chunky, and loaded with flavor.
It’s got a hint of sweetness and a smoky, savory flavor that we love from the addition of barbecue sauce.
If you prefer your chili flavor ultra traditional — no barbecue sauce, no sugar — you can absolutely leave those out, but we love the depth of flavor it adds and I highly recommend you give it a try!
Ground beef?! In the microwave?!?
YES.
This is a tip from the original recipe (out of the One Pot Wonders cookbook which I previously reviewed), and I have to say, it surprised me, too.
But it is such a great timesaver and it saves on dirty pots and pans <– two things I love.
So although you may be skeptical, give it a try and I have a feeling it’ll turn you into a believer 😉
Variations on this Slow Cooker Chili recipe:
- You can add in a ton of veggies if you want to bump up the nutritional value — chopped or shredded carrots, zucchini, mushrooms, spinach, kale — really anything you are okay with adding to your chili is fair game here. Me? I tend to go with the ones my kids will notice least 😉
- Swap the ground beef (or some of it) for ground turkey or chicken if that’s what you prefer or have on hand.
- Bump up the spice with a splash of hot sauce or sprinkle of red pepper flakes.
- Top it up! My favorite part about crockpot chili is all the things I can top it with! From chips and tortilla strips, to shredded cheese, green onions, fresh tomatoes, sour cream, avocado, you really can’t go wrong. What are your favorite toppings?
How to make this chili recipe ahead:
You can make this slow cooker chili ahead and the flavor just gets even better.
It can be prepared and refrigerated for up to 3-4 days, or frozen up to 3 months. It’s perfect for freezing single servings if you are feeding one or two!
To thaw, simply leave in the refrigerator overnight before warming through, or microwave on low heat for 2-3 minute intervals until heated.
More slow cooker recipes you’ll love!
- Slow Cooker Swedish Meatballs
- Slow Cooker Spaghetti Sauce
- Crockpot Potato Soup
- Slow Cooker Sweet and Sour Chicken (Crockpot)
Slow Cooker Three Bean Beef Chili
written by Ashley Fehr
Ingredients
- 1 pound lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion chopped fine
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1/2 15oz can black beans, rinsed
- 1/2 15oz can pinto beans, rinsed
- 1/2 15oz can kidney beans, rinsed
- 1 28oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup low sodium beef broth
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce optional
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- Sour cream,shredded cheese and green onions for garnish
Instructions
- Combine ground beef, onions, chili powder, oregano, salt and pepper in a large bowl and stir to combine. Microwave on high until beef is no longer pink, stirring occasionally, about 8-10 minutes.
- Place beef in a 4-6 quart slow cooker and add beans, tomatoes, broth, barbecue sauce if using and brown sugar. (We like our chili with a sweeter barbecue flavor, but if you prefer a traditional chili you can leave it out, or add it in later)
- Cover and cook on low for 6-7 hours or high for 4-5 hours. Skim any excess fat from surface with a large spoon and season to taste before serving.
Notes
** The second time, I made this in a pot, cooked the ground beef and added everything else. I let it simmer for 45 minutes or so, covered on low, and was still great!Â
Nutrition Information
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Therese Fleshman says
I have tried this recipe but I also put green pepper s and onion in mine
The Recipe Rebel says
Thanks for the feedback Therese!
Tanya Tissaaratchy says
For your 3 bean chili beef recipe, can you change to ground turkey (we on’t eat much beef) and can I use tomato paste instead for crushed tomatoes ( I don’t like chunks of tomatoes) I hope to hear from you today as I would like to make this today.
Ashley Fehr says
Hi Tanya! Turkey will work fine, and if you don’t like chunks of tomatoes I would opt for crushed tomatoes
Eri Coker says
Made this for dinner tonight, it was delicious! The beans disintegrated a bit so I added a bit more beans at the very end of cooking. Hubs and toddler approved. Thanks for sharing, will definitely pin and make again! ?
Ashley Fehr says
I’m so glad to hear that!
MARISSA C. says
I have to work a 8:30- 5 job and leave the house about an hour before my job starts. Would it be okay to leave the chili on low for that long?
Ashley Fehr says
It should be fine!
Cici says
Why are we microwaving the beef? Seems odd. Can I just cook it on the stove top like normal?
Ashley Fehr says
You absolutely can, the microwave is just a shortcut. It essentially works the same 🙂
Zainab says
I NEED this book. with the super busy weeknights with a toddler, I don’t have more than 30 mins to whip up dinner. I have been using my slow cooker more and more. This looks amazing! Always in need of flavorful chili
Ashley Fehr says
It is SO good! One of my go-to cookbooks for sure!
Grace says
My 3 kids love this meal. I cook over skillet though and then add to crockpot. Other than that made this one of our monthly meals and everyone loves ! Especially with their corn bread
The Recipe Rebel says
Hi Grace! So glad you enjoyed the recipe! Thank you for this kind review!
Malinda @Countryside Cravings says
One pot wonders are my life as I hate dishes and I am always short on time. I have been making a lot of slow cooker meals lately and this chili needs to go on my list. Especially on this snowy day!
Sarah @Whole and Heavenly Oven says
There’s nothing I love more than letting my crockpot make my chili for me! This is totally my kinda comfort food, Ashley! My family is gonna love it.
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Sarah!
Gayle @ Pumpkin 'N Spice says
Slow cooker meals are the best, especially when it comes to chili! My husband isn’t a fan of beans in his, so I usually just double the meat and leave it out. But, this is the kind of meal that I would make and eat all by myself. Such perfect comfort food!
Ashley Fehr says
Thanks Gayle!