My 2-quart Slow Cooker Spicy Chili recipe is easy to throw together and a classic comfort food meal. You can adjust the recipe with a few extra spices or substitutions to create your personal best chili recipe. A hearty bowl of chili is one of my favorite small-batch recipes.
For something meatless, try my vegetarian version with this slow cooker veggie chili recipe.
Click the recipe link at the top of the page to go straight to the printable recipe card, which includes ingredient amounts, a detailed ingredient list, instructions, and recipe notes. You can also scroll through the post for helpful tips and step-by-step instructions. The recipe card is located at the bottom of the post.
Cooking Instructions
Turn your small slow cooker to preheat while preparing the ingredients.
Add the drained kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic sauce, and minced garlic to a 2-quart slow cooker.
In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil. Sauté the green bell pepper and diced onion for 2-3 minutes, then add them to the slow cooker.
In the same skillet brown the ground beef, drain off any excess fat, and add the browned beef to the slow cooker.
Stir gently to mix the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker and cook on a low setting for 5-6 hours.
Substitutions and Variations
- This classic chili recipe is spicy, and you can feel the heat. If you think the spice level may be too spicy, then reduce the chili powder and chili sauce. If you want your Chili to ignite a fire in your mouth then add a few red pepper flakes, chipotle chili powder, or a pinch of cayenne.
- You can substitute ground turkey with great results.
- Sometimes I substitute spicy chili beans, pinto beans, or black beans for a little variety.
- Add your favorite toppings like, sliced green onions, tortilla chips, corn chips, grated cheddar cheese, diced onions, or a classic dollop of sour cream.
Slow Cooker Chili Recipe Prep
Sometimes the mood strikes and to make sure you have everything you need for a last-minute homemade chili craving keep the following on hand:
- Freeze ground beef in ½ pound portions.
- Chop onions and green peppers and freeze in Ziploc bags.
- Stock a variety of beans’ red kidney beans, garbanzo beans, and black bean for this easy chili recipe.
- Stock canned tomatoes in the pantry.
- Chili Sauce has a long shelf life to keep some in the pantry.
- Never run out of chili powder and dried cayenne pepper!
- This can be cooked in a Dutch oven on the stovetop if you want something faster.
Can You Freeze Chili?
Yes, let it cool down a bit, then freeze the Chili in single servings in a Ziploc bag. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator, and when ready to serve, heat it up in the microwave or saucepan.
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Spicy Weekend Chili
Ingredients
- 1 14.5-oz diced tomatoes
- 1 15-ozcans kidney beans
- 1 5-oz can tomato sauce
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tablespoon garlic chili sauce
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- ½ cup onion diced
- ¼ green bell pepper minced
- ½ pounds ground beef
- ⅛ teaspoon salt
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions
- Turn on the slow cooker to preheat while preparing ingredients.
- Add the kidney beans, drained, diced tomatoes with juice, tomato sauce, chili powder, garlic sauce, and minced garlic to a 2-quart slow cooker.
- In a medium-sized skillet heat the olive oil and saute the green pepper and onion for 2-3 minutes and then add them to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet brown the ground beef, drain off the excess grease and add the browned beef to the slow cooker. Stir gently to mix the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on a low setting for 5-6 hours.
Notes
- This chili is spicy and you can feel the heat. If you think it might be a little too spicy then reduce the chili powder and chili sauce. If you want your Chili to ignite a fire in your mouth then add a few red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne.
- You can substitute ground turkey with great results.
- Sometimes I substitute spicy Chili beans or black beans for a little variety.
Nutrition Disclaimer
I am not a certified Dietitian or Nutritionist. The nutrition amounts given below is an estimate only and provided as a general guide only.
For a heartier chili, add the whole pound of meat in vs the 1/2. Family thoroughly enjoyed it!
really easy and tasty, just the right amount.
Very good! Thank you for sharing this small batch recipe. It was spicy but mild and the perfect amount for me. I served it my favorite way— with diced onion and sharp cheese sprinkled on top and warm, buttered up, cornbread muffins, yum!