Serve it over an Air Fryer Baked Potato, a homemade bun or dinner roll, or with these Air Fryer French Fries! 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)
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