Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Chili
If you’re looking for an easy slow cooker chili recipe that’s hearty, affordable, and practically effortless, this Slow Cooker 3-Ingredient Chili is the ultimate comfort food. Made with just ground beef, kidney beans, and diced tomatoes, this budget-friendly crockpot chili is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry family without overspending.
This simple dump-and-go slow cooker chili delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Just brown the beef, combine everything in your crockpot, and let it simmer into a thick, rich, protein-packed dinner that tastes like it cooked all day because it did!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Chili
Only 3 ingredients Minimal prep, maximum flavor
Budget-friendly dinner Perfect when grocery money is tight
High-protein meal Packed with beef and beans
Great for meal prep Tastes even better the next day
Family-friendly recipe Easy to customize for mild or spicy tastes
Freezer-friendly chili Make once, eat twice
This is the kind of hearty slow cooker dinner that fills everyone up and keeps them warm on cold nights.
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
2 pounds ground beef (80–90% lean)
2 cans (15–16 oz each) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
2 cans (28 oz total) diced tomatoes with chili seasoning (do not drain)
Directions:
In a large skillet over medium-high heat, cook the ground beef until fully browned (about 7–10 minutes). Drain excess grease if needed.
Transfer the browned beef to your slow cooker. Add the drained kidney beans and pour the diced tomatoes (with juices) over the top.
Stir everything together. Cover and cook:
LOW: 6–8 hours
HIGH: 3–4 hours
The chili will thicken into a rich, hearty stew as it cooks.
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, or tortilla chips. Keep the slow cooker on WARM for seconds.
Serving Ideas for This Budget-Friendly Chili
This versatile crockpot chili recipe can stretch even further:
Serve over white rice or elbow macaroni
Spoon over baked potatoes
Use as a hot dog topping
Layer over nachos
Wrap in tortillas for easy burritos
Add cornbread, a side salad, or buttered toast for a complete, comforting dinner.
Variations & Money-Saving Tips:
Add an extra can of beans to stretch servings.
Swap ground beef for ground turkey for a leaner option.
Use crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
Leave the lid slightly cracked in the last 30 minutes for thicker chili.
Freeze leftovers for up to 3 months.
Health & Nutrition Benefits:
This high-protein slow cooker chili is:
Rich in protein from beef and beans
High in fiber from kidney beans
Filling and satisfying
Naturally gluten-free (always check labels)
It’s an affordable, nutrient-dense meal that keeps you full for hours.
