Easy Slow Cooker Taco Chili Recipe for Cozy Family Nights

Comfort meets convenience in this mouthwatering slow cooker taco chili that delivers bold southwestern flavors with minimal effort.

Packed with hearty ground beef, zesty spices, and robust beans, this chili promises a satisfying meal that’ll warm you from the inside out.

Every spoonful bursts with rich, complex layers of taste that dance across your palate.

The slow cooker works its magic, melding ingredients into a deeply satisfying dish that requires almost no hands-on preparation.

Tender meat and perfectly seasoned broth create a robust meal perfect for chilly evenings or casual gatherings.

Grab your ingredients and let this incredible chili become your new dinnertime favorite.

This recipe will transform your weeknight meals with its incredibly simple yet delicious approach.

Why You’ll Love This Taco-Inspired Chili

• Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away while a delicious meal develops with zero active cooking stress.
• Browning beef beforehand creates deep, rich taste layers that transform this chili from basic to restaurant-worthy without complicated techniques.
• Perfect for feeding crowds, picky eaters, and hungry families with minimal prep and maximum satisfaction – everyone can customize their bowl with favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
• Generates generous portions that taste even better the next day, making leftovers a delightful bonus for busy weeknights or weekend lunches.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Taco Chili

• Ground Beef: The hearty foundation of the chili that provides rich, meaty flavor and satisfying texture.

• Canned Tomatoes, Green Chiles, Corn, Beans: Convenient ingredients that add moisture, subtle heat, sweetness, and protein to the chili.

• Taco Seasoning, Salt, Hot Sauce: Spice blend that creates a bold, zesty flavor profile with customizable heat levels.
• Onion: Adds depth and aromatic base to the overall chili taste.

Easy Steps to Make Taco Chili in a Crockpot

Step 1: Sizzle The Ground Beef

Heat a skillet over medium flame and crumble ground beef inside.

Use a spatula to break meat into small pieces while cooking.

Continue stirring until beef turns completely brown and develops a rich caramelized exterior.

This step intensifies flavor and creates amazing texture for your chili.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients In Slow Cooker

• Browned beef
• Chopped onions
• Canned tomatoes
• Black beans
• Green chiles
• Corn kernels
• Taco seasoning

Transfer all ingredients into slow cooker and mix thoroughly.

Ensure everything is evenly distributed for consistent flavor throughout the dish.

Step 3: Slow Cook To Perfection

Set slow cooker to low temperature and allow chili to simmer for 8-9 hours.

Alternatively, use high setting for 4-5 hours if time is limited.

Gently stir mixture once or twice during cooking process to prevent ingredient separation.

Step 4: Final Flavor Adjustment

Taste chili approximately 30 minutes before serving.

Enhance with additional salt, pepper, or hot sauce according to personal preference.

Stir well to incorporate any final seasonings and prepare for delicious meal.

Tips for Flavorful Slow-Cooked Taco Chili

• Caramelize ground beef in a skillet before adding to slow cooker for deeper, richer flavor profiles and better texture.
• Adjust liquid levels by adding extra broth or water if chili becomes too thick during slow cooking process.
• Enhance taste by incorporating additional spices like smoked paprika, cumin, or chili powder to complement taco seasoning.
• Swap ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or extra beans for lighter protein alternatives that suit vegetarian or health-conscious diets.
• Top chili with fresh garnishes like cilantro, sour cream, shredded cheese, or diced avocado to add freshness and complementary textures.

Save and Reheat Leftovers the Smart Way

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth and maintain flavor quality.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for 2-3 months. Label with date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly and prevent cold spots.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of water or broth to prevent sticking. Warm over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. This method helps restore original texture and prevents drying out.

What Goes with Taco Chili

Savor Flavor-Packed Pairings for Slow Cooker Taco Chili

• Crunch with Cornbread Companions: Whip up a batch of warm, buttery cornbread to complement the hearty chili. Its slightly sweet profile and crumbly texture perfectly balance the spicy, rich flavors of the dish.
• Zesty Salad Sidekick: Prepare a crisp southwestern salad with mixed greens, roasted corn, black beans, and a tangy cilantro-lime dressing. The fresh, light salad cuts through the chili's richness and adds a refreshing contrast.
• Cool Down with Creamy Toppings: Dollop sour cream, sprinkle shredded cheese, and add sliced avocado on top. These cool, creamy elements temper the chili's heat and create a luxurious, multi-layered eating experience.
• Sip Smart with Beverage Buddies: Crack open a cold Mexican beer like Modelo or Corona, or mix a classic margarita. The bright, citrusy notes and crisp finish perfectly complement the robust, spicy chili flavors.

Chili Twists to Change Things Up

• Vegetarian Taco Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or black beans. Add extra vegetables such as bell peppers or zucchini for more depth and nutrition.
• Gluten-Free Version: Ensure taco seasoning is gluten-free or make your own using individual spices. Verify all canned ingredients are certified gluten-free to prevent cross-contamination.
• Low-Carb Option: Swap corn and beans for cauliflower rice or additional low-carb vegetables. Use a keto-friendly taco seasoning blend without added sugars to maintain lower carbohydrate content.
• Chicken Swap: Substitute ground beef with ground chicken or shredded rotisserie chicken for a leaner protein alternative. This variation reduces fat content while maintaining the classic taco chili flavor profile.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey works perfectly. Just make sure to brown it thoroughly and drain any excess fat before adding to the slow cooker.

• Do I need to drain the canned beans and tomatoes?

No, you can add them directly to the slow cooker with their liquid. This helps create a richer, more flavorful chili.

• Is this recipe spicy?

The chili has a mild to moderate heat level from the taco seasoning and green chiles. You can easily adjust the spiciness by choosing a mild or hot taco seasoning, or adding extra hot sauce.

• Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Replace the ground beef with plant-based ground meat or add extra beans like black beans or kidney beans to boost the protein content.

Slow Cooker Taco Chili Recipe

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4.9 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker taco chili delivers Mexican-inspired comfort with robust flavors and simple preparation. Packed with ground beef, beans, and zesty spices, this one-pot meal promises warmth and satisfaction for hungry families seeking a delicious weeknight dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef

Vegetables and Beans:

• 1 large onion (chopped)
• 2 cups (280 grams) corn (canned or frozen)
• 30 ounces (850 grams) canned diced tomatoes
• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned black beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces (425 grams) canned pinto beans (drained and rinsed)
• 8 ounces (227 grams) canned chopped green chiles

Seasoning:

• 1 packet (or 2 tablespoons) taco seasoning

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Instructions

1. Transform ground beef into a rich, caramelized base by sizzling and crumbling it in a skillet over medium heat until completely browned, developing deep flavor and appetizing texture.
2. Transfer the perfectly cooked beef into the slow cooker, incorporating chopped onions, diced tomatoes, assorted beans, roasted green chiles, sweet corn kernels, and robust taco seasoning, mixing thoroughly to distribute ingredients evenly.
3. Configure the slow cooker to low temperature, allowing the chili to simmer gently for 7-8 hours, which enables ingredients to meld and develop complex, harmonious flavors. Alternatively, use high setting for 3-4 hours if time is limited.
4. Periodically stir the chili during the final cooking phase to prevent ingredient separation and ensure consistent heat distribution, being careful not to disrupt bean integrity.
5. Conduct a final flavor assessment approximately 25-30 minutes before serving, carefully adjusting seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or a splash of hot sauce to elevate the overall taste profile and personalize the dish.
6. Serve the hearty, aromatic chili piping hot, garnishing with optional toppings like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or dollop of sour cream to enhance presentation and complementary flavors.

Notes

• Elevate flavor by thoroughly browning ground beef, ensuring caramelization for deeper taste and richer texture.
• Reduce fat content by using lean ground beef or substituting with ground turkey for a healthier alternative.
• Customize spice levels by adjusting taco seasoning or adding fresh jalapeños for extra heat.
• Make the recipe vegetarian-friendly by replacing beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans and adding more vegetables like bell peppers.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on low) or 4 hours (on high)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 20g
• Cholesterol: 70mg