Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili

Featured in: Comfort Food Classics

This slow cooker chili combines four key ingredients—ground beef, kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili seasoning—to create a rich, hearty dish. Simply brown the meat, combine with beans and tomatoes in a slow cooker, and let it simmer for hours to develop deep flavors. Optional toppings like shredded cheese or jalapeños add personal twists. Perfectly suited for busy nights or cozy gatherings, it's gluten-free and dairy-free, delivering satisfying comfort with minimal prep.

Updated on Fri, 21 Nov 2025 09:38:00 GMT
A vibrant bowl of The Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Dump, ready to eat with toppings. Save
A vibrant bowl of The Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Dump, ready to eat with toppings. | nibbromeals.com

A ridiculously easy, hearty chili that requires just four pantry staples—perfect for busy weeknights or cozy gatherings.

I love how this chili comes together effortlessly and fills my home with the best aromas—it’s a family favorite that never disappoints.

Ingredients

  • Ground beef (or ground turkey): 1 lb (450 g)
  • Kidney beans: 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each), drained and rinsed
  • Diced tomatoes with juices: 1 can (28 oz / 800 g)
  • Chili seasoning mix: 1 packet (1.25 oz / 35 g)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2:
Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3:
Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juices), and chili seasoning mix to the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
Step 4:
Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.
Step 5:
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Steaming-hot, hearty The Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Dump, slow-cooked to perfection, garnished with fresh cilantro. Save
Steaming-hot, hearty The Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Dump, slow-cooked to perfection, garnished with fresh cilantro. | nibbromeals.com

This recipe brings my family together every time especially on chilly nights when comfort food means the most.

Notes

Optional toppings: shredded cheese sour cream sliced jalapeños chopped cilantro or diced onions For a vegetarian version substitute plant-based ground meat or add an extra can of beans Spice level depends on the seasoning mix add a pinch of cayenne for extra heat if desired

Required Tools

Slow cooker Large skillet Wooden spoon or spatula Can opener

Nutritional Information

Calories 350 Total Fat 11 g Carbohydrates 32 g Protein 28 g

Enjoy a spoonful of rich, flavorful The Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Dump, a comforting family meal. Save
Enjoy a spoonful of rich, flavorful The Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili Dump, a comforting family meal. | nibbromeals.com

This chili is a crowd-pleaser that comes together fast making dinner stress-free and delicious every time.

Common recipe questions

What can I substitute for ground beef?

You can replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based meat alternatives for different tastes and dietary needs.

Can this chili be made vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based ground meat or add an extra can of beans to keep it hearty without meat.

How long should the chili cook in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours to allow flavors to fully meld.

What optional toppings enhance the dish?

Try shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced jalapeños, chopped cilantro, or diced onions to add texture and flavor.

Is the chili gluten-free and dairy-free?

The main ingredients are gluten- and dairy-free; however, check the seasoning mix packaging for any allergens.

How spicy is the chili?

Spice levels depend on the seasoning mix; add cayenne pepper to increase heat as desired.

Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili

A flavorful chili combining ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and seasoning for comforting slow-cooked meals.

Time to prep
5 minutes
Time to cook
360 minutes
Overall time
365 minutes
Creator Ethan Cole


Level of difficulty Easy

Cuisine type American

Serves 4 Number of servings

Nutrition info No dairy, No gluten

Ingredient list

Proteins

01 1 lb ground beef

Beans

01 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed

Vegetables

01 1 can (28 oz) diced tomatoes with juices

Seasonings

01 1 packet (1.25 oz) chili seasoning mix

Cooking steps

Step 01

Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it into crumbles as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Transfer beef to slow cooker: Move the cooked beef to the slow cooker.

Step 03

Add remaining ingredients: Add kidney beans, diced tomatoes with juices, and chili seasoning mix to the slow cooker. Stir to combine evenly.

Step 04

Cook chili: Cover and cook on low for 6 hours or on high for 3 hours.

Step 05

Season and serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve hot with preferred toppings.

Kitchen tools

  • Slow cooker
  • Large skillet
  • Wooden spoon or spatula
  • Can opener

Allergy details

Always check ingredients for allergens. Unsure? Talk to a healthcare expert.
  • Check chili seasoning packet for possible gluten, soy, or milk derivatives. Review labels if allergies or intolerances exist.

Nutrition details per serving

Details are shared for reference only. Reach out to your doctor with any health questions.
  • Energy (calories): 350
  • Total fat: 11 grams
  • Carbohydrates: 32 grams
  • Protein content: 28 grams