How to make homemade chili in the slow cooker or instant pot. This is my base chili recipe that everyone loves and is super simple and flavorful when made in the slow cooker or instant pot. Just prep for about 15 minutes in the morning, and it’s ready to serve for dinner.
Recipe Card:
Ingredients in Slow Cooker or Instant Pot Chili
2 tbsp olive oil
1 onion, diced
2 pounds ground beef
2 tbsp chili powder
1 tbsp ground cumin
1 tbsp sugar
2 tsp salt
2 tsp black pepper
2 cans beans of choice, rinsed
1 can tomato sauce
1 can diced tomatoes
Customize your chili easily by adding more vegetables (jalapeno pepper, bell pepper, zucchini, garlic) or meats (bacon or smoked sausage). Or keep it simple and customize by adding toppings.
How to make chili in the slow cooker:
Saute the ground beef in the oil. If your slow cooker does not have a saute setting, simply saute in a pan and then add to the slow cooker.
Diced the vegetables up and saute with the meat.
In the slow cooker, add everything. Mix. Set on low for 8-10 hours for best flavor, or 3-4 hours on high when in a hurry.
Instant Pot option: You can also make this chili in the instant pot in less time. Follow the instructions, except in the instant pot. Then, pressure cook on high for 30-60 minutes. Release the steam and enjoy.