Introduction
Slow Cooker Beef and White Bean Chili is a hearty, comforting dinner made with ground beef, creamy white beans, tomatoes, savory seasonings, and a rich sauce that slowly develops flavor in the crockpot.
This recipe is perfect for busy days because preparation is simple and the slow cooker handles most of the cooking. The combination of beef and beans makes every bowl filling, while tomatoes, peppers, and spices give the chili a warm, savory flavor.
Why You Will Love This Recipe
This is an easy family-style slow cooker meal made with affordable pantry staples. It requires minimal preparation, makes a generous batch, and tastes even better after the flavors have had several hours to develop.
It is also easy to customize. Make it mild for the family, add extra chili for more heat, or finish each serving with cheese and sour cream.
Recipe Information
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 5–6 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 6 hours
Servings: 6–8
Difficulty: Easy
Main Ingredients
Ground beef: Provides the rich, savory base of the chili. An 85–90% lean ground beef works well.
White beans: Cannellini or Great Northern beans provide a soft, creamy texture that complements the beef.
Tomatoes: Diced tomatoes add moisture, acidity, and classic chili flavor.
Beef broth: Creates the savory cooking liquid and keeps the chili from becoming overly thick.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
2 cans (15 ounces each) cannellini or Great Northern beans, drained and rinsed
1 can (14.5 ounces) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
1 can (8 ounces) tomato sauce
1 medium yellow onion, diced
1 green bell pepper, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1½ cups beef broth
2 tablespoons tomato paste
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
2 teaspoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon dried oregano
½ teaspoon black pepper
½ teaspoon salt, or to taste
¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes, optional
1½ cups shredded cheddar cheese, optional for serving
Sour cream and sliced green onions, optional
How to Choose the Best Ingredients
Choose ground beef with enough fat to provide flavor without producing excessive grease.
Cannellini beans have an especially creamy texture, while Great Northern beans remain slightly firmer after slow cooking. Either variety works well.
Fire-roasted tomatoes add another layer of flavor, but ordinary diced tomatoes can be substituted.
Prepare the Main Ingredient
For the best texture, brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat before adding it to the slow cooker.
Break the beef into bite-sized crumbles and cook until browned. Drain excess grease.
Although ground beef can sometimes be cooked directly in certain recipes, browning it first provides better texture and removes excess fat.
Prepare the Remaining Ingredients
Drain and rinse the white beans.
Dice the onion and bell pepper and mince the garlic.
Measure the seasonings before assembling the crockpot so everything can be added quickly.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Place the browned ground beef in the slow cooker.
Add the white beans.
Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, onion, bell pepper, and minced garlic.
Spoon in the tomato paste and Worcestershire sauce.
Pour the beef broth over everything.
Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, black pepper, salt, and optional red pepper flakes.
Stir everything thoroughly.
Cover and cook on LOW for 5–6 hours or HIGH for approximately 3 hours.
During the final 30 minutes, stir the chili and check its consistency.
For thicker chili, leave the lid slightly ajar during the final 20–30 minutes.
Taste and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Tips for Best Results
Brown and drain the ground beef first for the best finished texture.
Rinse canned beans before adding them to remove excess canning liquid.
Avoid adding too much broth initially. You can always add additional liquid later if necessary.
For thicker chili, mash approximately half a cup of the white beans before stirring them into the crockpot.
Allow the finished chili to rest for approximately 10 minutes before serving so it thickens slightly.
Flavor Variations
For a Southwestern version, add corn and diced green chiles.
For additional heat, add diced jalapeño or chipotle pepper.
Replace half the ground beef with Italian sausage for a richer variation.
Monterey Jack or pepper Jack can replace cheddar for a creamier cheese topping.
For extra vegetables, add diced zucchini or additional bell peppers.
How to Serve
Spoon the hot chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, and sliced green onions.
Serve it with cornbread, warm dinner rolls, tortilla chips, or garlic bread.
A simple green salad also makes an excellent lighter side.
Meal Prep & Storage
Allow leftovers to cool before transferring them to airtight containers.
Refrigerate for up to 3–4 days.
Reheat individual portions in the microwave or warm a larger amount gently on the stovetop.
This chili also freezes well. Portion cooled chili into freezer-safe containers and freeze for up to 2–3 months.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Do not add undrained ground beef to the crockpot because excessive fat can make the finished chili greasy.
Avoid adding excessive broth at the beginning.
Do not skip tasting the chili at the end. Canned tomatoes, broth, and beans contain different amounts of sodium, so final seasoning should always be adjusted after cooking.
FAQ
Can I use kidney beans instead of white beans?
Yes. Kidney, pinto, or black beans can all be substituted.
Do I need to brown the ground beef first?
It is strongly recommended because browning improves both texture and flavor while allowing excess grease to be drained.
Can I make this chili spicy?
Yes. Add jalapeños, cayenne, chipotle peppers, or additional red pepper flakes.
How can I thicken it?
Mash some of the beans or cook uncovered during the final 20–30 minutes.
Can I prepare it the night before?
Yes. Prepare the ingredients ahead, refrigerate them safely, then assemble and start the slow cooker the following day.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Beef and White Bean Chili turns simple ground beef and canned beans into a warm, filling family meal with very little hands-on cooking. Rich tomato flavor, tender beans, savory beef, and customizable toppings make it an easy crockpot recipe worth keeping in your regular dinner rotation.