Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili Recipe

This Easy Crock Pot Beef Chili recipe is a family favorite, and I always get asked to share it! I will be the first to admit I was late to the chili game, but it has been a lifesaver for busy weeknights. I first made this in 2017, and now we always keep extra batches in the freezer for quick, no-fuss meals. Especially since it is now a zero Weight Watchers point recipe. 

First made in 2017 and updated with Weight Watchers points in 2025

Now, this crock pot chili was made even easier because I had everything on hand to dump and cook it!! I have shared before how to prepare ground beef (see -> here)to have on hand for easy dinners.  It is on our menu year round, and we always keep some on hand in the freezer as well.

slow cooker beef chili Ingredients:

Ground Beef– The ground beef must be fully cooked and drained of grease before starting the recipe. For zero point and low point, use 93% ground beef.

Black Beans

Chili Beans

Onion– You can also use onion powder if your kids won’t eat onions or chop them larger for kids to pick out.

Bacon– I prefer to use thick-cut bacon; you will cut it into small chunks to cook before putting it in the chili. Omit this if you want zero-point chili, or use a couple of points to enjoy this!

Corn-Frozen or canned corn will work in this recipe, I tend to use canned as the corn is a bit firmer than frozen corn.

Diced Tomatoes

Tomato Sauce

Beef Broth

Garlic Powder

Cummin

Montreal Steak Seasoning 

Salt

Pepper 

Chili Powder

Cayenne Pepper

How To Make Easy Crockpot Chili 

Spray your crockpot with a non-stick spray, I used my 8-quart crockpot, large enough we have leftovers to freeze!  

10 Quart Crockpot8 Quart Crockpot6 Quart Crockpot

 

Now if you don’t want to do the nonstick spray you can use crockpot liners, these make clean-up so much easier!

Crockpot LinersNonstick Sprays

 

Open up your cans of beans and corn and dump the cans into an over-the-sink strainer, rinse your beans, and allow them to drip dry.

Either reheat your ground beef or brown your ground beef in a pan and remove the grease. 

Slice up your bacon and start to cook it in a frying pan. Don’t thoroughly cook the bacon because it will cook more in the crockpot.

Start to dump everything in the crockpot beef, beans, and corn

Open up your tomatoes and beef broth. If you are using Better than Bullion, start to make the broth that way.

Dump everything else in the crockpot and stir everything together.

Allow the chili to cook on low for 6-8 hours, stirring a couple of times while it’s cooking.

What do you put in your chili? 

How To store Leftover Beef Chili

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 4 to 5 days. You can freeze it in an airtight container or bag in the freezer for up to three months. Reheat in the microwave or stovetop to eat.

Storing leftovers properly requires the right tools! My preferred storage method is if the leftovers can be sealed in a food saver. If not, then an air-tight container or Ziploc bag for the fridge is the way I go. The airtight container or a freezer Ziploc bag are the next best bet for freezing the leftovers. I also use a food scale to measure portions into serving sizes.

What To Serve With Beef Chili

• Jalapeno Cornbread 
• Southern Cornbread
• Green Salad 
• Jiffy Cornbread With Sour Cream
• Fried Zucchini Chips
• Grilled Cheese 
• Krusteaz Corn Bread

Great Toppings For Beef Chili

Remember that if you are tracking points or macros, the toppings will affect the final calorie/point amount.

• Crumbled Cornbread
• Saltine Crackers
• Sliced Avocados 
• Green Onions
• Sour Cream
• Guacamole 
• Jalapenos 

Weight Watchers Beef Chill Point Breakdown

Using 93% lean ground beef and regular bacon, my chili works out to 4 points a serving, which, on the new program, is still good. You could use turkey bacon, but having everything else be zero points is the perfect time to enjoy some bacon.

How To Make Zero Point WW Beef And Bean Chili

So, with the new changes to the Weight Watchers program at the end of 2024, if you use 93% lean ground beef and no bacon, this will be a zero-point beef and bean chili; however, with all zero-point foods before eating in moderation.

Crockpot Recipes To Check Out

Crockpots are versatile and perfect for making meals without much work or effort. I use mine constantly! Below are some of my favorite collections of recipes I’ve made in my kitchen. Slow Cooker recipes are an easy way to get dinner on the table.

• Chicken Crockpot Recipes
• Crockpot Soup Recipes
• Weeknight Dinner Recipes
• Ground Beef Crockpot Dinners
• Crockpot Cinnamon Rolls
• Crockpot Appetizers

A Note From Jenny

When starting any healthy lifestyle, consult a doctor to address any personal health concerns. Some things can only be addressed medically and by a professional. Blood sugar levels, blood pressure, and hormones checked at a physical before starting and at least once a year, as these all can affect an active lifestyle.

With so many different programs, such as Weight Watchers, Keto, and macros, it can be hard to know what to pick. (If you’re interested in Weight Watchers, you can sign up -> here and sign up for $10/month for 10 months.)

I personally use the app Myfitnesspal to track my food.  I use macros and focus on High Protein (calories, fat, protein, and carbohydrates) and rotate through cuts and maintenance calories. (Use a calculator like this -> here)  . I did WW for years, but now that I am more maintenance, with cuts throughout the year, and focusing on mobility with strength training. There is no right or wrong answer, as all bodies are different.