Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili

Featured in: Warm Cozy Dinners

This slow-cooked chili blends ground protein, chili beans, fire-roasted tomatoes, and chili powder into a rich, hearty dish. Minimal prep and long, gentle cooking develop deep earthy flavors that satisfy on busy days. Perfect for gluten- and dairy-free dining, it's easily adapted with turkey or plant-based alternatives. Serve hot and enjoy the comforting, robust notes packed into every spoonful.

Updated on Mon, 24 Nov 2025 12:12:00 GMT
Steaming bowl of Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili, hearty and perfect for a chilly evening with rich flavors. Save
Steaming bowl of Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili, hearty and perfect for a chilly evening with rich flavors. | sagekettle.com

A deeply flavorful, fuss-free chili that transforms just four simple ingredients into a rich, hearty meal with robust, earthy notes—perfect for busy days.

I have always loved slow cooker meals for their ease and flavor, and this chili quickly became a family favorite because it requires minimal effort but delivers maximum taste.

Ingredients

  • Protein: 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or turkey, or plant-based ground meat)
  • Legumes: 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) chili beans in sauce, undrained
  • Vegetables: 1 can (14.5 oz / 410 g) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • Seasoning: 2 tbsp chili powder (or your favorite chili seasoning blend)

Instructions

Step 1:
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Step 2:
Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
Step 3:
Add the chili beans (with sauce), fire-roasted diced tomatoes (with juices), and chili powder.
Step 4:
Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5:
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours, or on high for 3–4 hours, until flavors meld and chili is thickened.
Step 6:
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired. Serve hot.
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| sagekettle.com

This recipe always brings my family together especially on busy weekdays when a quick wholesome meal is needed.

Required Tools

Large skillet slow cooker spoon or spatula

Allergen Information

Contains none of the major allergens in the base recipe beans and seasonings may be processed in facilities with allergens check labels if sensitive

Nutritional Information

Calories 380 Total Fat 13 g Carbohydrates 35 g Protein 28 g

Slow cooker simmering a delicious Secret 4-Ingredient Chili, showcasing the tender beef and vibrant tomatoes. Save
Slow cooker simmering a delicious Secret 4-Ingredient Chili, showcasing the tender beef and vibrant tomatoes. | sagekettle.com

This chili is a simple yet delicious meal that fits perfectly into a busy lifestyle.

Recipe Q&A

What ingredients create the chili's base flavor?

Ground meat, chili beans, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, and a blend of chili powder give the chili its rich, robust taste.

How long should the chili cook in the slow cooker?

Cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours to allow flavors to meld and thicken naturally.

Can I substitute ingredients for dietary preferences?

Yes, ground turkey or plant-based ground meat can replace beef for a lighter or vegetarian option.

What seasoning variations enhance this chili?

Adding smoked paprika instead of part of the chili powder adds a smoky depth to the dish.

What are some suggested serving ideas?

Serve with crusty bread, over rice, or topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions for added texture and flavor.

Secret 4-Ingredient Slow Cooker Chili

A fuss-free, flavorful chili using four ingredients, slow-cooked to develop deep, robust taste.

Setup Time
5 min
Time to Cook
420 min
Total Duration
425 min
Created by Elena Brooks

Classification Warm Cozy Dinners

Skill Level Easy

Cuisine American

Batch Size 4 Portions

Dietary Details No Dairy, Free of Gluten

Components

Protein

01 1 lb ground beef (450 g) or turkey or plant-based ground meat

Legumes

01 2 cans chili beans in sauce, 15 oz (425 g) each, undrained

Vegetables

01 1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes, 14.5 oz (410 g), undrained

Seasoning

01 2 tbsp chili powder or preferred chili seasoning blend

Directions

Step 01

Brown the ground beef: In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef until fully cooked, breaking it up during cooking. Drain excess fat if necessary.

Step 02

Transfer to slow cooker: Move the cooked ground beef into the slow cooker container.

Step 03

Add beans, tomatoes, and seasoning: Add the chili beans with sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes with juices, and chili powder into the slow cooker.

Step 04

Combine ingredients: Stir all ingredients thoroughly until evenly combined.

Step 05

Cook the chili: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, allowing flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.

Step 06

Final seasoning and serving: Taste and adjust seasoning if preferred. Serve hot.

Tools Needed

  • Large skillet
  • Slow cooker
  • Spoon or spatula

Allergy Alerts

Review every ingredient to spot possible allergens. Consult your doctor if unsure.
  • No primary allergens present; verify bean and seasoning labels for potential cross-contamination.

Nutrition Info (per portion)

Nutritional details are for reference and don't substitute medical advice.
  • Energy (Calories): 380
  • Lipids: 13 g
  • Carbohydrates: 35 g
  • Proteins: 28 g