Recipe details
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH
Total time: Approximately 6–8 hours
Servings: 6–8 people
Cooking method: Slow cooker
Difficulty: Easy
Ingredients
Ingredient
Quantity
Ground beef
2 lb (900 g)
White beans, drained
1 can (15 oz / 425 g)
White or yellow onion, diced
1 large
Ketchup
¾ cup
Tomato sauce
1 cup
Beef broth or water
½ cup
Garlic powder
1 tsp
Onion powder
1 tsp
Paprika
1 tsp
Chili powder
1 tbsp
Ground cumin
1 tsp
Black pepper
½ tsp
Salt
1 tsp
Brown sugar
1 tbsp
Worcestershire sauce
1 tbsp
Optional ingredients
½ green bell pepper, diced.
½ tsp smoked paprika.
½ tsp mustard powder.
¼–½ tsp cayenne pepper.
One additional can of white beans.
Instructions
Prepare the ground beef: Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Break it into small pieces and drain excess fat.
Prepare the beans: Drain and rinse the white beans.
Add ingredients: Place the cooked ground beef, white beans, and diced onions into the slow cooker.
Add sauces: Pour in ketchup, tomato sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
Add seasonings: Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, chili powder, cumin, black pepper, salt, and brown sugar.
Mix: Stir everything until the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Cook: Cover with the lid and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 3–4 hours.
Check consistency: Stir and taste. Add extra seasoning if needed.
Serve: Serve hot with rice, cornbread, baked potatoes, or bread.
Food safety: Cook ground beef to an internal temperature of 160°F (71°C). Refrigerate leftovers within two hours and reheat to 165°F (74°C).
Nutrition information
Estimated values per serving, based on 8 servings.
Nutrient
Amount
Calories
390 kcal
Protein
27 g
Total fat
19 g
Saturated fat
7 g
Carbohydrates
27 g
Dietary fiber
5 g
Total sugars
12 g
Cholesterol
65 mg
Sodium
750–950 mg
Potassium
550 mg
Calcium
75 mg
Iron
3.5 mg
Nut and allergen information
Nut information
Nut type
Recipe status
Peanuts
Not intentionally included
Almonds
Not intentionally included
Cashews
Not intentionally included
Walnuts
Not intentionally included
Pistachios
Not intentionally included
Pecans
Not intentionally included
Hazelnuts
Not intentionally included
Brazil nuts
Not intentionally included
Macadamia nuts
Not intentionally included
Pine nuts
Not intentionally included
No nuts intentionally used
Important nut allergy precautions:
Check ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, canned beans, and spice packaging for allergen statements.
Check for possible cross-contact with peanuts and tree nuts during manufacturing.
Use clean utensils, cookware, preparation surfaces, and storage containers.
Do not assume a product is nut-free simply because nuts are not listed in the recipe.
For severe allergies, use products specifically verified as safe for the individual’s allergy requirements.
Other allergen information
Allergen
Information
Milk
No dairy ingredients intentionally included
Eggs
No eggs intentionally included
Soy
Check Worcestershire sauce and packaged ingredients
Wheat/gluten
Check Worcestershire sauce, broth, and seasonings
Fish
Some Worcestershire sauces contain anchovies
Sesame
Not intentionally included; check labels
Frequently asked questions (Q&A)
Q1. Can I use kidney beans instead of white beans?
Yes. You can substitute kidney beans, pinto beans, cannellini beans, or black beans. Drain and rinse canned beans before adding them.
Q2. Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef?
Yes. Ground turkey or ground chicken works well. Make sure poultry reaches an internal temperature of 165°F (74°C).
Q3. Can I use raw ground beef in the slow cooker?
Browning the beef first is recommended for better flavor and texture. Never add frozen ground beef directly to a slow cooker.
Q4. Can I make this recipe without ketchup?
Yes. Replace ketchup with additional tomato sauce. Add a little brown sugar and vinegar to achieve a similar sweet and tangy flavor.
Q5. How can I make the recipe thicker?
Reduce the amount of broth.
Mash some of the cooked beans.
Add extra beans.
Allow excess liquid to evaporate while maintaining a safe cooking temperature.
Q6. How can I make it less spicy?
Reduce the chili powder and omit cayenne pepper. Use mild paprika instead of hot paprika.
Q7. How can I make it spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, jalapeños, crushed red pepper, or extra chili powder.
Q8. Can I prepare this recipe ahead of time?
Yes. Brown the beef, chop the onions, and measure the seasonings in advance. Refrigerate prepared ingredients and assemble before cooking.
Q9. Can I freeze this recipe?
Yes. Divide the cooled chili into airtight freezer-safe containers. Freeze for approximately 2–3 months for best quality.
Q10. How long does it last in the refrigerator?
Store in an airtight container for 3–4 days at 40°F (4°C) or below.
Q11. Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes. The listed ingredients contain no intentionally added dairy. Check all packaged ingredients for milk-derived additives and cross-contact warnings.
Q12. Is this recipe gluten-free?
It can be made gluten-free. Choose certified or verified gluten-free Worcestershire sauce, broth, ketchup, and seasonings.
Q13. Can I make it without onions?
Yes. Leave out the onions or substitute diced bell peppers if desired.
Q14. What can I serve with this recipe?
Steamed white or brown rice.
Cornbread.
Baked potatoes.
Garlic bread.
Tortilla chips.
Fresh green salad.
Roasted vegetables.
Q15. Can I double the recipe?
Yes, provided your slow cooker has enough capacity. Do not fill it beyond the manufacturer’s recommended maximum. Allow sufficient cooking time and verify the beef reaches 160°F (71°C).
Q16. Can children eat this recipe?
Yes, if the spice level is adjusted to their preference and all ingredients are suitable for their dietary needs.
Q17. Can I use dried white beans?
Yes, but dried beans must be properly soaked and fully boiled before being added to the slow cooker. Do not cook dried kidney beans in a slow cooker without first boiling them properly.
Q18. How do I reduce the sodium?
Use low-sodium beef broth, no-salt-added canned beans, reduced-sodium ketchup, and less added salt.