There’s something about the way slow cooker chili fills the house with its rich, spicy aroma that makes the wait almost impossible. I remember one evening when I threw everything into the slow cooker, then realized I’d forgotten to pick up the usual toppings—no sour cream or shredded cheese in sight. Still, that first bite, with the tender beef, sweet bursts of corn, and the gentle heat from the spices, made the missing extras almost irrelevant. The slow simmer brought all the flavors together so well, it was like the chili had been waiting all day to remind me that cozy dinners don’t have to be complicated.

What I love most is how the beans and corn add unexpected texture without any extra effort. Sometimes I’d be halfway through dinner, distracted by a phone call or a sudden text, but every spoonful brought me back to that warm, satisfying bowl. It’s not perfect every time—sometimes I get the seasoning a little off or the broth a bit too rich—but then I just adjust as I go, and it all works out. That’s part of the charm.

Hearty and filling without feeling heavy, this chili is a slow cooker win for busy evenings.
The blend of spices offers warmth and depth, though it’s simple enough to tweak if you like more or less kick.
Corn adds a nice pop of sweetness and texture, breaking up the beans and beef in the best way.
It’s simple — and that’s kind of the point: minimal prep, maximum comfort.

If you’re worried about the slow cooker taking up space or time, it really frees up your evening to relax or tackle other things while the chili works its magic. And leftovers? They only get better the next day, making this an easy go-to when you want something reliable and tasty to come back to.

Slow Cooker Chili with Corn

Print Recipe

A hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili packed with ground beef, beans, corn, and a blend of spices. Perfect for a cozy meal with minimal effort.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6

Ingredients

Scale

1 pound ground beef
1 medium onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (14.5 ounce) can diced tomatoes, undrained
1 (15 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
1 (15 ounce) can whole kernel corn, drained
1 (8 ounce) can tomato sauce
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
1 cup beef broth

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Instructions

In a large skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned, breaking it apart with a spoon, about 5-7 minutes.
Add the diced onion and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
Transfer the cooked beef, onion, and garlic mixture to the slow cooker.
Add the diced tomatoes with their juice, kidney beans, black beans, corn, tomato sauce, chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, cayenne pepper, and beef broth to the slow cooker.
Stir all ingredients together until well combined.
Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6 hours.
After cooking, stir the chili and taste to adjust seasoning if needed.
Serve hot.

Don’t stress about fancy gadgets here; a basic slow cooker does the job beautifully. I usually serve this chili with some crusty bread or over a bed of rice, but honestly, it’s just as good straight from the bowl. If you feel like switching things up, adding a splash of beer or swapping ground turkey for beef might be fun, though I haven’t tried every combo yet. A handful of fresh cilantro or a squeeze of lime can brighten it up, too, but that’s totally optional.

FAQ:

Can I make this chili vegetarian? You could skip the beef and add extra beans or veggies, but it will change the flavor and texture quite a bit.

How long can I store leftovers? It keeps well in the fridge for about four days or freezes nicely for up to three months.

Is it spicy? It has a gentle heat from the chili powder and cayenne, but you can adjust to your taste.

Can I cook it on high? Yes, but the flavors might not meld as deeply as on low.

When you’re ready to settle in with a bowl of something warm and satisfying, this slow cooker chili with corn is a solid choice. Save it, print it, and let it be the answer on those nights when you just want food that feels like home.