Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chili

This easy weeknight slow cooker chili comes together in minutes and simmers all day for a hearty, no-fuss dinner the whole family will love.

***This post is in partnership with Tradition Spice Company. As always, all opinions expressed are 100% my own. ***

As a busy mom of two there’s nothing better than walking in the door after a long day to a house that already smells like dinner. I mean, can we have a moment for the slow cooker? All you have to do is toss a handful of pantry staples, favorite protein, and let the slow cooker do all the actual work – no babysitting a simmering pot on the stove, no last-minute run to the grocery store for some obscure ingredient, and no digging through a fifteen-jar spice cabinet just to get dinner started.

This slow cooker version is built for busy weeknights specifically. It leans on one smart shortcut — a pre-mixed seasoning blend so you get deep, slow-simmered flavor without measuring out six different spice jars after a long day.

The Shortcut: A Ready-Made Chili Seasoning Blend

The difference between “it tastes good chili” and “its tastes DAMN good chili” usually comes down to the seasoning. Instead of pulling out cumin, chili powder, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika separately (and inevitably running out of one), this recipe uses Tradition Spice Company’s Chili & Stews, Da Best! Slow Cooker Blend.

This spice blend is built specifically with slow-cooked dishes in mind, combining chili pepper, dehydrated onion and garlic, salt, and paprika extractives into one balanced, smoky, savory shake. A couple of tablespoons stirred into the pot replaces a whole spice-rack lineup and keeps the flavor consistent every single time you make it. It’s also vegan, vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free, so it plays nicely with just about any dietary need at the table and it isn’t just for chili; the same jar works beautifully in vegetable stews, baked beans, and slow-cooked meats. Can you say winning?

Also, I had the chance to meet Mark, the founder of Tradition Spice Company, and I must say he’s as nice as the day is long. He’s absolutely passionate about his spices, and being a Colorado local himself, he’s just as adventurous about food as I am.”

Ingredients in Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chili

A hearty, slow-cooked chili with a beef and pork base, chili beans, and fire roasted tomatoes made in a 5 quart slow cooker.

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 lb ground beef
• 1 lb ground pork
• 1 yellow onion, diced
• 2 green bell peppers, diced
• 1 large jalapeño, seeded and minced
• 3 large garlic cloves, minced
• 3 tbsp Tradition Spice Chili & Stew, Da Best! Slow Cooker Blend
• Kosher salt and pepper to taste
• 2 cans (15.5 oz) medium chili beans, drained
• 1 can (28 oz) fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups chicken or beef stock

How to Make Easy Weeknight Slow Cooker Chili

• Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add ground beef and ground pork, breaking it up with a spoon, and cook until browned, about 8 minutes. Drain excess fat.
• Add onion, green bell peppers, jalapeño, and garlic cloves to the browned meat. Cook, stirring occasionally, until the onion and peppers begin to soften, about 5 minutes.
• Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture to a 5 quart slow cooker.
• Add chili beans, fire roasted diced tomatoes (with their juices), Tradition Spice chili and stew seasoning, kosher salt, pepper and chicken stock to the slow cooker. Stir everything together until well combined.
• Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, until the flavors have melded and the chili is hot throughout. Stir once or twice during cooking if you’re around.
• Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed. Ladle into bowls and serve with your favorite toppings: sour cream, jalapeños, avocado, pico de gallo, and Fritos.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I put raw ground beef straight into the slow cooker without browning it first? You can, but browning it first removes excess grease and builds a deeper flavor base.

How long can chili sit in a slow cooker on warm? Chili can safely stay on the “warm” setting for 3–4 hours after cooking is complete. Beyond that, it’s best to refrigerate leftovers.

Can I make this chili in a slow cooker overnight? Yes! This recipe is designed for exactly that. Set it in the morning on low for 6–8 hours, and it’ll be ready by dinner without needing to check on it.

What’s the difference between chili seasoning and taco seasoning? Chili seasoning blends, like Tradition Spice’s Chili & Stews blend, are built around chili pepper, garlic, onion, and paprika for a smoky, savory depth meant to simmer for hours. Taco seasoning tends to be brighter and more acidic, meant for a quick 10-minute cook.

Can I make this chili vegetarian? Absolutely! Swap the ground beef for an extra can of beans or plant-based crumbles. The Chili & Stews, Da Best! Slow Cooker Blend is vegan and vegetarian-friendly, so the seasoning works exactly the same way.

Is slow cooker chili better the next day? Most people say yes. Like a lot of stews, chili’s flavors continue to meld overnight in the fridge, so leftovers are often even better than the first serving.

Can I freeze slow cooker beef chili? Yes. Cool it completely, portion it into airtight containers, and freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Weeknight cooking doesn’t have to mean choosing between “fast” and “actually good.” A slow cooker and a well-built seasoning blend do the heavy lifting so you get a rich, hearty bowl of chili without babysitting a pot or hunting through your spice cabinet. Keep a jar of Tradition Spice Company’s Chili & Stews, Da Best! Slow Cooker Blend in the pantry, and this recipe becomes a five-minutes-of-effort, all-week-payoff kind of dinner.

Learn more about Tradition Spice Company and to shop more of their incredible spice line make sure to visit their website: www.traditionspicecompany.com and give them a follow on Instagram & Facebook.

More slow cooker recipes to enjoy: Slow Cooker Shredded Lamb Sliders, Slow Cooker Greek Gyro Bowls, and Slow Cooker Meat Lovers Pizza.