Crockpot Taco Chili

If you’ve been searching for the best slow cooker chili recipe that practically makes itself, look no further. This Crockpot Taco Chili has been a beloved staple among our readers for years and once you try it, you’ll understand exactly why. Whether you’re a brand-new cook just learning your way around the kitchen or a seasoned home chef looking for a foolproof weeknight dinner, this recipe delivers big flavor with almost zero effort.

From game day gatherings to camping trips to cozy weeknight family dinners, this taco chili does it all. Let’s dig in.

Why This Slow Cooker Taco Chili Recipe Is So Popular

When we first shared this easy slow cooker chili, we had no idea it would become one of our most-requested recipes. Year after year, readers keep coming back to it and keep sharing it with their friends and family. It’s the kind of recipe that earns a permanent spot in your meal rotation.

Here’s why home cooks everywhere love it:

• It’s beginner-friendly. There’s no complicated technique here. Brown some beef, dump everything in the slow cooker, and walk away. That’s it.
• It’s incredibly forgiving. You can swap out ingredients, add your favorites, and it still turns out amazing every single time.
• It feeds a crowd. This recipe makes 8-10 generous servings perfect for parties, potlucks or meal prepping for the week.
• It tastes even better the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making leftovers something to truly look forward to.

The Best Camping Chili Recipe

The Ultimate Game Day Chili

Looking for the best game day chili recipe? This is it. This easy slow cooker football chili is made for watching the big game. You can get it started hours before kickoff, and by the time everyone arrives, your home smells incredible and dinner is ready to serve.

Set up a chili bar with toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, guacamole, diced avocado, jalapeños and tortilla chips and let everyone build their own bowl. It’s interactive, crowd-pleasing, and completely stress-free for the host.

Reader Alyssa found out firsthand just how big of a hit this chili can be:

“I added corn and cilantro. This dish was a Sunday football hit!!”

Whether it’s the Super Bowl, playoff weekend, or just a regular Sunday afternoon, this taco chili is your new go-to game day slow cooker recipe.

A Comforting Weeknight Dinner the Whole Family Will Love

We all know the struggle: it’s 5pm, everyone is hungry, and you have no idea what to make for dinner. This is where this easy weeknight crock pot chili saves the day because you started it in the morning and it’s been cooking all day while you lived your life.

This is the kind of comfort food slow cooker recipe that brings the whole family to the table. The savory beef, rich tomatoes, aromatic taco seasoning and hearty vegetables create a deeply satisfying bowl that feels like a warm hug on a cold night.

And here’s a little secret: this is a fantastic way to get kids to eat their vegetables. The zucchini, bell peppers, onions and Anaheim peppers all cook down beautifully into the broth, delivering nutrition without a fight at the dinner table. Kids who are normally suspicious of vegetables are often completely unbothered when they’re hidden in a flavorful, taco-seasoned chili they already love.

Reader Ashley speaks for so many families when she says:

“This recipe is AMAZING!! The whole family enjoyed it! Made minor adjustments like subbing the plain tomatoes for Rotel. Garnished with diced avocado, sour cream, and cheese. This recipe will be added to the rotation for sure”

When a recipe makes it into the weekly rotation, you know it’s a winner.

Ingredients for Crockpot Taco Chili

Here’s everything you’ll need for this simple slow cooker chili:

• 2 lbs ground beef, uncooked
• 4 cups beef broth
• 28 oz can diced tomatoes
• 2 packets taco seasoning
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 medium zucchini, chopped
• 2 Anaheim peppers, chopped
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 1/4 cup onion, chopped
• 1/2 cup bell pepper, chopped
• 7 oz can chopped green chilies
• Toppings: sour cream, shredded cheese, guacamole, diced avocado, jalapeños, etc.

That’s it! Simple, pantry-friendly ingredients that come together to create something truly spectacular.

How to Make Crockpot Taco Chili (Step-by-Step)

This is one of the most beginner-friendly slow cooker recipes you’ll find. Here’s how easy it is:

1: Brown your ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat, or use a slow cooker with a sauté feature to do it all in one pot.

2: Drain the cooked beef and add it to your 6-quart slow cooker.

3: Add all remaining ingredients beef broth, diced tomatoes, taco seasoning, cumin, zucchini, Anaheim peppers, garlic, onion, bell pepper, and green chilies. Give everything a good stir to combine.

4: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

5: Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite chili toppings.

See? If you can brown meat and stir a pot, you can absolutely make this recipe. It truly is one of the easiest homemade chili recipes out there.

Tips for Making the Best Slow Cooker Taco Chili

Use a quality taco seasoning. The seasoning packets do a lot of the heavy lifting in terms of flavor here. You can also make your own homemade taco seasoning if you prefer.

Don’t skip the cumin. That extra tablespoon of cumin adds a beautiful smoky depth that takes this chili over the top.

Customize freely. This recipe is incredibly flexible. As reader Nicky S. found:

“I just used what I had on hand but tried to stick with the ingredients. Turned out amazing!”

Make it spicier. Want more heat? Swap the diced tomatoes for Rotel (like reader Ashley did), add a diced jalapeño, or use hot taco seasoning.

Add beans if you’d like. Reader Kim noted she’d add beans next time and that’s a great idea for extra heartiness and fiber. Black beans or kidney beans both work wonderfully.

Add corn for extra sweetness and texture. Reader Alyssa added corn and loved it. A cup of frozen corn stirred in with the other ingredients is a simple, delicious addition.

Try it with Rotel. Swapping the plain diced tomatoes for a can of Rotel tomatoes adds a little kick and extra flavor complexity.

Chop veggies ahead of time. Save time by chopping your veggies the night before and storing them in the fridge.

Use our Make Ahead Ground Beef: Turn this chili into a true dump and go recipe by using our freezer friendly make ahead ground beef.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili ahead of time? Absolutely. This chili stores well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days and actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It also freezes beautifully for up to 3 months.

Can I use ground turkey instead of ground beef? Yes! Ground turkey or even ground chicken can be substituted for a lighter version of this easy taco chili recipe.

What size slow cooker do I need? This recipe is designed for a 6-quart slow cooker. A 5-quart will work in a pinch, but avoid going smaller as the volume of liquid and vegetables is generous.

Can I cook this on the stovetop? Yes. Bring everything to a boil in a large pot, then reduce heat and simmer covered for 45 minutes to an hour.

What are the best toppings for taco chili? The sky is the limit! Classic options include sour cream, shredded cheddar, guacamole or diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, tortilla chips, fresh cilantro, lime wedges and diced white onion.

Make It Tonight

Whether you’re cooking for a crowd on game day, fueling up around the campfire, sneaking vegetables into a kid-approved dinner or just craving something warm and satisfying on a busy weeknight, this Crockpot Taco Chili is the answer.

It’s one of those easy slow cooker dinner recipes that you’ll make on repeat for years to come because it’s just that good. Simple, comforting, endlessly customizable and absolutely delicious.

Give it a try tonight and let us know how it goes in the comments below. We have a feeling it’s about to become one of your family’s all-time favorites too.