This Crockpot Beef Bacon Chili is the ultimate hearty comfort food. It combines tender ground beef, smoky beef bacon, hearty beans, and bold spices into one warming, slow-cooked pot of chili perfection. It’s ideal for cozy nights, game days, or any time you crave a rich, satisfying meal with minimal effort.
What sets this chili apart is the use of beef bacon—offering that same savory, smoky kick as traditional bacon without using pork. The beef bacon adds depth of flavor and a rich, meaty undertone that takes this chili to the next level.
This recipe is incredibly easy. Just brown the meat, toss everything into the slow cooker, and let it simmer all day. You’ll be rewarded with a deeply flavorful chili that’s thick, robust, and absolutely comforting.
It’s packed with fiber and protein thanks to a mix of beans and beef. And because it’s slow-cooked, all the spices have time to meld and develop into a rich, complex flavor.
The base includes fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and a bit of cocoa powder—a secret ingredient that adds unexpected depth and rounds out the flavor beautifully.
You can make it as spicy or mild as you like. Add diced jalapeños or hot sauce for heat, or keep it mellow for family-friendly appeal.
Top it with shredded cheese, avocado, green onions, or a dollop of sour cream for a fully loaded bowl. Or serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or rice for a complete meal.
It’s great for meal prep too. The flavors only get better after a day or two, and it freezes beautifully for future meals.
Perfect for feeding a crowd or storing for easy dinners throughout the week, this chili is a go-to slow cooker staple you’ll return to all year long.
This version is completely pork-free and can be adapted to be dairy-free and gluten-free with simple swaps.
Whether you’re hosting a game-day gathering or just want a cozy weeknight dinner, this Crockpot Beef Bacon Chili is bold, meaty, and unbelievably satisfying.
Servings: 6–8
Time:
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) or 4 hours (high)
- Total Time: 6.25–8.25 hours
Ingredients:
- 1 lb ground beef
- 6 slices beef bacon, chopped
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp salt (or to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp cocoa powder (optional but recommended)
- 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
- In a skillet over medium heat, cook beef bacon until crispy. Remove and set aside.
- In the same skillet, cook ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.
- Add diced onions, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 2–3 minutes.
- Transfer beef mixture to crockpot. Add all remaining ingredients including cooked beef bacon. Stir well.
- Cook on LOW for 6–8 hours or HIGH for 4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Tips:
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for deeper flavor.
- Don’t skip the cocoa powder—it adds richness.
- Add corn, zucchini, or sweet potato for extra veggies.
- Freeze leftovers in single portions for easy lunches.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe:
- Smoky, rich, and pork-free
- Hands-off slow cooker meal
- Hearty and satisfying for any season
- Great for leftovers and meal prep
- Customizable spice level
Summary: This Crockpot Beef Bacon Chili is a bold, slow-cooked dish full of smoky beef bacon, tender beef, beans, and spices. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknights, game days, or meal prep—it’s the ultimate comforting chili without the pork.
