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    Home » Recipes » Main Dishes

    Crock Pot Chili with Salsa

    Published: Oct 23, 2020 Modified: Oct 23, 2020 by Kristin King / This post may contain affiliate links

    Jump to Recipe | Pin Recipe
    Close up shot of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl on a wooden surface.
    Side view of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with bowls stacked on the side and colorful pumpkins in the background.
    Close up view of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with colorful pumpkins in the background.
    Close up shot of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with colorful pumpkins in the background.
    Side view of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with a spoon on the side and colorful pumpkins in the background.
    Side view of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with bowls stacked on the side and colorful pumpkins in the background.

    This recipe for Crock Pot Chili with Salsa is the best way to make delicious chili easily and quickly in your slow cooker! Check out this and other great shortcuts to reduce prep time and still enjoy hearty and flavorful homemade chili!

    Side view of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with bowls stacked on the side and colorful pumpkins in the background.
    Your whole family will enjoy this delicious chili with salsa recipe!
    Jump to:
    • 👩🏻‍🍳 Chili with Salsa Secret Ingredient
    • 🥘 Ingredients Needed
    • 🔪 Instructions
    • 👪 FAQs
    • 📖 Variations
    • 🍴 Suggested Side Dishes
    • 🍲 Additional Slow Cooker Recipes
    • Crock Pot Chili with Salsa
    • 📋 Recipe Card
    • Crockpot Cheater Chili
    • 💬 Reviews and Comments

    👩🏻‍🍳 Chili with Salsa Secret Ingredient

    Brrrrrr, this cold weather really makes me crave a steaming hot bowl of hearty, zingy chili! But, I have to be honest, I am not always up for chopping all those veggies.

    It is a lot of work, and even though there is a big payoff in the form of yummy homemade chili, sometimes I just don't make it because of the time and effort involved.

    Is the hack in this recipe a form of cheating? Maybe. But is it delicious? YES!

    Call me lazy, or call me just a busy mom trying to fit it all in (in reality it is probably a little of each!), but either way, I am totally on board if there is a way to 'cheat' and get awesome homemade chili with minimal effort.

    One simple ingredient ended up being the solution to all my chili woes, and the best part is that it is nothing fancy...I usually have it on hand in my pantry!

    The simple ingredient is…..drumroll please…..chunky salsa! It already contains the chopped veggies, and it totally enhances the flavor of the chili. Brown the ground beef, add some beans and spices, and you are well on your way to an awesome home-cooked meal with minimal effort. Of course, you can also add other vegetables if you like; as with any chili, there are so many ways to customize!

    🥘 Ingredients Needed

    Overhead shot of ingredients- ground beef, chili powder, cumin, chili beans in sauce, chunky salsa, and an onion.
    These easy to find ingredients will make your chili with salsa recipe taste great with little effort!
    • ground beef - can't have a good chili without ground beef.
    • onion - you can use fresh or frozen chopped onion.
    • chunky salsa - the secret ingredient that makes prep for your chili a breeze!
    • chili beans - another classic chili staple ingredient.
    • chili powder and cumin - add some extra heat and flavor.

    🔪 Instructions

    Two panel collage of process shots- cooking ground beef and combining ingredients in the crock pot.
    This is the quickest and easiest chili recipe you will find!
    1. Start by browning your ground beef.
    2. Place the ground beef in a crock pot with the onion, salsa, chili beans, chili powder, and cumin, and then cook on low for 5-6 hours. So easy!

    👪 FAQs

    How long will my chili last in the fridge?

    If properly stored, your chili should last 3 to 4 days, which makes it a perfect meal to make ahead of time or make a double batch of and save for another night! Just be sure to allow the chili to cool, then transfer to an airtight container.

    How long will my chili last in the freezer?

    With proper care in storing, your chili could last up to 6 months in freezer. To thaw, leave it in the fridge overnight.

    What's the best way to reheat my chili?

    In a pinch, you could place your chili in a microwave safe container and give it a good zap (I'd start with about a minute, then continue in 30-second increments if it's still not hot enough).

    You could also pour your chili into a pot over medium heat and cook again until it's all heated through.

    What should I do with leftover chili?

    Check out this great article on What To Do With Leftover Chili - 20 Great Ideas. With 20 ideas to choose from, there's no doubt you will find something!

    Close up shot of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with bowls stacked on the side and colorful pumpkins in the background.
    Your whole family will enjoy this effortless and delicious chili with salsa recipe!

    📖 Variations

    • If you want to use something a bit leaner than beef, ground chicken, pork, or turkey would also work just fine in this recipe!
    • Chili is such a customizable food. Add in bell peppers, corn, spinach, or whatever veggies you have on hand to bring some extra nutrition.
    • This chili is great on its own but could also be served over rice or even pasta.
    • Toppings galore! Top your chili with cheese (cheddar and Monterey jack are great options), cilantro, chopped chives, sour cream, or some nice buttery crackers for extra texture.
    • I love using my leftover chili in these amazing Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwiches. They are a little messy to eat, but SOOOO worth it!

    🍴 Suggested Side Dishes

    This Crock Pot Chili is hearty enough on its own, but with a side dish it becomes a certified feast! Check out these recommendations.

    Cornbread Casserole: Super Easy Potluck Idea
    Quick and easy, this deliciously tender and sweet cornbread casserole is perfect for a side dish at home or as a potluck contribution!
    Overhead view of of corn casserole in the casserole dish and on a plate with a wooden spoon on a plate on the side.
    Instant Pot Baked Potatoes
    Fluffy and tender, you’re going to LOVE making baked potatoes in your Instant Pot or pressure cooker. No foil needed and in less than half the time than oven baked!
    Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Garlic
    My kids happily ate these roasted Brussels sprouts with garlic, and then asked for seconds! 'Nuff said!
    Side shot of garlic roasted Brussel sprouts on a blue and grey plate on a wooden table.
    Easy Drop Biscuit Recipe
    You must try these super easy drop biscuits! Your family will love these mouth-watering biscuits made with no yeast or butter, and with no rolling or cutting required. Just mix a few basic ingredients, drop on a baking sheet or muffin tin, and enjoy in less than 20 minutes!
    Overhead view of biscuits in a bowl wrapped in a striped towel with a wooden spoon.

    🍲 Additional Slow Cooker Recipes

    Here are a few more more slow cooker ideas for you! Also try this recipe for Instant Pot Chicken and Potatoes!

    • Overhead shot of slow cooker butternut squash garnished with herbs in a white bowl with a burlap cloth on the side.
      Slow Cooker Butternut Squash and Apples
    • Close up shot of chicken soup in a white bowl on a green napkin
      Slow Cooker Chicken Soup
    • Close up shot of braised pot roast with root vegetables in a red pot.
      Slow Cooker Braised Pot Roast with Root Vegetables
    • Side view of cauliflower Mac and cheese garnished with herbs on a grey plate with a spoon on the side on a blue cloth.
      Slow Cooker Cauliflower Mac and Cheese

    Crock Pot Chili with Salsa

    Love this recipe? Awesome! Please give it a 5 star ⭐ rating below! And if you make this, snap a photo and tag me on Instagram. You can find me at DizzyBusyandHungry or #dizzybusyandhungry!

    📋 Recipe Card

    Side view of chili with salsa in a small blue bowl with a spoon on the side and colorful pumpkins in the background.

    Crockpot Cheater Chili

    Recipe Author: Kristin
    This recipe for Crock Pot Chili with Salsa makes for quick and easy prep and results in a recipe that doesn't sacrifice any flavor!
    4.97 from 61 votes
    Print Recipe Share by Email Bookmark Saved!
    Prep Time 10 minutes mins
    Cook Time 6 hours hrs
    Total Time 6 hours hrs 10 minutes mins
    Course Entree
    Cuisine American
    Servings 6
    Calories 335 kcal

    Ingredients
     

    • 2 pounds lean ground beef
    • 1 ½ cups frozen chopped onion (or chop 1 large fresh onion, if you have time)
    • 16 ounces extra chunky salsa (your favorite)
    • 15 ounces chili beans in sauce (1 can)
    • 2 tablespoons chili powder
    • 1 ½ teaspons cumin
    • 14 ounces frozen bell pepper strips (1 bag - optional)

    optional toppings:

    • shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions
     

    • Brown the ground beef.
      2 pounds lean ground beef
    • Add the ground beef and remaining ingredients to the crock pot and mix.
      1 ½ cups frozen chopped onion, 16 ounces extra chunky salsa, 15 ounces chili beans in sauce, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 ½ teaspons cumin, 14 ounces frozen bell pepper strips, shredded cheddar, sour cream, cilantro
    • Cook on low for 5-6 hours.

    Notes

    • You can substitute ground chicken, pork, or turkey.
    • Vary your results by using bell peppers, corn, spinach, or or other veggies!
    • Serve over rice or pasta.
    • Some topping suggestions: shredded cheese, cilantro, chopped chives, sour cream, or some nice buttery crackers for extra texture.
    • Store leftovers in the fridge for 3-4 days. Also freezes well in an airtight container. Make extra and freeze it for an easy meal later on!
    • Use leftover chili in these Chili Cheese Grilled Sandwiches.

    Video

    Nutrition

    Serving: 1g | Calories: 335kcal | Carbohydrates: 25g | Protein: 38g | Fat: 8g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 93mg | Sodium: 1724mg | Potassium: 1351mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 10g | Vitamin A: 1525IU | Vitamin C: 5.4mg | Calcium: 96mg | Iron: 6.2mg

    Nutritional information is an estimate. The nutritional values for your final dish may vary based on measuring differences and products used.

    Want to make cooking even easier?Sign up here to receive FREE DBH exclusive content, including my favorite kitchen shortcuts and hacks, and unlock access to the DBH resource library with many other free downloads!

    Update Notes: This post was originally published in Jaunary 2014, but was republished with tips, step by step photos, and a recipe change in October 2020.

    Thanks so much for reading! I also invite you to follow me on FACEBOOK, PINTEREST, or INSTAGRAM to keep up with what's going on in my kitchen.

    And you might want to check out my Dizzy Busy and Hungry store on Amazon for a whole bunch of great kitchen products I love!

    Happy cooking!

    Close up of a signature of Kristin.

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      Recipe Rating




    1. Dannii

      October 24, 2020 at 2:49 pm

      5 stars
      This is just the kind of comfort food we need in this cold weather. YUM!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 26, 2020 at 8:05 pm

        I agree, this is totally perfect for this chillier weather. It will warm you head to toe! 🙂

        Reply
    2. Andrea Metlika

      October 24, 2020 at 1:27 pm

      5 stars
      Crock pot recipes are the best. Throw it all in and leave it to cook. The salsa shortcut in this is perfect!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 26, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        I know, I just LOVE crock pot recipes. Thanks for stopping by and enjoy!

        Reply
    3. Maria

      October 24, 2020 at 12:23 pm

      5 stars
      This is perfect especially to a mom like me <3 will try this!!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 26, 2020 at 8:04 pm

        Oh yes, this is perfect for busy moms. Hope your family enjoys it! 🙂

        Reply
    4. Amanda Marie Boyle

      October 24, 2020 at 11:20 am

      5 stars
      I love chili, so glad to add this to my collection of recipes!

      Reply
      • Kristin

        October 26, 2020 at 8:03 pm

        I think you will really like this. Thanks, Amanda!

        Reply
    5. Cathy

      March 04, 2014 at 11:18 am

      Thank you for linking up at Tasty Tuesdays! Your post has been pinned to my Recipes from Tasty Tuesday board. I can't wait to see what you link up this week!
      Have a terrific week!
      Cathy

      Reply
    6. Britni

      February 24, 2014 at 12:44 pm

      Such a creative idea to use the chunky salsa! Thanks for sharing on the weekend re-Treat link party!

      Britni @ Play. Party. Pin.

      Reply
    7. Christine

      January 16, 2014 at 6:35 pm

      We LOVE chili at our house, and I love the idea to "cheat". 🙂 Thanks for sharing!

      Reply
    8. Robyn @ simply fresh dinners

      January 15, 2014 at 7:22 am

      I am all about saving time, Kristin, and you are not allowed to call it lazy! lol.
      Great recipe. Dinner can still be substantial without spending hours on it. Thanks for sharing.

      Reply
      • Kristin King

        January 18, 2014 at 8:12 am

        Thanks, Robyn! I agree! 🙂

        Reply
    9. Edward Antrobus - If You Can Read, You Can Cook

      January 14, 2014 at 11:44 pm

      For me, the more beans, the better for my chilli. My wife makes one that uses a pound of ground beef (actually we are using ground turkey instead these days, it's actually cheaper), and six cans of tomatoes and beans.

      Reply
      • Kristin King

        January 18, 2014 at 8:08 am

        And beans are so good for you, too! 🙂

        Reply
    10. Meg

      January 14, 2014 at 10:32 am

      4 stars
      I've done that to make taco meat -- I never thought of just serving it in a bowl and calling it chili! Brilliant idea!

      Reply
    Newer Comments »

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    👋 Hey there, I'm Kristin! As a full-time working wife and mom, my life is such a whirlwind, it makes me dizzy sometimes! So I have been working to develop quick, easy, family-friendly recipes for 20+ years, and this site is where I share them with you! Happy cooking!

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