Crockpot Ground Beef and Lentil Chili: Easy, Hearty One-Pot Meal

I still remember the first time I tried slow-cooked chili after a hectic week—one pot, minimal effort, and the house smelled incredible. Inspired by my love for comfort food and easy family meals, I created this crockpot ground beef and lentil chili recipe. It’s hearty, balanced, and customizable, perfect for busy weeknights or when you want a satisfying dinner without fuss. This easy crockpot chili brings warmth to any table.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This crockpot ground beef and lentil chili is a must-try for anyone looking for a hearty, easy, and flavorful slow cooker meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, this beef and lentil chili slow cooker recipe combines tender ground beef, protein-packed lentils, and rich spices in one comforting dish. With minimal prep and maximum flavor, it’s the ideal simple crockpot ground beef and lentil chili for families. You can customize it with vegetables, beans, or extra spices, making it a flexible and satisfying one-pot dinner. The combination of savory beef, wholesome lentils, and slow-cooked seasoning creates a balanced, filling meal everyone will love. Whether you’re following the best crockpot chili recipe winner style or looking for an easy crockpot chili 5 ingredients version, this recipe delivers comfort and convenience in every bite. Ideal for meal prep, busy evenings, or special occasions, this easy crockpot ground beef and lentil chili is sure to become a family favorite, proving that flavorful, nutritious meals can be effortless.

Ingredients for This Recipe

This crockpot ground beef and lentil chili uses simple, wholesome ingredients that come together to create a hearty, flavorful, and satisfying meal. Ground beef provides rich, savory protein while lentils add fiber and a hearty texture that makes this one-pot chili both filling and nutritious. Aromatics like onions and garlic build a fragrant base, while diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth create a robust, slow-cooked flavor. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika give warmth and depth. Optional vegetables and garnishes allow you to customize this easy crockpot chili to your taste, keeping it family-friendly and versatile for busy weeknights or special occasions. This combination of ingredients makes this beef and lentil chili slow cooker recipe a perfect balance of convenience, nutrition, and flavor.

🛒 Ingredients (for 6–8 servings)

For the Chili:
1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef chuck for extra tenderness)
1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed
1 large onion, diced
3 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes
1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
1 cup beef or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup frozen or fresh corn (optional)
1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

For Garnish (optional):
Chopped fresh cilantro
Shredded cheese
Sour cream or Greek yogurt
Sliced jalapeños

How to Make This Recipe

Making this easy crockpot ground beef and lentil chili is simple, hands-off, and perfect for busy weeknights. Start by browning the ground beef or beef chuck to lock in flavor, then combine it with lentils, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth for a rich base. Add onions, garlic, and warming spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika to create the classic chili flavor. This beef and lentil chili slow cooker method ensures the lentils cook perfectly while absorbing the savory flavors. Optional vegetables like bell peppers or corn add texture and nutrition, and toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, or sour cream complete the dish. Following this simple crockpot chili recipe allows you to enjoy a customizable, hearty, and protein-packed chili with minimal effort. Whether you’re making a simple crockpot ground beef and lentil chili for weeknight dinners or trying a chili con carne with lentils and mince twist, this recipe delivers flavor, comfort, and convenience in every bowl.

🛒 Steps:

Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef (or beef chuck) in a skillet over medium heat. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add 1 large diced onion and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté until fragrant.

Step 3: Transfer beef and aromatics to the crockpot.

Step 4: Stir in 1 cup rinsed lentils, 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes, 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce, and 1 cup broth.

Step 5: Add 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 teaspoon cumin, ½ teaspoon smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.

Step 6: Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours until lentils are tender.

Step 7: Optional: stir in 1 cup corn and 1 diced bell pepper 30 minutes before serving.

Step 8: Serve topped with chopped cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños.

Expert Cooking Tips

To get the most out of this easy crockpot ground beef and lentil chili, understanding the ingredients and how they work together is key. Ground beef or beef chuck provides rich, savory flavor, while lentils add protein and texture, absorbing all the chili seasonings beautifully. Onions and garlic create a fragrant base, and the combination of diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and broth gives the chili depth. Spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika make this beef and lentil chili slow cooker recipe warm and comforting. Optional vegetables such as bell peppers or corn boost nutrition and texture, while toppings like shredded cheese or cilantro add freshness. Following these expert tips ensures your simple crockpot ground beef and lentil chili is flavorful, hearty, and perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prep, or recreating a chili con carne with lentils and mince variation.

💡 Expert Tips:

Use lean ground beef or beef chuck for a tender, flavorful chili.

Rinse lentils well to remove impurities and help them cook evenly.

Sauté onions and garlic before adding to the crockpot to deepen flavor.

Adjust chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika for your preferred spice level.

Add corn or bell peppers 30 minutes before serving for optimal texture.

Let the chili rest 15–20 minutes after cooking to thicken naturally.

Top with cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavor.

Use this beef and lentil chili slow cooker recipe as a base for meal prep or a simple crockpot chili 5 ingredients version.

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This easy crockpot ground beef and lentil chili is a versatile, hearty, and flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or family gatherings. Combining protein-packed lentils, savory ground beef, and rich spices, this beef and lentil chili slow cooker recipe is both comforting and customizable. Whether you want a simple crockpot ground beef and lentil chili, a chili con carne with lentils and mince, or a healthy Skinnytaste slow cooker chili version, this recipe delivers convenience, flavor, and satisfaction in every bowl.

Cooking this easy crockpot chili with minimal prep proves that one-pot meals can be both nutritious and indulgent. With optional vegetables, customizable spice levels, and fresh garnishes like cilantro, cheese, or sour cream, it’s a dish the whole family will love. Try this best crockpot chili recipe winner approach for a tried-and-true favorite or tweak it for your own personal version. Either way, this simple crockpot ground beef and lentil chili is sure to become a go-to comfort food for any occasion.

Crockpot Ground Beef and Lentil Chili

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• Author: Savannah
• Total Time: 6–8 hours
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

Print Recipe

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Description

A hearty and healthy slow-cooked chili featuring ground beef, protein-packed lentils, and rich, savory spices. Perfect for busy weeknights or meal prep, this easy crockpot chili is warm, comforting, and full of flavor with minimal effort.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

🛒 Ingredients (for 6–8 servings):

For the Chili:

• 1 lb (450 g) ground beef (or beef chuck for extra tenderness)

• 1 cup dried brown or green lentils, rinsed

• 1 large onion, diced

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 (28 oz) can diced tomatoes

• 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce

• 1 cup beef or vegetable broth

• 2 tablespoons chili powder

• 1 teaspoon cumin

• ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• 1 cup frozen or fresh corn (optional)

• 1 bell pepper, diced (optional)

For Garnish (optional):

• Chopped fresh cilantro

• Shredded cheese

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt

• Sliced jalapeños

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Instructions

📝 Instructions:

Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a skillet over medium heat, cook the ground beef until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Prep Slow Cooker
Add the browned beef, lentils, onion, garlic, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, broth, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to the crockpot. Stir to combine.

Step 3: Cook the Chili
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours, until lentils are tender and chili is thickened.

Step 4: Add Vegetables (Optional)
Stir in corn and bell peppers 30 minutes before serving, if using, to keep them slightly crisp.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish
Spoon chili into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes such as shredded cheese, cilantro, sour cream, or jalapeños.

Notes

• Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day; store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freezer-Friendly: Cool completely and freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
• Vegetarian Option: Skip beef and use extra lentils, beans, and vegetables for a filling vegetarian chili.
• Spice Level: Adjust chili powder and paprika to taste.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours (low) / 3–4 hours (high)
• Category: Main Dish / Chili / Slow Cooker
• Method: Slow Cooker / Crockpot
• Cuisine: American