Last Updated on August 18, 2025 by Casia Valdés
When you think of comfort food, chili often comes to mind—a hearty, flavorful, and deeply satisfying dish that warms you from the inside out. This Homemade Mexican Beef Chili takes that comfort to the next level by combining tender pinto beans, seasoned ground beef, and a rich tomato base infused with aromatic spices. The slow cooker does most of the work, making it an easy, hands-off meal perfect for weeknights, game days, or feeding a hungry crowd. With every bite, you get the earthiness of beans, the richness of beef, the sweetness of bell pepper, and the kick of chili powder. It’s a bowl full of warmth that delivers layers of flavor in every spoonful. Whether you serve it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a dollop of sour cream, this chili is guaranteed to be a hit at your table.
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Hands-Off Cooking: The slow cooker does all the work, so you can go about your day while it simmers to perfection.
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Rich, Bold Flavor: Spices and fresh vegetables create a deep, savory profile with just the right amount of heat.
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Feeds a Crowd: Generous yield makes it perfect for family dinners or gatherings.
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Great for Meal Prep: Stores and reheats beautifully, so you can enjoy it all week.
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Customizable: Adjust spice levels, add toppings, or mix in extra vegetables to suit your taste.
Ingredients (Serves 8–10)
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3 cups dry pinto beans, rinsed and drained
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1.5 lb ground beef
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15 oz can diced tomatoes
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15 oz can tomato sauce
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32 oz chicken broth
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1 large bell pepper, chopped
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1 medium onion, chopped
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3 cloves garlic, chopped
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3–4 ribs celery, chopped
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1 tbsp salt-free seasoning or 1 ½ tsp seasoning salt (or plain salt)
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½ tsp ground black pepper
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1 tsp garlic powder
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1 tsp onion powder
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2 ½ tsp chili powder
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Combine the Ingredients
Add the rinsed pinto beans, ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and celery directly into the slow cooker.
2. Season the Mixture
Sprinkle in the salt-free seasoning (or seasoning salt), ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings coat the beans, meat, and vegetables evenly.
3. Cook to Perfection
Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to high. Let it cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally to keep the flavors balanced and to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom. The slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb the broth and spices while the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
4. Serve and Enjoy
Once the beans are fully tender and the chili has thickened to a rich, hearty consistency, it’s ready to serve. Ladle generous portions into bowls and enjoy the comforting aroma and bold taste.
Pro Tips for Success
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Pre-Soak Beans for Faster Cooking: If you have time, soak the pinto beans overnight to reduce cooking time.
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Brown the Beef First: For extra depth of flavor, brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker.
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Adjust the Heat: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or diced jalapeño if you like it spicier.
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Add Garnishes: Fresh cilantro, shredded cheese, sour cream, or avocado make great toppings.
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Freeze for Later: This chili freezes beautifully—cool completely, portion into containers, and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Mexican beef chili with warm cornbread, flour tortillas, or over a bed of rice. Pair with a crisp green salad for balance, or serve alongside chips for a fun and casual meal.
Storage & Leftovers
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Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
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Freezer: Freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months.
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Reheat: Warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or water if needed to loosen the texture.
Why This Recipe Works
By combining the beans, beef, and vegetables in a slow cooker, all the flavors have hours to meld together, creating a chili that’s rich and deeply satisfying. The layering of spices ensures every bite delivers warmth without overwhelming heat, and the tomato base ties everything together with a tangy sweetness.
Recipe FAQ
Q: Can I use canned beans instead of dry beans?
A: Yes—substitute with three 15 oz cans of pinto beans (drained and rinsed) and reduce the cooking time to about 2–3 hours on low.
Q: Can I make this vegetarian?
A: Absolutely—swap the beef for a plant-based ground meat substitute or add extra beans and vegetables.
Q: How do I thicken my chili?
A: If you prefer a thicker consistency, mash some of the beans with the back of a spoon during the last hour of cooking.
Q: Can I make this in an Instant Pot?
A: Yes—cook on high pressure for 35–40 minutes, then allow a natural release.
Q: Can I double this recipe?
A: Yes, but ensure your slow cooker has the capacity. Larger batches may need extra cooking time.
Final Thoughts
This Homemade Mexican Beef Chili is the definition of comfort food done right—simple ingredients, minimal effort, and maximum flavor. Whether you’re feeding a family, prepping for the week, or hosting friends, it’s a dish that satisfies every time. The slow cooker makes it a breeze, and the end result is a rich, hearty chili you’ll want to make again and again.
Homemade Mexican Beef Chili
Ingredients
Method
- Add the rinsed pinto beans, ground beef, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, chicken broth, bell pepper, onion, garlic, and celery directly into the slow cooker.
- Sprinkle in the salt-free seasoning (or seasoning salt), ground black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Stir thoroughly to ensure the seasonings coat the beans, meat, and vegetables evenly.
- Cover the slow cooker with its lid and set it to high. Let it cook for about 4 hours, stirring occasionally to keep the flavors balanced and to prevent any ingredients from sticking to the bottom. The slow cooking process allows the beans to absorb the broth and spices while the beef becomes tender and flavorful.
- Once the beans are fully tender and the chili has thickened to a rich, hearty consistency, it’s ready to serve. Ladle generous portions into bowls and enjoy the comforting aroma and bold taste.
