Begin by heating a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add 1 pound of ground beef or turkey along with one chopped yellow onion. Cook until the meat is nicely browned and the onions are soft and translucent, about 5-7 minutes. Stir in 2 minced garlic cloves during the last minute to infuse the flavor without burning.

Once the meat mixture is fully cooked, carefully transfer it into your crockpot. This step is crucial for your Easy Crockpot Chili Recipe, as it sets the flavor foundation for the slow cooking process.

Next, add 1 can each of drained and rinsed kidney beans and black beans into the crockpot. Follow with one 14.5-ounce can of diced tomatoes, ensuring you choose fire-roasted for added depth in flavor, along with one can of tomato sauce to create a creamy base. Stir gently to combine all the ingredients fully.

Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, and 1 teaspoon of paprika over the top of the mixture in your crockpot. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything thoroughly to ensure the spices coat all the ingredients evenly.

Cover your crockpot with its lid and set it to low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking method allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.

When the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions for added freshness and texture.