One thing I missed when I began gluten-free cooking was how quick and simple meals were no longer quick and simple. I couldn't throw together a quick pizza, prepare a batch of spaghetti, or any other of the time-saving tricks I had used for so long. I happened across this 3-ingredient Crock Pot Chili recipe while sitting in the doctor's waiting room and thought, "I've got to try this!"

Updated with new tips, new pictures, and easy directions!

3-ingredient Crock Pot Chili Recipe

This 3-ingredient Crock Pot Chili recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free and can be made in the crock-pot or on the stovetop. The recipe calls for common pantry and freezer ingredients so it's easy to have everything on hand to prepare the chili.

Here's What You Need to Make the Chili

  • Salsa, in your choice of mild, medium, or hot
  • Ground Beef- I prefer to use 80/20
  • Chili Beans

If desired, you can also add in your choice of extras like

  • sauteed onions
  • sauteed garlic
  • sauteed green peppers
easy-crockpot-chili-recipe

Make it in the Crockpot:

To prepare the meal in the crockpot, mix the browned and drained ground beef with the salsa and beans. Cook on high for 4 hours or for 6 hours on low.

Make it on the Stovetop:

Mix the browned, drained ground beef with the salsa and beans in a large saucepan. Over high heat, bring the mixture to a boil. Reduce the heat to simmer and cook for 15 to 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Can You Substitute Ingredients?

Yes! Here's a list of simple substitutions:

  • Use a different type of canned bean. Kidney beans, black beans, or pinto Beans work well.
  • Substitute plant-based meat substitute crumbles found in the freezer section for a tasty vegan version of the chili
  • Use Picante sauce instead of salsa or use a mixture of salsa and diced tomatoes with chili peppers (like Ro-tel)

Good Toppings For the Chili

  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • sour cream
  • chopped green onion tops

Printable 3-Ingredient Chili Recipe

3 Ingredient Crock Pot Chili

Servings servings

Cooking time minutes

Calories kcal

Easy 3-ingredient chili recipe that is naturally gluten and dairy-free.

Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 pounds ground beef

  • 2 (24-ounce) jars chunky salsa

  • 1 can (16 ounces) chili beans, rinsed

  • optional: sour cream and shredded cheddar cheese

Directions

  • In a medium skillet, over high heat, cook ground beef for five to seven minutes or until browned, stirring often. Drain.
  • In a crockpot, place the ground beef, salsa, and chili beans. Stir until combined.
  • Cook over low heat for 6 hours or over high heat for 4 hours.

What is Sautéed?

Saute means to "fry an ingredient quickly in a little hot fat." If you want to saute the onion, garlic, or green peppers to add into the chili, here's how to do it.
Place a small amount (around a tablespoon) of oil or butter in a shallow pan, like a skillet. Melt the oil or butter over high heat and quickly add in the onions and/or peppers. Reduce the heat to medium and cook for five to seven minutes, until onions are translucent and peppers are soft, stirring often.

Garlic only needs a quick saute of around 30 seconds. Add it near the end of the cooking process if you want to add it to the onion and pepper mixture.

This gluten-free, dairy-free 3-ingredient chili is good served with crusty French bread or with cornbread. You can also pair it with a grilled cheese sandwich for a hearty meal. It might become a winter staple in your house just like it is in ours! What is your favorite winter soup?

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