A warm, hearty easy slow cooker chili for two made with simple pantry ingredients. This small-batch chili simmers slowly for rich flavor and makes the perfect cozy dinner without a huge pot of leftovers.
This recipe is part of the Slow Cooker Recipes for Two collection, where you’ll find simple crockpot meals designed for couples and small households.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 4–5 hours on HIGH or 8–9 hours on LOW
Total Time: About 5–9 hours
Servings: 2
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Perfect small-batch chili for two people
• Uses simple pantry ingredients
• Easy slow cooker meal with minimal prep
• Budget-friendly comfort food
• Great for cozy dinners or cold weather meals
Ingredients For Chili for Two
- ½ pound ground beef
- ½ of an 8-oz can tomato sauce
- ½ to ⅔ cup dried red beans
- ½ package chili seasoning mix
- 3 ½ cups water
How to Make Chili for Two
- Brown the ground beef in a nonstick skillet, then drain any excess fat.
- Rinse the dried red beans.
- Add the browned meat, beans, tomato sauce, chili seasoning, and water to the slow cooker.
- Cook on HIGH for 4–5 hours or LOW for 8–9 hours (the dried beans take a long time to soften).
- Stir about every 2 hours and check the liquid level. Add more water if needed.
Kitchen Tools You Will Need
- Meat Chopper – Breaks up ground beef quickly and evenly.
⭐👉View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/6rOoOgG - Nonstick Skillet – Ideal for browning meat without sticking.
⭐👉View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/hIcdiHS - Slow Cooker (4-qt) – Perfect size for two-person recipes.
⭐👉View on Amazon: https://amzn.to/4inDY75 - Liquid Measuring Cup – Accurate measurement for broth and water.
⭐👉 View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/2BLokpZ - Dry Measuring Cups – For portioning beans and seasonings.
⭐👉 View on Amazon: https://a.co/d/b8zgPuE
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Substitutions
- Swap ground beef for ground turkey or sausage.
- Substitute diced tomatoes for the tomato sauce.
- Use ½ to 1 full can of red beans instead of dried beans.
- If using canned beans, cook only 4 hours on LOW or 2 hours on HIGH.
- Replace red beans with kidney beans or black beans.
Tips
- If using dried beans, make sure they cook until fully tender before serving.
- If the chili becomes too thick while cooking, stir in a little extra water.
- Chili flavor deepens the longer it cooks, making leftovers especially delicious the next day.
- For a thicker chili, mash a few of the beans against the side of the slow cooker and stir.
- This recipe makes a generous two servings and the flavor is even better the next day.
Serving Suggestions
- Toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions
- Add-ins: crumble cornbread into the bowl before adding chili, or serve with crackers
Other Recipes You May Enjoy
• Slow Cooker Smothered Pork Chops for Two
• Slow Cooker Sausage and Potatoes for Two
• One-Pot Goulash for Two (Quick Budget Meal)
• Budget Neiman Marcus Chicken Casserole for Two
• Taco Pasta for Two
FAQ
Can I make this chili with canned beans?
Yes. Substitute ½ to 1 can of drained beans and reduce cooking time to about 2 hours on HIGH or 4 hours on LOW.
Can I freeze this chili?
Yes. Let the chili cool completely, then freeze in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Add cayenne pepper, diced jalapeños, or extra chili seasoning to taste.
Plan Your Meals With Ease
My Meal Planner with Grocery List for Cooking for Two helps you organize weekly meals, create efficient shopping lists, reduce food waste, and save money on groceries. Perfect for couples, empty nesters, and small households who want simple, budget-friendly meal planning without stress.
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