Family Friendly Rice Cooker Chili with Ground Beef or Turkey

There’s nothing quite like a warm, hearty bowl of chili especially one that basically cooks itself. This rice cooker chili is one of those magical, no-fuss meals that makes dinner a breeze. Made with ground beef (or turkey), hearty beans, juicy tomatoes, and bold spices, it simmers to perfection right in your rice cooker.

This dish has been a lifesaver in our house on busy school nights or when I want to prep a satisfying meal without hovering over the stove. The best part? It’s totally customizable, kid-approved, and perfect for leftovers.

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Why You’ll Love This Dish

This rice cooker chili is cozy, filling, and ridiculously simple to make. It’s a one-pot wonder that brings bold chili flavor with minimal cleanup. Whether you’re using ground beef or turkey, the end result is always comforting and delicious. Plus, it’s great for picky eaters serve it plain, cheesy, or with crackers, and everyone’s happy.

Simple Ingredients

Here’s a quick look at the pantry staples and fridge essentials that make this chili so flavorful and easy.

• Ground Beef or Ground Turkey: This adds hearty protein to the chili. Turkey makes it lighter, but both work beautifully.
• Canned Beans: Black, kidney, or pinto beans all bring a creamy texture and extra fiber.
• Canned Diced Tomatoes: These add juiciness and balance the spices with a mild acidity.
• Tomato Paste: A little goes a long way to deepen the chili’s rich, tomato flavor.
• Onion & Garlic: Essential aromatics that build the base flavor.
• Chili Powder, Cumin & Paprika: These spices bring warmth, smokiness, and a signature chili kick.
• Salt & Pepper: Simple but essential to bring it all together.
• Olive Oil: Used to sauté the meat and onions for richer flavor.

Servings, Prep & Cook Time

• Servings: 4–6
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 45 minutes
• Total Time: 55 minutes

What Is Needed

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 (15 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

1. In a small skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
2. Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the rice cooker.
3. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, both beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Stir everything well to combine.
4. Set the rice cooker to the “Cook” setting. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
5. Once done, give the chili a good stir and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Top Tips

• Brown the meat before adding to the rice cooker it really deepens the flavor.
• Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and improve taste.
• Add a splash of broth or water if your chili thickens too much while cooking.
• Let kids customize their bowls with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.
• Make a double batch it tastes even better the next day!

Recipe Variations

• Swap the ground beef for lentils for a vegetarian version.
• Use fire-roasted tomatoes for extra smoky flavor.
• Stir in corn or diced bell peppers for extra veggies.
• Add a chopped jalapeño if you like heat.

Recommended Equipment

• Rice Cooker
• Medium Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Can Opener
• Chef’s Knife
• Measuring Spoons & Cups

Make Ahead Tips

You can brown the meat and chop your veggies up to 2 days ahead. Store them in the fridge until you’re ready to assemble everything in the rice cooker.

How to Store and Reheat

• Store: Cool leftovers and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• Freeze: Freeze for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
• Reheat: Warm on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if needed.

What To Serve With This Recipe

• Cornbread
• Saltine crackers or tortilla chips
• A side green salad
• Rice or mashed potatoes
• Sliced avocado or guacamole

What You Need to Know About This Recipe

Chili has long been a beloved American staple perfect for game day, cozy nights, and feeding a crowd. This version simplifies everything by using the rice cooker, making it ideal for busy families or anyone who wants a warm, satisfying meal without much effort. Plus, it’s flexible you can tweak it to fit what you have on hand.

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Rice Cooker Chili

Michelle

A hearty, one-pot chili made with ground beef (or turkey), beans, tomatoes, and spices all cooked in your rice cooker!

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 45 minutes mins

Total Time 55 minutes mins

Course Main Dishes

Servings 6

Equipment

• Rice Cooker
• Medium Skillet
• Wooden Spoon
• Can opener
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons & cups

Ingredients

  

• 1 lb ground beef or ground turkey
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 small onion diced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 15 oz can diced tomatoes
• 1 6 oz can tomato paste
• 1 15 oz can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 15 oz can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/2 cup water

Instructions

 

• Sauté the Meat and Onions: In a small skillet over medium heat, add olive oil and sauté the diced onion and garlic until fragrant, about 2-3 minutes. Add ground beef or turkey and cook until browned. Drain any excess fat.
• Transfer to Rice Cooker: Transfer the cooked meat mixture to the rice cooker.
• Add Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, both beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, pepper, and water. Stir everything well to combine.
• Cook: Set the rice cooker to the “Cook” setting. Let it simmer for about 45 minutes, stirring once halfway through.
• Serve and Enjoy: Once done, give the chili a good stir and serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

• Feel free to substitute ground chicken, beef, or even plant-based meat alternatives.
• Add more or less spice depending on your family’s preferences.
• This recipe was tested in a 6-cup rice cooker—adjust if yours is larger or smaller.

Keyword Rice Cooker Chili

One-Pot Cooking Rocks!