Name: Slow Cooker V8 Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 480 min
Total time: 500 min
Ingredients: 2 lbs. ground beef; 30 oz. stewed tomatoes (2 cans), undrained; 1 white onion, diced; 1/2 tsp. garlic powder; 2.50 oz. chili seasoning packets (2 packets); 30 oz. kidney beans (2 cans), drained and rinsed; 64 oz. V8 juice (original); 1/4 tsp. pepper

Slow Cooker V8 Chili is hands-down my go-to recipe for busy weeknights and feeding a crowd. With only 20 minutes of prep, your slow cooker takes over to deliver a big, comforting pot of bold, hearty beef chili. It’s the ultimate hands-off dinner that tastes like it simmered on the stovetop all day—without you babysitting it.

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I stumbled upon this easy V8 chili recipe when I needed a quick way to pack maximum flavor into a one-and-done dinner. Classic chili recipes often mean hour-long stovetop stirring, but this slow cooker hack? You toss everything in and let it work its magic. Your house smells amazing, and you barely lifted a finger.

Why This Slow Cooker V8 Chili Is a Game-Changer

Fewer dishes: Everything cooks in the slow cooker after a quick browning of the beef. Less cleanup for you.
Minimal prep: Cans of stewed tomatoes, pre-packaged chili seasoning, and a splash of V8 juice streamline the ingredient list.
Hands-off cooking: Set it on low for 8 hours and walk away—your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
Perfect for a crowd: This recipe makes 15 servings, so it’s ideal for potlucks, tailgates, or batch cooking for leftovers.
Customizable: Use spicy or low-sodium V8 juice for a flavor tweak, or swap beef for ground turkey to lighten things up.

Equipment You’ll Need for This Slow Cooker V8 Chili

Your slow cooker is the unsung hero of this recipe. Here’s what you’ll need to make this homemade slow cooker chili:

Slow Cooker: A 6-quart slow cooker works best for this recipe’s yield. If you’re eyeing an upgrade, I recommend one with a programmable timer—perfect for when you’re out of the house.
Large Skillet: You’ll brown the ground beef stovetop before transferring it to your slow cooker, ensuring juicy, caramelized flavor.
Basic Kitchen Tools: A sturdy cutting board, sharp paring knife, and a wooden spoon for stirring are all you’ll need.

Simple Ingredients for Slow Cooker V8 Chili

This recipe keeps things straightforward without sacrificing flavor. It leans on pantry staples to save you time without running to the store.

Ground Beef: Use 80/20 ground beef for the perfect balance of fat and richness. Prefer leaner beef? That works, too.
Stewed Tomatoes: The chunky, cooked tomatoes add fantastic texture. Don’t drain them—those juices belong in your chili.
V8 Juice: The secret hero! This classic veggie juice adds depth and a slightly tangy kick while keeping the chili broth-like. Opt for spicy V8 if you want extra heat.
Chili Seasoning Packets: No fumbling with spices. The pre-made seasoning blends deliver consistency and cut down on prep time.

Slow Cooker V8 Chili Recipe Details

Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 8 hours
Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 15

Slow Cooker V8 Chili Ingredients

2 lbs. ground beef
30 oz. stewed tomatoes (2 cans), undrained
1 white onion, diced
1/2 tsp. garlic powder
2.50 oz. chili seasoning packets (2 packets)
30 oz. kidney beans (2 cans), drained and rinsed
64 oz. V8 juice (original)
1/4 tsp. pepper

How to Make Slow Cooker V8 Chili

In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat until cooked through. Drain the excess fat and set the beef aside.
Pour the stewed tomatoes into the slow cooker. Use a butter knife to cut them into smaller chunks directly in the pot, or dice them beforehand if you prefer.
Add the browned ground beef, diced onion, garlic powder, chili seasoning packets, drained kidney beans, and V8 juice to the slow cooker. Sprinkle in the pepper.
Stir everything together until combined. Place the lid securely on your slow cooker.
Cook on low for 8 hours, or set to high for 4 hours for a quicker option.
Once done, give it a final stir and serve hot with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or green onions. Enjoy!

Jake’s Tips for the Best Slow Cooker V8 Chili

Batch cook: This chili freezes beautifully. Portion leftovers into freezer-safe containers for quick weeknight dinners later.
Serve it up smart: Pair it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or even over baked potatoes for a filling meal.
Reduce sodium: Swap regular V8 juice and chili seasoning for low-sodium versions to control the salt level.
Make it spicier: Add diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce if you like some heat in your chili.
Time-saver tip: Buy pre-diced onions or use frozen chopped onions if you’re in a hurry.

Easy Slow Cooker V8 Chili Variations

Turkey Chili: Swap ground beef for ground turkey to make it lighter.
Vegetarian Option: Skip the meat and double up on beans or add diced sweet potatoes for heartiness.
Spicy Kick: Use spicy V8 juice and add cayenne pepper for an extra punch.
Loaded Chili: Stir in cooked macaroni or top each bowl with a dollop of mashed avocado for a creamy touch.

Slow Cooker V8 Chili FAQs

Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned stewed tomatoes?

Yes! You’ll need about 4-5 medium fresh tomatoes. Dice them and use a hand blender if you’d prefer a smoother texture.

Can I double this recipe?

Absolutely. Just ensure your slow cooker is large enough to handle the increased volume, or cook in two batches if needed.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?

Store cooled chili in airtight containers in the fridge for up to 5 days or in the freezer for up to 3 months.

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Definitely. This chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld. Reheat it on the stovetop or microwave before serving.

Give this Slow Cooker V8 Chili a try for your next dinner—it’s a game-changer for busy nights, meal prep, or hosting a hungry crowd. What’s your favorite kitchen shortcut? Let me know in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this recipe with your fellow chili lovers!