Sure you can use a regular recipe. I don't have a recipe but try using Ro-Tel tomatoes in place of regular canned tomatoes. I always like to brown meat first before using the crockpot but it's not necessary for chili.

Below are tons of actual chili recipes for the crockpot.

Here is a link that might be useful: Crockpot Chili

Like Ginger mentioned, I like browning my beef before putting it into a crockpot. I do this often, in fact put a pot together just a few weeks ago for a gathering my DH had for his employees while I was away at work.

I left the chili simmering, had shredded cheese, sour cream, finely chopped onions and corn chips ready to round out the meal. The guys loved it! I had also set out nearby (some of the guys like things REAL hot) chili pepper flakes and the cayene pepper.

Susan

I have a couple of chili recipes, so far all have been good in the crockpot. Grains and pasta in the crockpot are a no-no if you're going to leave it for a long time, but that usually isn't an issue with chili. I'm only saying this because vegetarian me has a recipe for cracked wheat chili, which I would not do in the crockpot. But my other recipes turn out great, in fact it's one of the best things for the crockpot, IMHO. I've only made meat-based chili once in the crockpot, with ground turkey. It is good to brown the meat before adding. If you like beans in your chili, another great thing to do is the day before, to make the beans fresh, starting with the dried beans. I almost always use canned beans, but fresh cooked ones are so much better, and for me, the crockpot is a good way to do beans.

I forgot to mention the one caveat about chili in the crockpot. Don't cook green or red peppers (if you put them in your chili like I do) in the crockpot, they get bitter. I haven't had any trouble with jalapenos, but I dice them up tiny anyway. If you want peppers in your chili, saute them and add them at the end.

Although this recipe is for stovetop, I have made it in a crockpot. Cook the turkey first and saute the onion and garlic, then add everything to the crockpot. It's really good!

Fantastic Black Bean Chili
6 servings

1 onion, diced
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 pound ground turkey
3 (15 ounce) cans black beans, undrained
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 1/2 tablespoons chili powder
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 tablespoon dried basil leaves
1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

In a large heavy pot over medium heat, cook onion and garlic until onions are translucent. Introduce turkey and cook, stirring, until meat is brown. Stir in beans, tomatoes, chili powder, oregano, basil and vinegar. Reduce heat to low, cover and simmer 60 minutes or more, until flavors are well blended.

Linda

If you don't feel like browning the beef beforehand (When I'm using the crockpot, I want to dump and go), use cubed stew meat. I makes more of a "Texas" chili (I'm sorry to all the Texans who don't make that kind of chili!) but I like it with cubed meat.

The following recipe came from a cookbook for crockpots. I've made it many times and just love it!

CROCKPOT CHILI

2 16 ounce cans drained & rinsed red kidney beans
2 14 ounce cans of tomatoes (I've used more in a bigger pot)
2 pounds hamburger, browned, drained, broken into small pieces (I shred mine)
2 medium onions, chopped
2 cloves garlic, crushed
2-3 tablespoons Chili powder (3 is really hot!)
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon cumin
salt to taste (I start with 3/4 tablespoon, adjust near the end)

Put all ingredients in crock pot in order listed. Stir once. Cover and cook on low for 10-12 hours, or high for 5-6 hours. Enjoy!

MacThayer