The Hearty Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe Everyone Loves

Crafting a hearty chilli con carne in your slow cooker can turn an ordinary evening into a delicious adventure.

Savory aromas will soon fill your kitchen with warmth and comfort.

Beans, ground beef, and robust spices come together effortlessly in this classic dish.

Each ingredient promises a rich, satisfying meal that feels like a culinary embrace.

Home cooks appreciate how simple preparation leads to maximum flavor without hours of complicated cooking.

Minimal effort yields maximum satisfaction when you let your slow cooker work its magic.

Dive into this comfort food classic and experience a meal that promises to become a family favorite.

Why Easy Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne Works

• Comfort in a Bowl: A hearty stew that wraps you in warmth with its rich, deep flavors and tender beef chunks that melt in your mouth.
• Nutrition Powerhouse: Packed with protein from beef and vitamins from pumpkin and vegetables, this stew delivers a balanced, wholesome meal that nourishes your body.
• Versatile Cooking Method: Perfectly adaptable for slow cooker or stovetop, making it a flexible recipe for home cooks with different kitchen setups and time constraints.
• Season's Harvest Celebration: Showcases autumn's beautiful ingredients like pumpkin, creating a dish that captures the essence of fall's cozy, comforting spirit.

Ingredients For Easy Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Ground Beef: A hearty and rich meat that provides the base of the chili with deep flavor and substance.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: A classic flavor base that adds sweetness, depth, and aromatic notes to the chili.

• Beef Stock: Creates a rich, savory liquid foundation for the chili.
• Chopped Tomatoes, Tomato Paste: Provide a tangy, slightly sweet base that helps create the signature chili sauce.
• Kidney Beans: Add texture, protein, and a traditional bean element to the dish.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Smoked Paprika, Cinnamon: A blend of warm spices that give the chili its complex and authentic flavor profile.

• Dark Chocolate, Beer: Ingredients that can add unexpected depth and richness to the chili's overall taste.

• Olive Oil, Salt, Pepper: Basic seasoning and cooking medium that help develop flavor and prevent sticking.

• Grated Cheese, Sour Cream, Chopped Cilantro: Fresh toppings that add color, creaminess, and a bright finish to the dish.

How To Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped red bell peppers.

Sauté the ingredients until they become soft and fragrant, releasing their delicious flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbly pieces.

Cook until the meat transforms to a rich brown color. Sprinkle salt and black pepper to enhance the taste.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Ground cinnamon
• Beef stock
• Tomato paste

Step 4: Slow Cook to Perfection

Stir all ingredients thoroughly to ensure even distribution.

Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

Step 5: Boost Flavor Complexity

• Dark chocolate
• Beer

These ingredients will elevate the chili’s depth and richness.

Step 6: Serve and Customize

Ladle the steaming chili into bowls.

• Grated cheese
• Sour cream
• Chopped cilantro

Enjoy your hearty and flavorful slow cooker chili con carne!

Expert Tips For Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Enhance the dish's richness by adding a small piece of dark chocolate or a splash of beer during the last hour of cooking for deeper flavor complexity.
• Choose lean ground beef to reduce fat content while maintaining a robust taste profile and tender texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting chili powder quantity or adding fresh jalapeños for extra spiciness without overwhelming the meal.
• Maximize flavor development by allowing the chili to rest for 15-20 minutes after cooking, which helps ingredients meld together perfectly.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers and refrigerate for up to 3-4 days, as the flavors continue to improve with time.

Flavor Variations For Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chili Delight: Replace ground beef with plant-based meat alternatives like lentils, black beans, or crumbled tofu. Boost protein by adding quinoa or extra beans.
• Spicy Mexican Warrior: Increase heat by adding jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or chipotle peppers. Include diced green chilies for an extra kick.
• Mediterranean-Inspired Fusion: Swap traditional spices with oregano, thyme, and rosemary. Add kalamata olives and feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Smoky Southwestern Style: Incorporate roasted corn, fire-roasted tomatoes, and smoked sausage. Use ancho chili powder and add a splash of tequila for depth.

Serving Suggestions For Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Comfort Bowl Delight: Serve this hearty chili over fluffy white rice for a filling meal that stretches your serving size and adds a comforting base.
• Nacho Party Topping: Spread the chili over crispy tortilla chips, sprinkle with shredded cheese, and add jalapeños for a fun game day or party appetizer that everyone will love.
• Baked Potato Stuffed Sensation: Ladle the warm chili inside split baked potatoes, top with a dollop of sour cream and green onions for a complete and satisfying dinner that transforms the classic recipe.
• Campfire-Style Loaded Meal: Pack the chili in sturdy thermal containers for outdoor adventures, camping trips, or tailgating, bringing a warm and robust meal that feeds a hungry crowd with minimal preparation.

Proper Storage For Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Pack cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight. Warm gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent scorching. Add a splash of beef stock if the mixture seems dry.
• Divide chili into individual serving containers for quick meal prep. These single-serve portions make excellent grab-and-go lunches or quick dinners during busy weeks.

FAQs

• Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can prepare this chili in a large pot on the stovetop. Simmer on low heat for 1-2 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

• Is it possible to use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a lean alternative that works perfectly in this recipe. The spices will keep the dish flavorful and moist.

• How can I make the chili spicier?

Add more chili powder, include diced jalapeños, or mix in some cayenne pepper to increase the heat level. Start with small amounts and adjust to your preferred spice tolerance.

• Can I freeze this chili?

Definitely. This chili freezes excellently for up to 3 months. Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers or freezer bags for storage.

Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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4.8 from 24 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chilli con carne brings authentic Mexican flavors to your dinner table. Robust beef, aromatic spices, and rich tomato sauce create a comforting meal you’ll savor with enthusiasm.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500g (17.6 oz) lean ground beef
• 250 ml (8.4 fl oz) beef stock
• 2 cans (400g or 14 oz each) chopped tomatoes
• 1 can (400g or 14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsps chili powder
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon
• salt and pepper to taste
• 20g (0.7 oz) dark chocolate (optional)
• 250 ml (8.4 fl oz) beer (optional)
• 1 cup sweet corn (optional)
• black beans (optional)
• ground turkey/chicken (optional)
• fresh chili peppers (optional)

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Instructions

1. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped red bell peppers in olive oil over medium heat until vegetables become translucent and fragrant, approximately 5 minutes.
2. Add ground beef to the skillet, breaking it into crumbles and cooking until fully browned and no pink remains, seasoning with salt and black pepper during the process.
3. Transfer the meat and vegetable mixture into the slow cooker, creating a rich base for the chili.
4. Pour in chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, beef stock, and tomato paste, then sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cinnamon for complex flavor layers.
5. Gently stir all ingredients to ensure even distribution of spices and liquids throughout the mixture.
6. Cover the slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing the chili to simmer and develop deep flavors for 6-8 hours, or alternatively use high setting for 3-4 hours.
7. During the final hour of cooking, enhance the chili’s complexity by stirring in a small piece of dark chocolate or a splash of dark beer for added richness.
8. Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if needed, then serve steaming hot with traditional garnishes like shredded cheese, dollop of sour cream, and freshly chopped cilantro.

Notes

• Boost the flavor by blooming spices in the skillet before adding to the slow cooker, which helps release their essential oils and intensifies the taste profile.
• Opt for lean ground beef to reduce excess fat while maintaining rich, meaty texture and preventing an overly greasy final dish.
• Enhance nutritional value by substituting half the ground beef with plant-based protein like lentils or textured vegetable protein for a vegetarian-friendly version.
• Control spice levels by gradually adding chili powder and adjusting to personal heat preferences, ensuring a customized and enjoyable meal for everyone.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 325 kcal
• Sugar: 7 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 8 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 70 mg