Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a comforting and hearty dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re warming up on a chilly evening or hosting a game day gathering, this recipe delivers a robust flavor with tender beef and savory spices. It’s not just delicious; it’s easy to prepare, making it a great choice for busy cooks who still want to impress their guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy Preparation: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
- Rich Flavor: The combination of beef broth, spices, and beans creates a depth of flavor that warms the soul.
- Versatile Dish: Customize your chili with toppings like shredded cheese or cilantro, or serve it alongside cornbread for a complete meal.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time, and enjoy leftovers throughout the week or freeze for later.
- Family-Friendly: This dish appeals to both adults and kids alike, ensuring everyone at the table will leave satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
Before diving into the recipe, gather your essential tools. Having everything ready will make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Large dutch oven
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
- Ladle
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: This tool allows you to cook your chili low and slow, enhancing flavors while you carry on with your day.
- Large dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker, ensuring a rich base for your chili.
- Ladle: A must-have for serving up generous portions of your delicious chili once it’s ready.
Ingredients
For the Base
- 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pounds Beef chuck roast (sliced thin and cut into pieces)
- 1 Small onion (diced (about 1 cup))
- 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
For the Chili Mix
- 15 ounces Canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounces Canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 8 ounce Canned tomato sauce
- 15 ounces Canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups Beef broth
Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons Chili powder
- 1 teaspoon Cumin
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sour cream
- Cilantro
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients
Start by gathering all your ingredients. Chop the onion and mince the garlic to ensure even cooking.
Step 2: Sear the Beef
In a large dutch oven over medium-high heat:
1. Add the extra virgin olive oil.
2. Once hot, add the beef chuck roast pieces along with diced onion.
3. Cook until the beef is browned on all sides and onions are translucent.
Step 3: Add Garlic
Stir in minced garlic:
1. Cook for about one minute until fragrant.
Step 4: Combine Ingredients
Drain off excess fat from the dutch oven:
1. Return the beef mixture back to the pot.
2. Add in both types of beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
3. Stir everything together until well combined.
Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer:
1. Carefully transfer it to your slow cooker.
2. Cover with lid.
Step 6: Slow Cook
Set your slow cooker on low:
– Cook for 4-6 hours until everything is tender.
Step 7: Serve
Once cooked:
– Transfer chili into serving bowls.
– Top with optional toppings as desired before enjoying!
This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is sure to become a favorite in your meal rotation! Enjoy every spoonful!
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a family gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, these serving suggestions will make your dish even more delightful.
Toppings
- Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds a creamy texture and enhances the flavor.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices and adds richness.
- Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a burst of freshness that complements the chili.
Accompaniments
- Cornbread: This sweet and buttery bread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all the delicious juices.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and can be used for scooping.
- Rice: Serving chili over rice makes for a filling meal that soaks up the flavors.
Serving Bowls
- Individual Bowls: Serve in individual bowls for a personal touch; guests can customize their toppings.
- Large Pot: Keep the chili warm in a large pot for communal serving, allowing everyone to help themselves.
How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can lead to a heartwarming dish. Here are some tips to enhance your cooking experience.
- Use Quality Meat: Select well-marbled beef chuck roast for tender pieces that melt in your mouth.
- Brown the Meat: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker develops deeper flavors through caramelization.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you go and adjust spices according to your preference, adding more chili powder for extra heat.
- Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to rest after cooking enhances its flavors as they meld together.
- Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and tastes.
- Add Fresh Ingredients Last: If using fresh vegetables like bell peppers, add them during the last hour of cooking for optimal crunch and flavor.
Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can complete your meal. Here are some excellent options:
- Cornbread: A classic pairing that’s sweet and buttery, perfect for dipping.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and balances out spicy flavors.
- Coleslaw: A crunchy slaw brings freshness and acidity that cuts through the heaviness of the chili.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can serve as a hearty base topped with chili.
- Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add depth and color, making your plate visually appealing.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored rice is an excellent base that absorbs the chili’s sauce beautifully.
- Tortilla Wraps: Soft tortillas make great wraps filled with chili, creating a fun hand-held option.
- Salad Greens: A simple green salad provides lightness and balances out the richness of the chili.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When preparing your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to make a few common errors. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:
- Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef can result in a less flavorful dish. Always sear your meat before adding it to the slow cooker for enhanced taste.
- Overcrowding with beans: Adding too many beans can dilute the flavor of your chili. Stick to the recommended amounts for balanced taste and texture.
- Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings during cooking can lead to bland chili. Always sample and tweak spice levels as needed.
- Using low-quality ingredients: Poor quality meat or canned products will affect the final taste. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
- Cooking on high instead of low: Cooking on high can make the meat tough rather than tender. Always opt for low heat to achieve that melt-in-your-mouth texture.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne in an airtight container.
- It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
- Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
- This chili can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.
Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
- Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), place the chili in an oven-safe dish, cover it with foil, and heat for about 20-30 minutes until hot.
- Microwave: Transfer servings into a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high in 1-minute intervals, stirring until heated through.
- Stovetop: Pour the chili into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed throughout.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne.
Can I use other types of meat in Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?
Yes! You can substitute beef with turkey, lamb, or even chicken depending on your preference.
How do I thicken my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?
To thicken your chili, you can add a cornstarch slurry or let it cook uncovered for the last hour.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.
What toppings work best with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and avocado slices.
How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?
The spice level depends on how much chili powder you use. You can adjust it based on your taste preferences by adding more or less spice.
Final Thoughts
Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty and comforting dish perfect for cozy evenings. Its rich flavors and tender chunks of beef make it delightful while being easily customizable. Feel free to adjust spices or add extra vegetables to suit your taste!
Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to your table. Perfect for chilly evenings or game day gatherings, this recipe features tender beef, hearty beans, and a medley of spices that create a rich and satisfying flavor profile. With minimal prep time, you can simply set it in the slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day. This versatile chili is easily customizable with your favorite toppings and pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or serving up a family dinner, this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is sure to impress.
- Total Time: 6 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 3 pounds beef chuck roast (sliced thin)
- 1 small onion (diced)
- 3 cloves garlic (minced)
- 15 ounces canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 15 ounces canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
- 8 ounces canned tomato sauce
- 15 ounces canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the sliced beef and diced onion; cook until beef is browned.
- Stir in minced garlic; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Drain excess fat; return meat mixture to the pot. Add beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Transfer to a slow cooker and set on low for 4-6 hours until tender.
- Serve in bowls topped with optional shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 680mg
- Fat: 14g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For extra heat, add diced jalapeños or cayenne pepper to the mix. Substitute beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Letting the chili rest after cooking allows flavors to meld beautifully.
