Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food for chilly days. This hearty dish combines tender beef, beans, and a medley of spices to create a rich flavor profile that warms you from the inside out. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this chili is both satisfying and easy to prepare. Whether you’re serving it at a game day party or enjoying it as a family dinner, Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne will surely impress your guests and loved ones alike.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: Simply toss your ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and beef creates a mouthwatering taste that keeps you coming back for more.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your chili with various toppings or serve it alongside cornbread for an extra treat.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—flavors only get better with time!
• Family-Friendly: A sure hit with kids and adults alike, making mealtime stress-free.

Tools and Preparation

To make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need a few essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes the cooking process smoother and ensures great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large Dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking, letting flavors meld beautifully over hours.
• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without damaging your cookware.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Ingredients

To create this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, gather the following ingredients:

Main Ingredients

• 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)
• 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
• 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 Meat and Vegetables

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef chuck roast pieces along with the diced onion.
3. Cook until the meat is browned through and the onion becomes tender.
4. Stir in minced garlic, cooking for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain excess fat from the mixture in the Dutch oven.
2. Return the meat mixture back to the pot.
3. Add in the drained beans, tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
2. Carefully transfer everything into your slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook

1. Cover and cook on low heat for 4 to 6 hours.
2. Once done, reduce temperature to warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer chili to bowls.
2. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro as desired.

Enjoy your flavorful Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your dining experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, here are some creative ways to serve this hearty dish.

Classic Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess and flavor. Cheddar or Monterey Jack work great.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spice and add richness to each bite.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of color and a refreshing herbal note.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a delightful contrast in texture.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make for a fun dipping option, perfect for scooping up chili.
• Rice: A bowl of fluffy rice can help soak up the chili and makes for a filling meal.

Beverage Pairings

• Iced Tea: Refreshing iced tea is a great non-alcoholic option to complement the flavors.
• Sparkling Water: A splash of lemon in sparkling water adds a lovely twist that pairs nicely with chili.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Achieving the perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne takes practice and attention to detail. Here are some tips to enhance your recipe.

• Use Quality Ingredients: Fresh, high-quality meat and vegetables will make your chili stand out.
• Brown Your Meat: Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor by developing rich, caramelized notes.
• Adjust Spices Gradually: Start with less chili powder and cumin, then taste and adjust as it cooks to avoid overpowering flavors.
• Let It Rest: Allowing your chili to sit for 15-30 minutes after cooking helps meld flavors together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some excellent options.

1. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that adds richness; serve with tortilla chips for extra crunch.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw provides a fresh contrast to the warmth of chili; consider adding lime juice for zest.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili, cheese, or sour cream for a hearty combo.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Lightly charred veggies offer a smoky flavor that complements the bold taste of chili.
5. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with quinoa or rice provide an additional layer of flavor and nutrition.
6. Mixed Green Salad: A crisp salad dressed lightly balances the richness of the chili, adding freshness to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to make some common mistakes. Here are a few to watch out for.

• Using low-quality meat: Opt for good quality beef chuck roast. It will improve the flavor and texture of your chili.
• Skipping the browning step: Always brown your meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This enhances the overall flavor.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Don’t overload your crock pot. Ensure there’s enough space for even cooking.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Taste your chili before serving. You may need to adjust the spices or salt based on your preference.
• Not allowing enough time to cook: Make sure you give the chili enough time in the slow cooker for flavors to meld. Aim for at least 4 hours on low.

REMEMBER

WANT TO SAVE THIS RECIPE? CLICK BELOW AND PIN IT

PIN

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool before sealing it in a container.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months; label with date.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Use a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring often until evenly heated.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne.

Can I use ground beef instead of beef chuck roast?

You can! Ground beef is a great alternative if you prefer a different texture or quicker cooking time.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The spice level can be adjusted by altering the amount of chili powder you use. Start with less if you’re sensitive to heat!

What toppings go well with this chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the beef with beans like black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

It takes about 4-6 hours on low heat. The longer you let it cook, the more intense the flavors will become.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any occasion. Its versatility allows you to customize it with different meats or beans according to your taste. Try this recipe today and enjoy warm bowls of deliciousness!