Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish that warms you up on cold days and brings friends and family together. This rich recipe features tender beef, wholesome beans, and vibrant spices, making it an ideal choice for gatherings, weeknight dinners, or meal prep. Its convenience lies in the slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal with minimal effort while filling your home with enticing aromas.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With just a few steps, you can prepare this flavorful chili without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of beef, beans, and spices creates a deep flavor profile that satisfies any appetite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or customize with toppings like shredded cheese or cilantro.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and store leftovers for quick meals during the week.
• Crowd-Pleaser: This dish is sure to impress guests at parties or family gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne smoothly, gather these essential tools. Having the right equipment not only simplifies the cooking process but also enhances the overall experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker for perfect flavor development.
• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking while ensuring that flavors meld beautifully over time.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping onions and garlic effortless and safe.

Ingredients

For the Chili 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 Beans and Sauce

• 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

For Seasoning

• 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: Brown the Meat

In a large dutch oven, heat oil over medium high heat. Add the chuck roast pieces along with diced onion. Cook until meat is browned and onion is tender.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Prepare for Slow Cooking

Drain off excess fat from the mixture. Return it to the dutch oven, then add canned beans, tomato sauce, fire roasted tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Bring the mixture to a simmer in the dutch oven. Carefully transfer it into your slow cooker.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours. Once done, reduce temperature to warm until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve

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

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is not only comforting but also packed with protein! Enjoy this delightful meal any day of the week!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate the meal experience. With a few toppings and side options, you can customize each bowl for everyone’s taste.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a generous sprinkle of cheese for a melty, creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of flavor and color to your dish.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: This sweet and crumbly bread pairs well with chili, soaking up all the delicious flavors.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be served on the side for dipping or sprinkled on top.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices enhance the chili’s richness and add healthy fats.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

To create the perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, consider these helpful tips. They will ensure that your dish is flavorful and satisfying.

• Choose Quality Meat: Use fresh, high-quality beef chuck roast for tender chunks that hold up during cooking.
• Layer Flavors: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors.
• Balance Spices: Adjust spices according to your taste preference; don’t hesitate to experiment for a unique twist.
• Let It Rest: Allow the chili to sit after cooking. This lets flavors meld together, making it even tastier.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can make your meal more complete. Here are some excellent options:

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili beautifully.
2. Rice: Steamed white or brown rice serves as a great base, soaking up extra sauce from the chili.
3. Garden Salad: A light salad with mixed greens adds freshness and balances out the hearty chili.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili itself for a comforting dish.
5. Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted veggies provide a nutritious crunch alongside the rich chili flavors.
6. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a refreshing touch and pairs well with tortilla chips or cornbread.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to stumble upon a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out perfectly.

• Bold Preparation: Not preparing the ingredients properly can lead to uneven cooking. Always chop vegetables and meat uniformly for even heat distribution.
• Bold Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the slow cooker too full can prevent proper cooking. Aim for a maximum of two-thirds full for optimal results.
• Bold Skipping the Browning Step: Neglecting to brown the beef can result in less flavor. Take a moment to sear the meat before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Bold Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can make your chili bland. Always taste your chili before serving and modify as needed.
• Bold Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap ingredients can affect the overall taste of your dish. Invest in good quality meat and spices for a richer flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 3-4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered until warmed through, about 20-25 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring every minute until hot, usually 2-4 minutes total.
• Stovetop: Place in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 5-10 minutes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish made with beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices that simmers slowly for deep flavors.

Can I use different types of beans?

Yes! Feel free to mix and match beans according to your preference or what you have on hand.

How do I spice up my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Adding jalapeños or extra chili powder can enhance the spice level. Adjust according to your taste preferences!

How long does it take to cook Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Typically, it takes about 4-6 hours on low heat in a slow cooker for optimal tenderness and flavor development.

Can I customize this recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or substitute ground beef for turkey or lamb if desired.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is not only comforting but also versatile. You can easily customize it with various toppings or additional ingredients based on your taste. Whether you’re serving it at a family dinner or enjoying it during game night, this recipe is sure to please everyone. Give it a try!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

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• Author: Dian
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves 8

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Description

Experience the warmth and comfort of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, a delightful dish crafted for those chilly days when you crave something hearty. This easy-to-follow recipe combines tender beef, wholesome beans, and aromatic spices, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker. With minimal prep time, you can have a satisfying meal ready for family gatherings or cozy weeknight dinners. Customize with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or fresh cilantro, and enjoy the inviting aromas that fill your kitchen as it cooks. Perfect for meal prep, this chili is not only delicious but also an ideal choice for impressing guests at any occasion.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 pounds beef chuck roast
• 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
• 1 small onion
• 3 cloves garlic
• 15 ounces canned light red kidney beans
• 15 ounces canned dark red kidney beans
• 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

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add diced onion and beef chuck roast pieces; brown until meat is cooked through.
2. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
3. Drain any excess fat from the mixture and return it to the pot. Add kidney beans, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, and spices; stir well.
4. Bring the mixture to a simmer before transferring it to the slow cooker.
5. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours until flavors meld beautifully.
6. Serve in bowls with optional toppings such as shredded cheese or cilantro.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4–6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 18g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 25g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg