Hearty Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne Recipe: Fuss-Free Comfort

Crafting a hearty slow cooker chili con carne brings comfort and warmth to any mealtime gathering.

Beef lovers appreciate how simple ingredients create complex flavors in this classic dish.

Rich spices and tender meat combine effortlessly inside your trusty kitchen appliance.

Mexican-inspired recipes like this provide maximum satisfaction with minimal preparation effort.

Robust ingredients simmer together, developing deep, multilayered taste profiles that everyone will adore.

Beans, ground beef, and aromatic seasonings meld into a delicious one-pot wonder.

Dive into this straightforward recipe that guarantees a satisfying meal with minimal kitchen work.

FAQs

• What makes this chili con carne different from traditional stovetop recipes?

This slow cooker method allows flavors to develop deeply over time, creating a more rich and tender result with minimal hands-on cooking effort.

• Can I use different types of meat for this recipe?

Yes, you can substitute ground beef with ground turkey, ground chicken, or even chopped steak for varied protein options while maintaining similar cooking techniques.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The recipe provides a mild to medium heat level. You can easily adjust spiciness by increasing or decreasing chili powder and adding optional jalapeños or hot sauce according to your preference.

• How can I make this recipe more protein-packed?

Add additional beans like black beans or pinto beans, or increase the amount of ground meat. You could also mix in diced cooked bacon or chorizo for extra protein and flavor complexity.

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne Made Effortless

• Dump and go method makes this chili incredibly simple, perfect for busy weekdays or lazy weekends when you want delicious food without complex cooking steps.
• Slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing you to walk away and return to a perfectly developed, rich-flavored meal that tastes like it simmered all day.
• Hearty, customizable chili that appeals to everyone from kids to adults, with optional toppings that let each person create their own perfect bowl.
• Protein-rich ground beef, beans, and vegetables combine for a wholesome one-pot meal that delivers both incredible taste and substantial nutritional value.

Must-Have Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili

• Ground Beef: A hearty meat that provides rich flavor and substantial texture to the chili.
• Kidney Beans: Classic legumes that add protein and create a traditional chili texture.

• Onion, Garlic, Bell Pepper: A flavor-building trio that creates a robust and aromatic base for the chili.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy depth to the chili sauce.
• Tomato Paste: Concentrates tomato flavor and helps thicken the dish.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional liquid and enhances the overall meaty flavor.
• Olive Oil: Used for initial sautéing and helping develop flavor.
• Salt, Black Pepper, Chili Powder, Cumin: Spices that create the signature warm and complex chili seasoning profile.

• Shredded Cheese, Sour Cream, Fresh Cilantro: Garnishes that add extra flavor and visual appeal to the finished chili.

How to Set Up Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Brown The Meat And Veggies

Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.

• Diced onions
• Minced garlic
• Chopped bell peppers

Add ground beef and cook until completely browned, breaking it into small crumbles.

Step 2: Transfer To Slow Cooker

Dump the sizzling meat and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker.

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Beef broth
• Tomato paste
• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Mix everything thoroughly to ensure all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Let The Magic Happen

Cover the slow cooker and set it to low heat.

Allow the chili to simmer and develop rich flavors for 6-8 hours.

If you’re short on time, use high heat for 3-4 hours.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 4: Garnish And Serve

Once the chili reaches a thick, hearty consistency, taste and adjust seasonings.

Ladle into bowls and top with your favorite garnishes.

Pro Tips for Deep, Rich Chili Flavor

• Sear ground beef before adding to slow cooker to develop rich, caramelized flavor notes that enhance overall taste profile.
• Replace kidney beans with black beans or pinto beans for varied texture and nutritional diversity if desired.
• Prepare base ingredients night before and refrigerate, then transfer to slow cooker in morning for effortless meal preparation.
• Adjust chili powder and cumin quantities to match personal heat preference without compromising authentic southwestern taste.
• Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months, reheating gently to maintain original tender meat consistency.

Storing and Reheating Slow Cooker Chili

• Store leftovers in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep chili fresh in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 4 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish. Cover and heat on medium power, stirring every 30 seconds until thoroughly warm. Add a splash of broth if needed to maintain moisture.
• Pour chili into a saucepan over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally and add a little beef broth or water to prevent sticking. Heat until steaming and reaching an internal temperature of 165°F.

Perfect Pairings for Chili Con Carne

• Cheese and Chili Harmony: Pair this hearty chili with sharp cheddar cheese or pepper jack for a tangy, melty contrast that amplifies the dish's rich flavors.
• Craft Beer Companion: Choose a robust amber ale or dark porter to complement the deep, meaty taste of the chili con carne, cutting through its richness with smooth maltiness.
• Fresh Cornbread Sidekick: Serve warm, slightly sweet cornbread alongside the chili to soak up the savory sauce and provide a delightful textural balance.
• Cool Sour Cream Topping: Add a dollop of cold, creamy sour cream on top to create a refreshing counterpoint to the spicy, warm chili.

Creative Takes on Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Vegetarian Chili Swap: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or diced mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth to maintain rich flavor.
• Lean Protein Option: Substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative. Trim excess fat and ensure meat is fully cooked before adding to slow cooker.
• Gluten-Free Adaptation: Verify all ingredients are certified gluten-free, especially broth and spice mixes. Check tomato paste labels to confirm no wheat-based additives are present.
• Spicy Kick Version: Add diced jalapeños or increase chili powder and cayenne pepper for those who love extra heat. Include a dash of hot sauce during cooking for more intense flavor profile.

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne Made Easy Recipe

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4.8 from 33 reviews

• Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty slow cooker chili con carne delivers a robust flavor explosion that warms winter evenings. Bold Mexican-inspired spices and tender beef create a comforting meal you’ll savor with pure culinary delight.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef

Vegetables:

• 1 onion, diced
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced

Liquid and Seasoning Base:

• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) diced tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 can (14 ounces/400 grams) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 teaspoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon oregano
• Salt to taste
• Pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Sauté aromatics and protein in a skillet over medium heat for 5-7 minutes, allowing onions, garlic, and bell peppers to soften while browning ground beef thoroughly.
2. Transfer the caramelized mixture into the slow cooker, ensuring all browned bits are scraped from the skillet.
3. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, beef broth, and tomato paste, creating a rich liquid base for the chili.
4. Sprinkle cumin, chili powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper evenly across the mixture, gently stirring to distribute spices throughout.
5. Cover slow cooker and set to low temperature, allowing flavors to meld and develop for 6-7 hours, occasionally stirring to prevent sticking.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning during the last hour of cooking, ensuring depth and balance of flavors.
7. Once meat is tender and sauce has thickened, prepare to serve hot with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, or a dollop of sour cream.
8. Let chili rest for 10 minutes before serving to allow sauce to further integrate and flavors to intensify.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting chili powder and adding cayenne pepper for extra heat or reducing for milder flavor.
• Enhance protein options by substituting ground beef with ground turkey, plant-based crumbles, or diced chuck roast for varied textures.
• Boost nutritional value by adding additional vegetables like zucchini, carrots, or corn to increase fiber and micronutrient content.
• Optimize freezing potential by storing in airtight containers for up to 3 months, which makes meal prepping convenient and supports busy lifestyles.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (on high) or 8 hours (on low)
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 360
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 600 mg
• Fat: 20 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 25 g
• Fiber: 6 g
• Protein: 24 g
• Cholesterol: 80 mg