Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Few dishes offer the same level of comfort, warmth, and depth of flavor as a hearty bowl of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne. This classic dish, packed with tender beef, rich tomatoes, smoky spices, and creamy beans, is the ultimate crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner, a game day party, or meal prepping for the week, this slow-cooked, flavor-packed chili is a must-try.

Chili Con Carne, which translates to “chili with meat”, has its roots in Tex-Mex cuisine, with influences from Mexican and Spanish flavors. While many variations exist, the slow cooker method is one of the best ways to make it. Cooking chili low and slow allows all the spices and ingredients to meld together beautifully, creating a thick, rich, and deeply flavorful dish.

One of the best things about Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is its versatility. You can customize it to your taste, adding more heat, swapping the beef for ground turkey, or even making a vegetarian version. Plus, the prep work is minimal—just brown the meat, toss everything in the slow cooker, and let it do all the work!

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

There are countless reasons why this dish deserves a spot in your regular meal rotation.

First, it’s incredibly easy to make. The slow cooker does most of the heavy lifting, leaving you free to go about your day while it simmers away, developing bold, smoky, and savory flavors.

Second, it’s rich in protein, fiber, and essential nutrients, making it a wholesome and filling meal. The combination of beef, beans, and tomatoes provides a balanced mix of protein, healthy fats, and complex carbohydrates, keeping you satisfied for hours.

Lastly, it’s perfect for meal prep. Chili only gets better with time as the flavors continue to develop, so it’s an ideal dish to make ahead and enjoy throughout the week. You can even freeze leftovers for an easy future meal.

Preparation Time and Yield

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 4-5 hours (high)
• Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
• Servings: 6

Nutritional Information (Per Serving)

• Calories: 420
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Protein: 30g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 10g
• Sugar: 6g

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• 1.5 lbs (700g) ground beef (or use ground turkey for a leaner option)
• 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes, with juice
• 1 cup beef broth (or water for a lighter version)
• 1 medium onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 medium bell pepper (red or green), chopped
• 1 medium carrot, finely diced (adds natural sweetness)
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

Spices & Seasoning

• 2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust based on spice preference)
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon dried oregano
• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (secret ingredient for richness)
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce (adds depth of flavor)

For Garnishing

• Sour cream or Greek yogurt
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped fresh cilantro
• Sliced jalapeños
• Tortilla chips or cornbread on the side

Step-by-Step Instructions for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

1. Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat.
2. Add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and carrot, sautéing until soft (about 5 minutes).
3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 2: Brown the Beef

1. Add the ground beef to the pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spatula.
2. Drain excess fat if necessary, but leave a little for extra flavor.
3. Stir in the tomato paste, Worcestershire sauce, chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper. Let the spices toast for 30 seconds to enhance their flavors.

Step 3: Transfer to the Slow Cooker

1. Pour the browned beef mixture into the slow cooker.
2. Add the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, black pepper, and cocoa powder.
3. Stir everything together to evenly distribute the ingredients.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chili

1. Cover and cook on LOW for 6-8 hours or HIGH for 4-5 hours.
2. Stir occasionally if possible, allowing the flavors to blend.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning & Serve

1. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning as needed (add more salt, chili powder, or broth if necessary).
2. Serve hot with cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, and tortilla chips or cornbread.

Ingredient Background

1. Beans – The Hearty Addition

Beans provide protein and fiber, making the chili more filling. Kidney beans and black beans are traditional choices, but pinto or white beans work too!

2. Cocoa Powder – The Secret Ingredient

A small amount of unsweetened cocoa powder enhances the chili’s depth, giving it a rich, slightly smoky taste without making it sweet.

3. Worcestershire Sauce – The Umami Booster

Adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce gives the chili an extra layer of savoriness and depth.

Technique Tips for the Best Chili Con Carne

1. Brown the Meat for Maximum Flavor

Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its depth and prevents it from having a boiled texture.

2. Cook Low and Slow

The longer chili simmers, the better the flavor. Cooking on LOW for 8 hours will yield the richest taste.

3. Let It Rest Before Serving

Chili tastes even better the next day! Letting it sit for 10-15 minutes before serving helps the flavors settle.

Alternative Presentation Ideas

1. Chili-Topped Baked Potatoes

Spoon the chili over a fluffy baked potato and top with cheese for a filling meal.

2. Chili Cheese Fries

Pour hot chili over crispy French fries and top with melted cheddar.

3. Chili-Stuffed Bell Peppers

Fill hollowed-out bell peppers with chili, top with cheese, and bake for a delicious variation.

Freezing and Storing Chili Con Carne

1. Refrigerating

Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

2. Freezing for Later

Freeze portions in zip-lock bags or containers for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Can I make this chili without beans?

Yes! If you prefer a bean-free chili, simply omit the beans and add an extra ½ pound of beef or diced vegetables like mushrooms, zucchini, or bell peppers to maintain the bulk.

2. Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Absolutely! Ground turkey is a leaner option and works well in this recipe. However, because turkey has a milder flavor than beef, you may want to increase the spices slightly for extra depth.

3. How can I make this chili spicier?

To add more heat, try one or more of the following:

• Increase the cayenne pepper to 1 teaspoon or more.
• Add fresh chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
• Stir in chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.

4. Can I cook this chili on the stovetop instead of a slow cooker?

Yes! Follow the same steps for sautéing the beef and vegetables, then simmer everything in a large pot on low heat for 1.5–2 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will develop.

5. How do I thicken my chili if it’s too watery?

If your chili is too thin, try one of these methods:

• Let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to allow excess liquid to evaporate.
• Stir in 1 tablespoon of cornmeal or masa harina to absorb liquid and add thickness.
• Mash some of the beans with a fork and stir them back in.

6. Can I freeze Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Yes! Chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool completely, then store in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave before serving.

7. What are the best side dishes to serve with chili?

Chili pairs well with:

• Cornbread (classic Southern pairing)
• Tortilla chips (for scooping)
• Steamed rice (to balance the spice)
• Garlic bread (for extra comfort)

8. Can I make this chili vegetarian?

Yes! To make a vegetarian chili, replace the beef with mushrooms, lentils, or plant-based meat alternatives and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

9. Does chili taste better the next day?

Yes! Chili’s flavors intensify overnight as the spices meld together. Store leftovers in the fridge and enjoy an even richer chili the next day.

10. Can I use fresh tomatoes instead of canned?

Yes, but you’ll need to adjust for texture and liquid content. Use 4-5 fresh tomatoes, chopped, and simmer them longer to break them down properly.

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the perfect comfort meal, packed with deep flavors, hearty ingredients, and a touch of spice. Whether you enjoy it as a weeknight dinner, a party dish, or meal prep for the week, this recipe is a foolproof way to enjoy a rich, delicious bowl of chili with minimal effort! Try it today and experience the magic of slow-cooked flavors!

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