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Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne


  • Author: Olivia
  • Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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

Instructions

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

Nutrition

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