Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. This rich, meaty chili features tender beef, savory beans, and a blend of spices that come together beautifully in a slow cooker. It’s perfect for cozy dinners, game day gatherings, or any occasion when you crave comfort food. With its robust flavor and satisfying ingredients, this recipe will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply combine ingredients in your slow cooker and let it do the work while you relax.
• Flavorful and Hearty: The blend of spices with tender beef creates an irresistible dish that’s full of flavor.
• Versatile Meal: Perfect for family dinners or potlucks, this chili can be served with various toppings to suit everyone’s taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch ahead of time; it reheats well and tastes even better the next day.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with protein from the beef and fiber from the beans, this chili is both filling and nutritious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking easier and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Slow cooker: Allows for low-and-slow cooking, which enhances flavors and ensures tender meat.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Chef’s knife: Essential for quick and precise cutting of meat and vegetables.

Ingredients

For the Beef 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 Tomatoes

• 15 ounces Canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces Canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 8 ounces 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

1. In a large dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chuck roast pieces along with diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain off any excess fat from the mixture in the dutch oven.
2. Return the mixture to the dutch oven.
3. Add drained beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir everything until well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook Your Chili

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
2. Carefully transfer everything into your slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours or until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once cooked, reduce temperature to warm if needed until serving time.
2. Transfer to serving bowls and top with your choice of optional toppings like shredded cheese or cilantro.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can be a delightful experience. This hearty dish is perfect for gatherings or cozy family dinners. Here are some ideas to enhance your serving experience.

With Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a sprinkle of your favorite cheese for a creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds coolness and richness.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color to each bowl.

As a Meal

• Over Rice: Serve the chili over steamed rice for a filling meal.
• In Tacos: Use it as a filling in soft or hard taco shells for a fun twist.
• With Cornbread: Pair it with warm cornbread to soak up the delicious sauce.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

To achieve the best flavor and texture in your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Meat: Using fresh, high-quality beef will enhance the overall taste.
• Sauté Aromatics First: Cooking onion and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker deepens their flavors.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to modify the chili powder and cumin according to your heat preference.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit before serving lets the flavors meld beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Complementing your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne with sides can elevate your dining experience. Here are some great options.

1. Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, providing a comforting bite.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf adds texture and soaks up the chili’s rich sauce.
3. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole offers a refreshing contrast to spicy chili flavors.
4. Salad: A light green salad with vinaigrette balances the hearty nature of chili.
5. Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips are great for dipping into the chili or enjoying on their own.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve chili over baked potatoes for a filling and satisfying meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, even small errors can affect the final dish. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for.

• Using low-quality meat – Poor quality beef can lead to tough, chewy chili. Always choose a well-marbled chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness.
• Neglecting to sauté vegetables – Skipping the sautéing step can result in bland flavors. Take the time to cook your onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
• Overloading with spices – Too much seasoning can overpower your chili. Start with recommended amounts and adjust according to your taste during cooking.
• Not draining canned beans – Using un-drained beans can make your chili too watery. Always rinse and drain canned beans before adding them to the pot.
• Cooking on high too long – Cooking on high heat for extended periods can dry out the meat. Stick to the recommended low setting for best results.
• Forgetting optional toppings – Toppings add extra flavor and texture. Don’t miss out on garnishing your chili with cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Chili can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Allow chili to cool completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for storage.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven – Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and place chili in an oven-safe dish covered with foil until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covered, stirring occasionally until hot.
• Stovetop – Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring frequently until warmed throughout.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some frequently asked questions about Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne that might help you create the perfect dish.

What is Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

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

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes! You can substitute beef with turkey or lamb if you prefer a different flavor profile.

How do I make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne spicier?

To add more heat, include diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder used in the recipe.

Can I add vegetables to my chili?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini work well and enhance the nutritional value of your dish.

How long does it take to cook?

Cooking on low takes about 4-6 hours. For best results, avoid lifting the lid too often during cooking.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a comforting meal perfect for any occasion. It’s not only delicious but also versatile—you can customize it with various meats or vegetables based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s bound to become a favorite in your household!