Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food for chilly nights. This hearty dish combines tender beef, savory beans, and a medley of spices that create layers of flavor. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this chili is sure to impress. Its slow-cooked goodness allows the flavors to meld beautifully, making it a standout option for any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and a simple cooking process, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and beef creates a rich and satisfying taste that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Versatile Meal: Customize with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese or cilantro to suit everyone’s tastes.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
Crowd-Pleaser: Ideal for gatherings, this dish caters to meat lovers and chili enthusiasts alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure that your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Slow cooker
Large dutch oven
Cutting board
Sharp knife
Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

Slow cooker: This appliance cooks your chili low and slow, allowing flavors to develop fully without constant supervision.
Large dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
Cutting board: A sturdy surface for chopping ingredients safely and efficiently.
Sharp knife: Ensures precise cuts for even cooking, which enhances texture in your dish.

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 & 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 the 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: Prepare the Meat and Onions

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

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once the meat is cooked through, add minced garlic. Cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Drain off any excess fat from the mixture. Return it to the dutch oven. Add drained beans, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker

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

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours. Once done, you can reduce the temperature to warm until you’re ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve

Transfer chili into serving bowls. Top with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro if desired.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your dining experience. Here are some ideas to make it even more enjoyable.

Toppings

Shredded Cheese: Add a sprinkle of shredded cheese on top for a creamy texture.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances the spices.
Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of flavor and color to your dish.

Accompaniments

Cornbread: Sweet cornbread pairs perfectly with the spiciness of the chili.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make for a delightful contrast in texture.
Rice: Serve over cooked rice for a hearty meal that absorbs the chili’s flavors.

Garnishes

Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a fresh bite and vibrant color.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices enhance the overall richness of the dish.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

To get the best results from your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, follow these helpful tips.

Use Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.
Sear Before Cooking: Browning the beef adds depth to the chili’s flavor profile.
Adjust Spices to Taste: Customize the spice level by adding more or less chili powder.
Let It Simmer Longer: Allowing extra cooking time can enhance flavors as they meld together.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for scooping up chili while adding flavor.
Coleslaw: A crisp coleslaw provides a refreshing crunch that complements the chili’s heat.
Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring color and nutrients to your plate.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili for a filling option.
Mixed Green Salad: A light salad helps balance out the rich flavors of the chili.
Pita Bread: Warm pita bread offers an alternative way to enjoy every bite of your chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to overlook a few details that can impact the final dish. Here are some common mistakes and how to avoid them.

Bold flavorless chili: Failing to season your chili properly can lead to bland results. Always taste and adjust your seasonings before serving.
Bold overcooking ingredients: Cooking the beef for too long before adding it to the slow cooker can make it tough. Sear only until browned, then transfer it.
Bold skipping the sauté: Not sautéing onions and garlic can result in a less flavorful chili. Take a few minutes to cook these aromatics first for better depth of flavor.
Bold not using enough liquid: Insufficient broth can lead to a dry chili. Ensure there’s enough beef broth to keep everything moist and tender during cooking.
Bold ignoring bean preparation: Rinsing canned beans is essential to remove excess sodium. Always drain and rinse before adding them into your chili.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Make sure the chili has cooled completely before sealing the container.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Freeze in airtight containers or freezer bags for up to 3 months.
Leave some space at the top of containers for expansion as it freezes.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Pour chili into a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through (about 10 minutes).

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne.

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

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne typically cooks on low for 4-6 hours or until the beef is tender.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Absolutely! Add veggies like bell peppers or corn, or adjust spices according to your taste preferences.

Is it possible to use ground meat instead of chunks?

Yes! Ground beef or turkey works well in this recipe; just adjust the cooking time accordingly.

What sides pair well with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Serve with cornbread, rice, or a simple side salad for a complete meal.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish perfect for cooler days. Its rich flavors make it versatile, allowing you to customize ingredients based on your preferences. Try this delicious recipe today and enjoy its comforting warmth!

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

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Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the perfect dish for chilly evenings, delivering a hearty blend of tender beef, savory beans, and aromatic spices that create an irresistible comfort food experience. This easy-to-make recipe is not only ideal for cozy family dinners but also shines at gatherings and game days. With its rich flavors melding beautifully during the slow-cooking process, it’s sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection. Enjoy customizing it with your preferred toppings, making it versatile enough to please everyone at the table.

Author: Kylie
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 4–6 hours
Total Time: 0 hours
Yield: Serves 6
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

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)
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
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

In a large dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add sliced beef chuck and diced onion; brown until meat is cooked through and onion is tender.
Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.
Drain excess fat, then return the mixture to the dutch oven. Add drained beans, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly.
Bring to a simmer before transferring everything into your slow cooker.
Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours or until beef is tender.
Serve hot with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream.