Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

If you’re looking for a cozy, hearty meal that warms the soul, then this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is just what you need! This recipe has been a cherished favorite in my household for years. There’s something magical about the way the rich flavors meld together as it simmers away in the slow cooker. It’s perfect for busy weeknights when you want a delicious meal waiting for you after a long day or for family gatherings where everyone can gather around and enjoy a bowl of comfort.

What I love most about this chili is how forgiving it is. You can easily adjust the ingredients to match what you have on hand or to suit your family’s tastes. Plus, it’s always a hit with both kids and adults alike!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it until dinner time.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Everyone loves a warm bowl of chili, making it perfect for all ages!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare this dish in advance; it tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop.
• Delicious Flavor: The combination of tender beef, beans, and spices creates an irresistible taste that warms your heart.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients for our Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne. These are easy to find and come together beautifully to create a satisfying meal.

For the Chili

• 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

Optional Toppings

These are not mandatory but add a nice touch!
* Shredded cheese
* Sour cream
* Cilantro

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily switch things up based on your preferences or what you have in your pantry.

• Swap the beans: Use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans for a different flavor.
• Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers or corn for added color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to kick up the flavor.
• Go vegetarian: Substitute beef with mushrooms or lentils for a hearty meatless option.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sear the Meat and Onions

In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck roast pieces along with the diced onion. Searing these ingredients helps lock in moisture while giving them that beautiful golden-brown color, enhancing their flavors. Cook until the meat is browned and onions become tender.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute. Garlic adds depth to your chili with its aromatic qualities—don’t rush this step!

Step 3: Drain Excess Fat

Once everything is cooked through, drain off any excess fat before returning the mixture to the Dutch oven. This keeps your chili from becoming greasy while allowing all those flavorful juices to shine through.

Step 4: Mix in Remaining Ingredients

Now it’s time to bring everything together! Add in both types of beans, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir well until everything is nicely combined—this step ensures every bite is packed with flavor!

Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Bring your mixture to a simmer before carefully transferring it all into your crock pot. Cooking on low allows those flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.

Step 6: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours. When it’s done cooking, reduce to warm until you’re ready to serve. Your home will smell incredible during this time!

Step 7: Serve

Finally, ladle your delicious chili into serving bowls and let everyone garnish theirs with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro if desired. Enjoy every comforting bite!

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne will surely become a beloved staple in your kitchen just like it has in mine!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Making the perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is easier than you think! Here are some tips to ensure your chili turns out rich, flavorful, and oh-so-satisfying.

• Use quality beef: Selecting a good cut of beef, like chuck roast, ensures tenderness and flavor. Quality meat makes all the difference in achieving that melt-in-your-mouth experience.

• Don’t skip browning the meat: Browning the beef adds depth to the flavor of your chili. It caramelizes the natural sugars in the meat, creating a more complex taste profile that enhances your dish.

• Adjust spices to your liking: Feel free to tweak the amount of chili powder and cumin based on your spice tolerance. Personalizing your seasonings lets you cater to your family’s tastes and can make this dish uniquely yours!

• Let it simmer: The longer you let your chili cook, the better the flavors meld together. If time allows, consider cooking it on low for even longer than recommended for a deeper flavor.

• Make it ahead of time: Chili often tastes better the next day when the flavors have had time to develop. Make a big batch over the weekend and enjoy it throughout the week!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Presenting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can be as fun as making it! With just a few simple touches, you’ll create an inviting meal that everyone will love.

Garnishes

• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess and richness that balances out the heat from the spices.
• Fresh cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings a burst of freshness and color, brightening up each bowl.
• Sour cream or Greek yogurt: A dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt provides a cool contrast to the warm chili, enhancing its overall flavor.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili. Its sweet notes complement the savory flavors beautifully.
• Rice: Serving your chili over rice adds heartiness and helps balance out the strong spices while providing an excellent base for your meal.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful texture contrast and are ideal for scooping up that hearty chili.
• Steamed vegetables: A side of steamed veggies can lighten up your meal while adding extra nutrients—think broccoli or green beans for a vibrant touch!

Enjoy crafting this delightful dish with these serving suggestions. Your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is sure to warm hearts and bellies alike!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch and enjoy it throughout the week. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious chili.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let it cool completely before sealing the container to prevent condensation.

Freezing

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label the bags with the date for easy identification.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions readers have about this recipe.

How do I make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne spicier?

To add more heat to your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, consider adding diced jalapeños or a teaspoon of cayenne pepper. You can also use a spicier chili powder blend if desired!

Can I use different types of meat in Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses beef chuck roast, you can substitute it with ground turkey or chicken breast for a leaner version. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What toppings go well with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and diced avocado. Feel free to get creative and add your favorites!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this comforting Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne as much as I do! It’s not just a meal; it’s a warm hug in a bowl that brings everyone together around the table. Whether you’re cozying up on a chilly evening or feeding a crowd, this dish is sure to please. Happy cooking, and don’t forget to share your experience with family and friends!