Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms both your heart and your home, you’ve stumbled upon the perfect recipe! This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a family favorite for a reason. With tender chunks of beef, hearty beans, and a blend of spices that will make your taste buds dance, it’s simply delightful. Whether it’s a bustling weeknight dinner or a fun gathering with friends, this chili makes everything feel special.

Imagine coming home after a long day to the comforting aroma of chili filling the air. You can set it up in the morning and let your slow cooker work its magic while you go about your day. It’s truly the best way to enjoy rich flavors without spending hours in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can create a delicious meal that practically cooks itself.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavor and nutrients, this dish is sure to please even the pickiest eaters!
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep—just store leftovers in the fridge or freezer for an easy lunch or dinner later.
• Packed with Flavor: The combination of spices and tender beef creates a warm, inviting dish that everyone will love.
• Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings or adjust the ingredients to suit your taste.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, we’re using simple, wholesome ingredients. Gather these items from your pantry and local grocery store, and you’ll be all set to whip up this delightful dish!

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

• Shredded cheese
• Sour cream
• Cilantro

Variations

One of the best parts about chili is its flexibility! You can easily make adjustments based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences. Here are some fun ideas:

• Swap the Protein: Try using chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add More Veggies: Throw in some chopped bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition.
• Change Up the Beans: Use black beans or pinto beans for different flavors and textures.
• Spice It Up: If you like heat, add some diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes to kick things up a notch.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sauté the Beef and Onions

In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the chuck roast pieces along with diced onions. Sauté until the meat is browned and cooked through while making sure onions are tender. This step not only builds flavor but also helps seal in those tasty juices from the beef.

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once your meat and onions are cooked, toss in minced garlic. Cook for one additional minute until fragrant. Garlic adds depth to our chili, bringing out its savory notes.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Drain off any excess fat from your dutch oven before returning the mixture back inside. Now it’s time to add all those hearty ingredients! Stir in both cans of beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper until everything is well combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer on the stove before carefully transferring it all into your slow cooker. This ensures everything is mixed well and ready to cook together harmoniously.

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours. Afterward, reduce the temperature to warm until you’re ready to serve. This slow cooking process allows all those wonderful flavors to meld together perfectly!

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

When it’s time to eat, ladle generous portions into serving bowls. Let everyone customize their chili with delicious toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for that extra touch!

And there you have it—a comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne that’s sure to become a cherished recipe in your home! Enjoy every bite!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Making the perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is all about the little details that enhance the flavors and textures. Here are some pro tips to elevate your chili game:

• Choose quality beef: Opt for a well-marbled chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness. The fat will render during cooking, making your chili rich and delicious.

• Sauté before slow cooking: Don’t skip browning the beef and onions first! This step adds a depth of flavor through caramelization, making your chili even more savory.

• Customize spices: Feel free to adjust the chili powder and cumin according to your taste preferences. If you love heat, add some cayenne pepper or diced jalapeños for an extra kick!

• Let it rest: After cooking, let the chili sit in the slow cooker on warm for an additional hour if you can. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

• Experiment with beans: While kidney beans are classic, try adding black beans or pinto beans for a twist on texture and flavor.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is as fun as making it! There are plenty of ways to present this hearty dish that will impress your family or guests.

Garnishes

• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess that balances out the spicy flavors.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cooling contrast, making each bite delightful.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro not only adds color but also brings a refreshing herbaceous note that brightens up the dish.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread is a classic side that pairs perfectly with chili. Its crumbly texture soaks up all that delicious sauce!
• Rice: Serving chili over fluffy white rice makes for a filling meal. The rice absorbs the flavors of the chili wonderfully.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add a satisfying crunch and are perfect for scooping up your chili!
• Simple green salad: A light salad with mixed greens helps balance out the richness of the chili with fresh, crisp textures.

Enjoy serving up this delightful dish, and don’t forget to share with loved ones—there’s nothing quite like good food enjoyed in great company!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a large batch ahead of time, allowing you to enjoy delicious servings throughout the week. Here’s how to store it properly to keep it at its best.

Storing Leftovers

• Transfer any leftover chili into airtight containers.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to let the chili cool down to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• For the stovetop: Reheat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For the microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• If frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne that might help you out!

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

Absolutely! While this recipe uses beef chuck roast, you can substitute with ground turkey or chicken if you prefer a lighter option. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your preference. You can add more chili powder or even some diced jalapeños for an extra kick. Start with less spice if you’re unsure!

What toppings do you recommend for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Some great toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, fresh cilantro, or even avocado slices. These additions enhance both flavor and presentation!

Can I make this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne vegetarian?

Yes! Swap the beef with additional beans like black beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You’ll still enjoy a hearty and delicious chili!

Final Thoughts

I hope this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne warms your heart as much as it fills your belly! It’s a wonderful recipe that brings comfort and satisfaction, perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Enjoy making it and don’t hesitate to share your experience—happy cooking!