Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This hearty dish features tender chunks of beef, a medley of beans, and a blend of spices that create a rich flavor profile. Perfect for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe brings warmth and satisfaction to any occasion. Plus, it’s simple to prepare in your slow cooker, allowing you to enjoy a delicious meal without hours of effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With minimal prep time, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker does all the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and quality beef creates a deep, satisfying taste that will delight your palate.
• Versatile Dish: Customize your chili with various beans or toppings to suit your family’s preferences.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it even tastes better the next day!
• Great for Gatherings: Serve this dish at potlucks or game days, and watch it disappear quickly!

Tools and Preparation

To make this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools that will help you prepare and cook efficiently.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This is crucial for cooking the chili low and slow, which enhances flavors and tenderness.
• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat before transferring to the slow cooker, ensuring a rich depth of flavor.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables and meat, keeping your workspace organized.

Ingredients

For this flavorful Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, gather the following ingredients:

Meat & Vegetables

• 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)

Beans & 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

Broth & Spices

• 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

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain any excess fat from the dutch oven.
2. Return the beef mixture to the pot.
3. Add in both types of beans, tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and ground black pepper.
4. Stir well to ensure all ingredients are combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat.
2. Carefully transfer everything into your slow cooker.

Step 4: Slow Cook Your Chili

1. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat.
2. Cook for 4-6 hours until flavors meld beautifully.
3. Once finished cooking, reduce temperature to warm until you’re ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve with Toppings

1. Spoon the chili into bowls.
2. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne with family or friends!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can be a delightful experience. This hearty dish pairs well with various toppings and sides to enhance its rich flavors. Here are some suggestions to elevate your meal.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle your choice of cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, on top for a creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of herbal flavor that complements the spices in the chili.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add a delightful texture and can be used as dippers.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide a smooth balance to the bold flavors of the chili.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne requires attention to detail. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out wonderfully every time.

• Use Quality Beef: Select a good cut of beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Don’t Rush Cooking: Allow the chili to cook low and slow for optimal flavor development.
• Taste As You Go: Adjust seasonings during cooking based on your preference for spice and salt levels.
• Consider Adding Veggies: Bell peppers or corn can add color and additional nutrients to your chili.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice makes a perfect base for soaking up chili juices.
2. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds richness and balances the heat from the chili.
3. Salad: A fresh green salad provides a refreshing contrast to the richness of the chili.
4. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a hearty side that can be topped with leftover chili.
5. Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw offers a bright, tangy flavor that pairs well with spicy dishes.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Grilled zucchini or bell peppers bring a smoky flavor that complements the chili perfectly.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can be simple, but some common mistakes can affect the final dish.

• Bold seasoning choices: Using too little or too much chili powder can throw off the flavor. Adjust to taste and consider starting with less.
• Bold ingredient preparation: Not properly chopping the vegetables may lead to uneven cooking. Aim for uniform sizes for even texture.
• Bold cooking time errors: Overcooking or undercooking the chili can ruin the dish. Stick to the recommended cooking times for best results.
• Bold neglecting toppings: Skipping toppings like cheese or cilantro can make your chili less appealing. Experiment with different toppings to enhance flavor and presentation.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool before sealing it to avoid condensation.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of containers as liquids expand when frozen.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in an oven-safe dish covered for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally, until hot, usually around 5-7 minutes.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What beans work best in Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Light and dark red kidney beans are great choices due to their texture and flavor. You can also experiment with black beans or pinto beans based on your preference.

Can I use other meats in this recipe?

Yes! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for beef if you prefer a lighter version while maintaining delicious flavors.

How can I make my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne spicier?

Add diced jalapeños or incorporate additional chili powder or cayenne pepper during cooking. Adjust according to your spice tolerance.

Can I prepare Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare all ingredients and store them in the fridge overnight. Simply combine everything in the slow cooker in the morning for easy cooking.

What is the best way to serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Serve it hot in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Pair it with crusty bread or cornbread for a complete meal!

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and tender beef chunks make it a favorite among many. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or spices! Give this recipe a try and enjoy a comforting meal any day of the week.

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Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Indulge in the comforting warmth of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, a perfect dish for crisp evenings and cozy gatherings. This hearty chili features tender beef, a variety of beans, and a blend of aromatic spices that create a rich, savory flavor profile. Ideal for busy weeknights or entertaining friends, this recipe is simple to prepare and allows you to savor the robust flavors without spending hours in the kitchen. Just set your slow cooker and let it work its magic while you enjoy quality time with family or friends.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 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

1. Heat olive oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown the beef and sauté the onion until tender.
2. Stir in minced garlic for one minute until fragrant.
3. Drain excess fat, return the beef mixture to the pot, and add beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Bring to a simmer before transferring everything to your slow cooker.
5. Cook on low heat for 4-6 hours until flavors meld beautifully.
6. Serve hot with optional toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 4-6 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 440
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 860mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 36g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 36g
• Cholesterol: 110mg