Introduction
There’s something so comforting about a big bowl of chili, especially when it’s made in a slow cooker. Imagine coming home after a long day and walking into your kitchen to the delicious scent of simmering beef, beans, and spices—it’s like a warm hug for your soul. Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the kind of dish that not only fills your belly but makes you feel all cozy inside, like you’ve just come home after a long trip.
This recipe has been a staple in our family for years, and it’s one that I always turn to when I want something hearty, flavorful, and so easy to prepare. The beauty of this chili is that it requires minimal effort and time on your part—just dump everything into the slow cooker, let it do its magic, and voila! Dinner is served. Plus, it’s the perfect dish for meal prepping, feeding a crowd, or making ahead for a busy week.
If you’re someone who loves rich, meaty chili with a good balance of heat, this recipe is for you. It’s got the perfect mix of ground beef, beans, and a flavorful blend of spices that gives each bite a little kick without being too overwhelming. Whether you’re serving it with cornbread, over rice, or just enjoying it by itself, you’ll fall in love with this easy, flavorful chili.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Easy to Make: The beauty of a slow cooker chili is in its simplicity. All you need to do is chop a few vegetables, brown the ground beef, and toss everything into your slow cooker. No fancy techniques, just good, old-fashioned comfort food.
- Perfect for Busy Days: The slow cooker takes care of the hard work, which means you can go about your day while it simmers away. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it meal.
- Rich and Flavorful: With the perfect balance of spices, the chili develops deep, savory flavors that get even better as it sits. The longer it cooks, the more those flavors meld together.
- Versatile: You can serve this chili with almost anything—over rice, with tortilla chips, or on its own with a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese. It’s customizable and easy to make your own!
- Perfect for a Crowd: This recipe yields plenty, so it’s ideal for family dinners, parties, or meal prep for the week. Plus, it only gets better with time!
This chili has become a go-to in our home. It’s one of those recipes that I’m always excited to make because it’s so easy, and it always turns out delicious. I can’t wait for you to try it and enjoy it as much as we do.
Preparation Time and Servings
- Total Time: 7-8 hours (depending on slow cooker settings)
- Prep Time: 15-20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high
- Servings: 6-8 servings (depending on portion size)
- Calories per serving: 350 (approximately)
- Protein: 30g | Carbs: 30g | Fat: 20g
Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne:
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, cilantro, or tortilla chips
Key Ingredients:
- Ground Beef: The base of this chili, adding that rich, savory flavor. If you want a leaner option, feel free to swap with ground turkey or chicken.
- Spices (Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika): The perfect blend of spices that give this chili that bold, flavorful kick. Don’t skimp on the seasonings—this is what makes the dish!
- Beans (Kidney Beans & Black Beans): They add texture and a hearty element to the chili. You can also mix it up and add pinto beans or any other type you like.
- Diced Tomatoes & Tomato Sauce: These create the rich, saucy base for the chili. The diced tomatoes give a bit of chunkiness, while the tomato sauce makes it nice and smooth.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Making this chili in the slow cooker is so simple. Here’s how you’ll do it:
- Brown the Beef:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step helps bring out the flavors in the veggies and adds depth to your chili.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the Spices:
- To the slow cooker, add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well coated. This is where all the magic happens—the spices are what make this chili so special, so make sure you give it a good stir!
- Add the Tomatoes and Beans:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything together to combine. These ingredients give your chili its hearty texture and make it oh-so-delicious.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth). Stir to incorporate and give it a final mix.
- Set Your Slow Cooker:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Don’t worry about stirring it halfway—just let the slow cooker do its thing. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together.
- Taste and Adjust:
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your taste.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy it on its own or serve it with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips!
How to Serve
- Over Rice: Serve the chili over steamed white rice or brown rice for a complete meal. The rice soaks up the delicious sauce, and you get a bit of extra texture with each bite.
- With Tortilla Chips: Scoop the chili onto crunchy tortilla chips for a Tex-Mex-inspired treat. Add sour cream, shredded cheese, and green onions for a fun twist.
- With a Side Salad: Pair your chili with a simple green salad. A fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette will add some brightness to the richness of the chili.
- With Cornbread: There’s nothing like dipping a warm piece of cornbread into a bowl of chili. The cornbread adds a slightly sweet contrast to the spicy chili.
Additional Tips
Here are some extra tips to make your chili even better:
- Don’t Skip the Sautéing: Browning the beef and sautéing the veggies before adding them to the slow cooker helps build rich, deep flavors. It’s worth taking the extra step!
- Make It Spicy (or Mild): If you like your chili with a kick, feel free to add more cayenne or chili powder. If you prefer a milder chili, just skip the cayenne and reduce the chili powder.
- Use Fresh Herbs: If you have fresh cilantro or parsley on hand, sprinkle some on top before serving for a burst of fresh flavor.
- Let It Sit: Chili tastes even better the next day! If you have time, let it sit for a few hours or even refrigerate it overnight. The flavors will deepen and improve.
Recipe Variations
- Vegetarian Option: For a meatless version, simply omit the ground beef and use extra beans or add lentils and mushrooms for a hearty texture.
- Gluten-Free: This chili is naturally gluten-free, but just be sure to check the labels on any canned ingredients to confirm there are no hidden gluten-containing additives.
- Spicy Kick: Add a chopped jalapeño or some chipotle peppers in adobo for an extra smoky heat.
- Smokier Flavor: If you love smoky chili, consider adding a teaspoon of smoked paprika or even some bacon (beef or turkey bacon for a halal version) for a smoky depth of flavor.
Serving Suggestions
- Side Dishes: Roasted vegetables like sweet potatoes or cauliflower pair beautifully with chili. Or, keep it classic with a side of buttery cornbread or a crisp green salad.
- Wine Pairings: A medium-bodied red wine like a Zinfandel or Merlot complements the rich, spicy flavors of the chili. If you prefer white, a chilled Sauvignon Blanc will work well with the heat.
- For Kids: Serve with buttery noodles or soft rolls for a kid-friendly version. The subtle flavors will appeal to little ones who may not love too much spice.
Freezing and Storage
- Storage: Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave.
- Freezing: This chili freezes beautifully. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat until hot.
Special Equipment
You don’t need much special equipment for this recipe, but here are a few helpful items:
- Slow Cooker: Of course! A 4-6 quart slow cooker is perfect for this recipe.
- Skillet: For browning the beef and sautéing the vegetables.
- Wooden Spoon: To stir everything and avoid scraping the slow cooker pot.
FAQ Section
- Can I use store-bought chili powder? Yes! Store-bought chili powder is perfect for this recipe, but if you want to create your own blend, feel free to add more spices like garlic powder, onion powder, or ground cumin.
- Can I make this chili in advance? Absolutely! Chili tastes even better after sitting for a day or two, so feel free to make it ahead. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready.
- Can I use ground turkey instead of beef? Yes, ground turkey is a great alternative and works just as well. It’s a leaner option, so the chili will be a bit lighter but still super flavorful.
Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
- Total Time: 7 hours
Ingredients
Scale
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (or ground turkey for a lighter version)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 bell pepper, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce
- 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter version)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced green onions, cilantro, or tortilla chips
Instructions
Making this chili in the slow cooker is so simple. Here’s how you’ll do it:
- Brown the Beef:
- Start by heating the olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook, breaking it apart with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Sauté the Vegetables:
- In the same skillet, add the chopped onion, bell pepper, and garlic. Sauté for 3-4 minutes until softened and fragrant. This step helps bring out the flavors in the veggies and adds depth to your chili.
- Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Add the Spices:
- To the slow cooker, add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything together until well coated. This is where all the magic happens—the spices are what make this chili so special, so make sure you give it a good stir!
- Add the Tomatoes and Beans:
- Pour in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, and black beans. Stir everything together to combine. These ingredients give your chili its hearty texture and make it oh-so-delicious.
- Add the Broth:
- Pour in the beef broth (or vegetable broth). Stir to incorporate and give it a final mix.
- Set Your Slow Cooker:
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours. Don’t worry about stirring it halfway—just let the slow cooker do its thing. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors meld together.
- Taste and Adjust:
- About 30 minutes before you’re ready to serve, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You can add more salt, pepper, or chili powder to suit your taste.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Once the chili is ready, ladle it into bowls and top with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. Enjoy it on its own or serve it with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Protein: 30g
Conclusion
I can’t wait for you to try this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne. It’s an easy, satisfying meal that’s perfect for busy nights or when you want something comforting and hearty. Whether you’re making it for the family, hosting a casual dinner, or meal prepping for the week, this chili is guaranteed to become a favorite. Don’t forget to share your chili pics with me on social media—I’d love to see how it turned out for you! Enjoy!
