If you have ever wanted to cozy up with a bowl of rich, hearty chili that practically melts in your mouth, you have just found The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe. This dish is everything you hope for in comfort food: deeply flavorful, wonderfully spiced, and so simple to prepare that it practically makes itself while you go about your day. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers, this slow cooker chilli delivers layers of smoky, spicy, and slightly sweet notes complemented by tender beef and beans, making it an absolute winner every time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe lies in its straightforward ingredients list, each component playing a crucial role to build the perfect balance of flavors, textures, and colors. From the aromatic garlic to the rich cocoa powder, these essentials come together to create a dish that’s both comforting and exciting.
- 500 g ground beef: Choose a good quality lean beef for the best texture and flavor.
- 1 medium red onion: Adds sweetness and depth when browned with the beef.
- 4 cloves garlic: Gives a fragrant punch and warmth to the base.
- 3 stalks celery: Brings a subtle crunch and aromatic freshness.
- 400 g chopped tomatoes: Provide natural acidity and a rich tomato base.
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée: Concentrates the tomato flavor for depth and intensity.
- 400 g mixed beans in chili sauce: Adds hearty texture and a spicy kick.
- 200 ml beef stock: Enriches the sauce with savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme: Introduces earthiness to complement the spices.
- 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder: Delivers the essential heat that defines chilli.
- 2 teaspoons cumin: Infuses a warm, smoky undertone.
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 1 small square of dark chocolate: Boosts complexity with a subtle bitterness and richness.
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika: Lends a smoky depth that rounds out the spice profile.
How to Make The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Beef and Aromatics
Start by heating a skillet over medium heat and brown the ground beef along with diced red onion and minced garlic. This step sautés away excess moisture and builds the foundational flavors through caramelization, which is so important for developing the richness that makes this recipe stand out. Aim for a nice golden brown without burning, which takes about 10 minutes.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker
Once your beef mixture is beautifully browned, transfer it into the slow cooker. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans in chili sauce, beef stock, dried thyme, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder (or dark chocolate), and smoked paprika. Give everything a good stir so the spices and sauces blend together evenly. This layering of flavors is what creates that amazing depth in The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe.
Step 3: Slow Cook the Chilli
Set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours, or if you’re pressed for time, high for 5 hours. During this slow cooking process, the flavors harmonize beautifully, the beef becomes tender, and the sauce thickens into the perfect consistency. The long cook time is what transforms simple ingredients into a dish packed with heart and soul.
Step 4: Taste and Adjust Seasonings
Before serving, always taste your chilli and adjust the seasoning to suit your preferences. You might want to add a pinch of salt, a little extra chili powder for heat, or a sprinkle of sugar if the tomatoes feel too acidic. This personal touch ensures every batch of The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe is tailored just for you.
How to Serve The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
Brighten your bowl with fresh garnishes like chopped cilantro, diced avocado, a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt, and a sprinkle of shredded cheese. These not only add contrasting textures but also bring a touch of creaminess and freshness that elevates the whole dish.
Side Dishes
Serve this chilli with classic sides such as fluffy white rice or warm cornbread to soak up all those glorious juices. Crusty bread or tortilla chips also work wonderfully, giving you a satisfying crunch alongside every spoonful.
Creative Ways to Present
Feeling adventurous? Transform The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe into a loaded baked potato topping, a filling for soft tacos, or even layer it into nachos for an irresistible party platter. It’s versatile enough to fit your mood and occasion.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, store any leftover chilli in airtight containers in the refrigerator. It keeps well for up to 4 days, and in fact, the flavors often deepen after sitting for a day, making your leftovers just as tasty as the fresh batch.
Freezing
This chilli freezes like a dream. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion. It can be kept frozen for up to 3 months without losing its flavor or texture, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen, then warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally until piping hot. You can also microwave individual servings, just be sure to stir halfway through to heat evenly without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use different types of beans in this recipe?
Absolutely! While mixed beans in chili sauce add a nice diversity of texture and spice, you can swap in kidney beans, black beans, or pinto beans depending on your preference or what you have on hand. Just make sure they’re cooked or canned for best results.
How spicy is The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe?
The heat level is moderate and balanced thanks to the combination of chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika. However, you can easily adjust the spice by adding more chili powder or including fresh chilies if you like it hotter.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian or vegan?
To create a vegetarian or vegan version, simply replace the ground beef with a plant-based meat substitute or extra beans and vegetables like mushrooms or lentils. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock and ensure your beans are dairy and meat-free.
Do I need to brown the beef first?
Browning the beef is highly recommended as it caramelizes the meat and onions, enhancing the overall flavor and giving The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe a richer taste and better texture. Skipping this step might make the chili less flavorful.
What can I do if my chilli turns out too thick or too thin?
If your chilli is too thick, stir in a splash of beef stock or water to loosen it up. If it’s too thin, take the lid off during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow excess liquid to evaporate and the sauce to thicken beautifully.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe that makes it a staple in my kitchen all year round. Its ease, warmth, and soul-satisfying flavors are a reminder that great food doesn’t have to be complicated. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own favorite comfort dish too!
Print
The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican
Description
This Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Featuring tender ground beef simmered with aromatic spices, mixed beans, and a rich tomato base, this recipe makes use of the slow cooker to deepen the flavors over several hours with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 medium red onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 stalks celery, chopped
Tomato and Beans
- 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 400 g mixed beans in chili sauce
Liquids and Seasonings
- 200 ml beef stock
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 ½ teaspoons chili powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 1 small square of dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Instructions
- Brown the meat and aromatics: Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the ground beef along with diced red onion and minced garlic, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened, about 10 minutes. This step enhances the flavor of the meat.
- Combine ingredients in the slow cooker: Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans in chili sauce, beef stock, dried thyme, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder (or dark chocolate), and smoked paprika. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients.
- Slow cook the chilli: Cover the slow cooker and set it to cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours. This slow cooking allows the flavors to meld together beautifully and the beans to soften.
- Adjust seasoning and serve: Before serving, taste the chilli con carne and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding salt or extra spices to your preference. Serve hot.
Notes
- Browning the meat before slow cooking enhances the flavor and texture of the beef.
- You can substitute cocoa powder with a small piece of dark chocolate for a richer taste.
- If you prefer a spicier dish, increase the chili powder to suit your taste.
- This dish pairs well with rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
