Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party or looking for a comforting meal on a chilly night, this recipe delivers robust flavors and satisfying textures. With tender chunks of beef, hearty beans, and a blend of spices, it’s an excellent way to warm up your evening.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Just throw your ingredients in the slow cooker, and it does the work for you!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and quality beef creates a deeply satisfying meal.
• Versatile Meal: Serve it alone or with toppings like cheese and cilantro for added taste and texture.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week.
• Kid-Friendly: The mild spice level makes this dish appealing to both adults and children alike.

Tools and Preparation

To make the cooking process seamless, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat evenly and retaining heat while cooking.
• Slow cooker: Allows for low-and-slow cooking which enhances flavors and tenderness.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface to chop vegetables without damaging your countertops.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts for even cooking of ingredients.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 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)

For the Chili

• 15 ounces Canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces Canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 8 ounce Canned tomato sauce
• 15 ounces Canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups Beef broth

Seasonings

• 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: Sauté the Meat and Onions

1. In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the sliced beef chuck roast pieces along with the diced onions.
3. Cook until the meat is browned through and the onion is tender.

Step 2: Add Garlic

1. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain off any excess fat from the mixture in the dutch oven.
2. Return the meat mixture to the pot.
3. Add in all beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir everything together until well combined.

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker

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

Step 5: Slow Cook Your Chili

1. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4–6 hours.
2. Once done, you can reduce the temperature to warm until ready to serve.

Step 6: Serve

1. Transfer individual servings into bowls.
2. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro as desired.

Enjoy this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne as a perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy evenings at home!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is all about enhancing the rich flavors while providing a satisfying meal for your guests or family. Consider these serving suggestions to elevate your chili experience.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese adds a creamy, melty texture that complements the chili perfectly.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance the spice and add a refreshing tang.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro gives a burst of color and flavor, brightening up each bowl.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: This sweet and crumbly bread pairs well with chili, soaking up all the delicious juices.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be served on the side for dipping or sprinkling on top for added texture.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices offer a rich contrast to the spiciness of the chili.

Bowls

• Rice Bowls: Serve over fluffy rice for a hearty meal. Brown rice adds more fiber while white rice keeps it classic.
• Baked Potatoes: Ladle chili over baked potatoes for a comforting twist that’s sure to fill you up.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

To master the art of making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, consider these tips that will enhance your dish and make it even more delicious.

• Choose Quality Beef: Using high-quality beef chuck roast ensures tender meat that melts in your mouth after hours of cooking.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Experiment with different chili powders and spices to find the perfect heat level that suits your taste.
• Layer Flavors: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker builds deeper flavors in your chili.
• Let It Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for 30 minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together for an even better taste.
• Use Low Sodium Broth: Opt for low-sodium beef broth so you can control the saltiness of your dish, allowing other flavors to shine through.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne enhances your meal experience. Here are some great options to consider:

1. Cornbread: A classic pairing, this sweet bread is perfect for soaking up the rich chili broth.
2. Coleslaw: The crunch and acidity from coleslaw provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
3. Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the chili.
4. Garlic Bread: Warm garlic bread can be used for dipping and adds an aromatic touch to your meal.
5. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a nice base for those who want extra carbs with their chili.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies add depth and complement the robust flavors of the chili beautifully.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a delicious dish, but some common mistakes can affect the final result. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Bold seasoning: Over-seasoning can overpower your chili. Start with less and adjust to taste as it cooks.
• Bold cooking time: Cooking too long can make the meat tough. Stick to the recommended times for tender results.
• Bold liquid levels: Adding too much liquid can dilute flavors. Use the right amount of broth and tomatoes for a thick consistency.
• Bold ingredient quality: Using low-quality meat or canned goods can impact taste. Choose fresh ingredients for the best flavor.
• Bold topping choices: Skipping toppings can leave your dish flat. Experiment with different toppings like cheese or cilantro for extra flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat for about 25 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer to a microwave-safe bowl. Heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Pour into a saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common queries about Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne that might help enhance your cooking experience.

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

Yes! Ground beef is a great alternative and will cook faster, resulting in a slightly different texture.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The spice level depends on the chili powder used. Adjust according to your preference by adding more or less spice.

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Consider serving with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple salad for a complete meal.

How long does it take to make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The total time is about 265 minutes, including prep and slow cooking time on low.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile. You can customize it with various beans or toppings to match your taste preferences. Give this recipe a try; you won’t be disappointed!