Easy Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne Recipe

Chili Con Carne is a classic, hearty dish that’s perfect for warming up on a cold day or satisfying a crowd at a casual gathering. When made in a slow cooker, this dish becomes even more convenient, allowing you to set it up in the morning and return to a perfectly cooked, flavorful meal by dinnertime. This easy slow cooker chili con carne recipe is packed with robust spices, tender meat, and rich tomato flavor, making it a surefire hit with your family and friends. Read on to discover how to create this mouthwatering dish with step-by-step instructions, tips, and creative serving ideas.

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What is Chili Con Carne?

Chili Con Carne, which translates to "chili with meat," is a popular Tex-Mex dish traditionally made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a mix of spices including chili powder. It’s a versatile and hearty dish that can be served on its own or with a variety of sides like rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to develop fully, resulting in a rich and satisfying meal.

Ingredients List for Chili Con Carne

Before you start, make sure you have all the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy slow cooker chili con carne:

1. Ground Beef: 1 pound of lean ground beef (85% lean is ideal). The beef adds richness and depth to the chili.
2. Onion: 1 large onion, finely chopped. Onions add a sweet and savory base to the dish.
3. Garlic: 3 cloves of garlic, minced. Garlic enhances the overall flavor profile with its aromatic qualities.
4. Bell Peppers: 1 red bell pepper and 1 green bell pepper, diced. Bell peppers add a subtle sweetness and vibrant color.
5. Canned Tomatoes: 2 cans (14.5 ounces each) of diced tomatoes with their juices. These provide the essential tomato base for the chili.
6. Tomato Paste: 2 tablespoons of tomato paste. This thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
7. Beans: 1 can (15 ounces) of kidney beans and 1 can (15 ounces) of black beans, drained and rinsed. Beans add bulk and texture, making the chili hearty and filling.
8. Beef Broth: 1 cup of low-sodium beef broth. The broth adds depth and helps create a rich, flavorful sauce.
9. Spices: 2 tablespoons of chili powder, 1 teaspoon of cumin, 1 teaspoon of smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon of oregano, ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper (optional for heat), salt, and pepper to taste. These spices are crucial for achieving that classic chili flavor.
10. Olive Oil: 1 tablespoon of olive oil for sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker.
11. Worcestershire Sauce: 1 tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce. This adds a layer of umami flavor to the chili.
12. Dark Chocolate (optional): 1 ounce of dark chocolate (70% cocoa or higher). Adding chocolate deepens the flavor and adds a subtle richness.

Substitutions and Variations

Chili Con Carne is a versatile dish that can be easily adapted to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some ideas for substitutions and variations:

1. Meat Substitutions: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, chicken, or pork for a different flavor profile. For a vegetarian version, use plant-based ground meat or extra beans.
2. Bean Varieties: Replace the kidney and black beans with pinto beans, navy beans, or chickpeas. You can also use a mix of your favorite beans.
3. Spice Levels: Adjust the spice level by adding more or less cayenne pepper. For an extra kick, consider adding chopped jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce.
4. Smoky Flavor: For a smokier chili, use chipotle chili powder or add a chopped chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
5. Vegetable Additions: Include additional vegetables like zucchini, corn, or carrots to boost the nutritional content and add more texture.
6. Tomato Alternatives: Use fire-roasted tomatoes for a smoky flavor or crushed tomatoes for a smoother sauce.

Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions

Making chili con carne in a slow cooker is easy, but following each step carefully ensures the best results. Here’s how to do it:

1. Prepare the Ingredients: Start by chopping the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. Drain and rinse the beans, and set all the ingredients aside.
2. Brown the Ground Beef: In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat if necessary.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic: In the same skillet, add the chopped onions and garlic. Cook until the onions are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. This step helps to develop the flavor.
4. Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef, sautéed onions, and garlic to the slow cooker. Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, beans, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and all the spices. Stir well to combine.
5. Add Optional Ingredients: If using, add the dark chocolate to the mixture. It will melt into the chili as it cooks, adding a subtle richness.
6. Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to low. Cook the chili for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors will meld together.
7. Stir and Taste: About 30 minutes before serving, give the chili a good stir and taste it. Adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or spices as needed.
8. Serve and Enjoy: Once the chili is cooked, it’s ready to serve. Garnish with your favorite toppings and enjoy!

How to Cook Chili Con Carne: A Step-by-Step Guide

For a quicker reference, here’s a simplified version of the cooking process:

1. Brown the ground beef in a skillet.
2. Sauté onions and garlic in the same skillet.
3. Transfer the beef, onions, and garlic to the slow cooker.
4. Add diced tomatoes, tomato paste, bell peppers, beans, broth, Worcestershire sauce, spices, and optional dark chocolate.
5. Stir well, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Taste, adjust seasoning, and serve.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Even though this recipe is simple, there are a few common mistakes to avoid:

1. Not Browning the Beef: Browning the beef before adding it to the slow cooker adds flavor and helps lock in juices. Don’t skip this step.
2. Under-seasoning: Chili relies heavily on spices for flavor. Be generous with the seasoning and taste as you go to adjust.
3. Using Too Much Liquid: The slow cooker traps moisture, so be cautious not to add too much liquid. The tomatoes and beans release some liquid as they cook.
4. Skipping the Sauté: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavor. It’s worth the extra step.
5. Lifting the Lid: Resist the urge to lift the lid during cooking. Each time you do, it releases heat and can prolong the cooking time.

Serving and Presentation Tips

How you serve and present your chili con carne can elevate the dining experience. Here are some ideas:

1. Garnish Generously: Top the chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, chopped cilantro, or sliced green onions. A squeeze of lime juice also adds a fresh, tangy kick.
2. Serve with Sides: Pair the chili with warm cornbread, crusty bread, tortilla chips, or a side of rice for a complete meal.
3. Use Fun Serving Dishes: Serve the chili in bread bowls, or use rustic bowls for a cozy feel.
4. Set Up a Chili Bar: Offer a variety of toppings and sides, allowing guests to customize their chili. This is perfect for casual get-togethers or game day events.

How to Serve Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne is a versatile dish that can be served in many ways:

1. Classic Bowl: Serve the chili in a bowl with your favorite toppings and a side of cornbread or crackers.
2. Over Rice: Spoon the chili over a bed of white or brown rice for a hearty, filling meal.
3. In a Bread Bowl: Hollow out a round loaf of bread and serve the chili inside for a unique presentation.
4. As a Dip: Serve the chili with tortilla chips, pita chips, or fresh veggies for dipping.
5. On a Baked Potato: Top a baked potato with chili and cheese for a comforting, satisfying meal.

Presentation Ideas for Chili Con Carne

Presentation matters, especially when you’re serving guests. Here are some creative ways to present your chili con carne:

1. Mason Jar Chili: Layer chili, cheese, and sour cream in mason jars for a portable and visually appealing presentation.
2. Chili Nachos: Spread tortilla chips on a platter, top with chili, and sprinkle with cheese. Broil until the cheese is melted, then add fresh toppings.
3. Chili Tacos: Serve the chili in soft or hard taco shells with your favorite toppings for a fun twist.
4. Chili-Stuffed Peppers : Hollow out bell peppers and stuff them with chili, then bake until the peppers are tender.

Chili Con Carne Recipe Tips

To ensure your chili con carne turns out perfectly every time, keep these tips in mind:

1. Make It Ahead: Chili con carne often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Make it ahead of time and reheat before serving.
2. Freeze for Later: Chili con carne freezes well, so make a double batch and freeze half for an easy meal later on.
3. Customize the Heat: Offer extra hot sauce or chopped jalapeños on the side so everyone can adjust the spice level to their liking.
4. Use Fresh Spices: Ensure your spices are fresh for the best flavor. Spices lose their potency over time.
5. Balance the Flavors: If your chili is too acidic from the tomatoes, add a pinch of sugar or a drizzle of honey to balance it out.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can I make this chili con carne in advance?
A: Yes, chili con carne often tastes better the next day. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat before serving.

Q: Can I freeze chili con carne?
A: Absolutely! Chili con carne freezes well. Let it cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q: What can I do if my chili is too thin?
A: If your chili is too thin, let it cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce the liquid. You can also mash some of the beans to thicken it.

Q: Is chili con carne gluten-free?
A: Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as you use gluten-free beef broth and check that all canned ingredients are gluten-free.

Q: Can I make chili con carne without beans?
A: Yes, if you prefer a beanless chili, simply omit the beans. You can add extra meat or vegetables to make up for the volume.

Conclusion

This easy slow cooker chili con carne recipe is a fantastic way to enjoy a hearty, flavorful meal with minimal effort. The slow cooker does all the hard work, allowing the flavors to develop and the meat to become tender and juicy. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner, hosting a casual gathering, or simply craving a comforting dish, this chili con carne is sure to satisfy. Follow the steps, use the tips provided, and enjoy a bowl of delicious, homemade chili that will have everyone asking for seconds!

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