The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering, needing a comforting weeknight meal, or preparing for a family get-together, this recipe has you covered. Its rich flavors and satisfying textures make it a standout choice for anyone looking to enjoy a delicious homemade dinner with minimal effort.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Preparation: This recipe requires minimal hands-on time. Just chop the ingredients, combine them in your slow cooker, and let it do the work!
• Flavorful and Satisfying: The blend of spices, beans, and beef creates a deep flavor profile that will please even the pickiest eaters.
• Perfect for Batch Cooking: Making a large pot means you can enjoy leftovers or freeze portions for later meals, saving time on busy days.
• Customizable Ingredients: You can easily modify the ingredients to suit your taste or dietary needs by adding more veggies or adjusting spice levels.
• Feeds a Crowd: With generous servings, this recipe is ideal for feeding family and friends without breaking the bank.

Tools and Preparation

Preparation is key to making the BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne. Having the right tools will streamline your cooking process and improve results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The heart of this recipe, allowing you to simmer flavors slowly for maximum taste with minimal effort.
• Skillet: Useful for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before combining them with other ingredients in the slow cooker.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently and keeping your kitchen organized.

Ingredients

For the Chilli

• 500 g 5% fat mince beef (ground beef)
• 1 medium red onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 400 g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce
• 200 ml beef stock (made using a stock cube or stock pot)
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 ½ teaspoon chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or 1 small square of dark chocolate
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

How to Make The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Brown the Meat

1. If desired, heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Once hot, add the ground beef along with diced onions and minced garlic.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the browned beef mixture into your slow cooker.
2. Add all remaining ingredients: chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans in chilli sauce, beef stock, thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder (or dark chocolate), and smoked paprika.
3. Stir everything well to ensure an even mixture.

Step 3: Cook

1. Cover your slow cooker with its lid.
2. Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Serve

1. Once cooked, taste the chilli and adjust seasoning as needed.
2. Serve hot with rice, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream as desired.

Enjoy your delicious homemade easy slow cooker chilli con carne!

How to Serve The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Serving the BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne can elevate your dining experience. This flavorful dish pairs wonderfully with various accompaniments that enhance its rich taste and texture.

With Rice

• Serve over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty meal.

Avocado Slices

• Fresh avocado adds a creamy element that balances the heat of the chilli.

Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy tortilla chips make for a great side, perfect for dipping into the chilli.

Shredded Cheese

• Melted cheese on top adds richness and flavor, making each bite indulgent.

Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream can cool down the spiciness and add creaminess to your bowl.

How to Perfect The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

To achieve the ultimate flavour and texture in your chilli, consider these helpful tips.

• Brown the beef: For enhanced depth of flavor, brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker. This step caramelizes the meat and intensifies its taste.
• Use quality tomatoes: Opt for high-quality canned tomatoes for a fresher taste. Look for those without added sugars or preservatives.
• Adjust spice levels: Modify the amount of chilli powder based on your preference. Start small and increase gradually to control spiciness.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chilli to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Pairing sides with your chilli can make it even more satisfying. Here are some excellent options to consider:

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread perfectly complements spicy chilli, providing a delightful contrast.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and brightness, balancing the richness of the dish.
3. Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables offer a smoky flavor that complements the spices in your chilli.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can serve as a base for your chilli, soaking up all those delicious juices.
5. Cilantro Lime Rice: Adding cilantro and lime to rice introduces fresh notes that elevate your meal.
6. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole not only tastes great but also enhances textures when paired with chilli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can elevate your cooking experience. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Overcooking the beef: Browning the beef too long can lead to a dry texture. Aim for just a few minutes until it’s browned, then transfer it to the slow cooker.
• Skipping the seasoning: Not seasoning adequately can make your chilli bland. Always taste and adjust seasonings before serving.
• Ignoring the cook time: Cooking on high instead of low may yield underdeveloped flavors. Stick to the recommended low setting for 8 hours for best results.
• Using low-quality ingredients: Cheap ingredients may compromise flavor. Choose fresh vegetables and quality stock for a richer taste.
• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately can cause flavors to be muted. Allowing the chilli to rest for a few minutes enhances its overall taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Freezing The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months.

Reheating The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place in an oven-safe dish and cover with foil until heated through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne:

What can I serve with The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?

You can serve this dish with rice, tortilla chips, avocado slices, or even topped with cheese and sour cream.

How long does The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne last in the fridge?

It lasts about 3-4 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

Can I use turkey instead of beef in this recipe?

Absolutely! Ground turkey makes a great substitute and will still provide delicious flavor.

Is The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne spicy?

The spice level depends on how much chilli powder you add. You can adjust it to your preference by starting with less and adding more as needed.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is both delicious and versatile, making it perfect for family dinners or gatherings. Customize it by adding your favorite toppings or adjusting spices according to your taste. Give it a try; you won’t be disappointed!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

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• Author: Vanessa
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the hearty goodness of The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne. This mouthwatering dish is a perfect blend of spices, tender beef, and beans, creating a satisfying meal that’s easy to prepare. With minimal hands-on time and the convenience of a slow cooker, this recipe allows you to enjoy rich flavors without the stress of cooking. Ideal for game day gatherings or cozy family dinners, it’s versatile enough to please even the pickiest eaters. Top it off with fresh avocado slices or crunchy tortilla chips for an extra layer of flavor. Whether served over rice or enjoyed straight from the pot, this chilli con carne is sure to become a staple in your home.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g ground beef
• 1 medium red onion
• 4 cloves garlic
• 3 stalks celery
• 400 g chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 400 g mixed beans in chili sauce
• 200 ml beef stock
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 ½ teaspoon chili powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 1 small square of dark chocolate
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Brown the ground beef with diced onions and minced garlic in a skillet over medium heat for about 10 minutes.
2. Transfer the mixture to your slow cooker and add chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans, beef stock, thyme, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder (or dark chocolate), and smoked paprika. Stir well.
3. Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until flavors meld together beautifully.
4. Taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 80mg