Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. This rich, meaty chili features tender chunks of beef, beans, and a blend of spices, making it perfect for cozy evenings or gatherings with friends. Its robust flavors and comforting texture ensure it stands out at any occasion, whether it’s game day or a family dinner.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: Simply toss everything into the slow cooker and let it do the magic while you relax or attend to other tasks.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of tender beef, savory beans, and spices creates a deliciously rich flavor profile that will satisfy any appetite.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese and cilantro, or enjoy it on its own for a filling meal.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili holds up well in the fridge and can even be frozen for future meals, making it ideal for busy weeks.
• Crowd-Pleaser: With its hearty ingredients and satisfying taste, this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is sure to impress family and friends alike.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into this delightful recipe, it’s important to gather the right tools. Using the right equipment ensures smooth preparation and cooking.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables, helping to deepen the flavors before slow cooking.
• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while infusing flavors over several hours, resulting in tender meat and rich broth.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients efficiently.
• Sharp knife: Ensures clean cuts of meat and vegetables for even cooking.

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Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 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)
• 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
• 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

1. In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef chuck pieces along with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned through and the onion is tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one additional minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain off excess fat from the mixture in the dutch oven.
2. Return the mixture back to the dutch oven.
3. Add all beans, tomato sauce, fire-roasted diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

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

Step 4: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for about 4–6 hours or until beef is very tender.
2. Once cooked through, reduce temperature to warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve

1. Ladle the chili into serving bowls.
2. Top with desired toppings like shredded cheese or cilantro before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your dining experience. This hearty dish is customizable, allowing you to add a variety of toppings and sides to suit everyone’s tastes.

Toppings

• Shredded cheese: Sprinkle a layer of your favorite cheese on top for a creamy texture.
• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream adds richness and balances the spices.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a bright flavor that complements the chili.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Soft, buttery cornbread pairs perfectly with chili and is great for sopping up the sauce.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice to soak up all the delicious flavors.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips make for a fun side that adds texture to each bite.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Creating the perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne requires attention to detail. With these tips, you can enhance the flavor and texture of your chili.

• Choose quality meat: Select good cuts like beef chuck roast for tenderness and rich flavor.
• Brown the meat: Searing the beef before adding it to the slow cooker enhances its flavor.
• Use fresh spices: Freshly ground spices can intensify the aroma and taste of your chili.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasoning in small increments throughout cooking for balanced flavor.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chili to sit after cooking can deepen its flavors before serving.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can create a complete meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this savory dish.

1. Cornbread: A classic choice, cornbread’s sweetness balances the chili’s heat beautifully.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and freshness alongside your chili.
3. Baked potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a hearty base for chili, making it even more filling.
4. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
5. Steamed vegetables: Lightly steamed veggies add color and nutrition without overpowering flavors.
6. Pita chips with hummus: This combo offers a healthy crunch that pairs well with spicy dishes.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can result in a bland chili. Always choose fresh vegetables and high-quality meat for the best flavor.
• Overcooking the meat: Cooking the beef too long before adding it to the slow cooker can make it tough. Sear it just until browned for a tender result.
• Not measuring spices: Adding too much or too little spice can throw off the balance of flavors. Use precise measurements for a well-seasoned chili.
• Skipping the sauté step: Sautéing onions and garlic enhances their flavors, which can elevate your chili. Don’t skip this crucial step!
• Neglecting to taste as you go: Failing to adjust seasoning during cooking can lead to an unbalanced dish. Always taste your chili and adjust if necessary.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Allow chili to cool completely before freezing.
• Store in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a pot, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

If you’re new to making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you might have some questions. Here are some common queries along with answers.

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

Yes, you can use ground beef! It will give your chili a different texture but will still be delicious.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The spice level depends on how much chili powder you add. Start with the recommended amount and adjust according to your taste preferences.

Can I add vegetables to my chili?

Absolutely! Bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can be great additions that enhance both flavor and nutrition.

How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?

Cook on low for 4-6 hours for optimal tenderness and flavor development.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors make it ideal for chilly nights, while its versatility allows you to customize it with various toppings or additional ingredients. Give this recipe a try; you’ll love how easy and satisfying it is!