Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the perfect dish for cozy nights or gatherings with friends. This rich and hearty chili features tender beef, beans, and a blend of spices that create an irresistible flavor profile. Ideal for any occasion, this meal can be served as a comforting dinner or as a crowd-pleasing option at your next potluck.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal prep time and simple steps, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
• Rich in Flavor: The combination of spices and slow-cooked beef ensures a deep, satisfying taste.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or with your favorite toppings.
• Perfect for Leftovers: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it great for meal prep.
• Feeding a Crowd?: With six servings in this recipe, it’s ideal for family dinners or gatherings.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need some essential tools and equipment. These items will help you create a delicious dish with ease.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before slow cooking, enhancing flavor.
• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, enabling flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.

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 Beans & Sauce

• 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

For Seasoning

• 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 chunks of beef chuck roast along with the diced onion.
3. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is tender.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

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

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

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

Step 4: Slow Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours.
2. If needed, reduce temperature to warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve and Enjoy!

1. Once cooked, transfer your chili into serving bowls.
2. Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro as desired.

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne offers warmth and comfort in every bite—perfect for any chilly evening!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate the meal experience. Whether you prefer it simple or loaded with toppings, there are many ways to enjoy this hearty dish.

Classic Toppings

• Shredded cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar or Monterey Jack adds creaminess and flavor.
• Sour cream: A dollop on top offers a cooling contrast to the spicy chili.
• Chopped cilantro: Fresh herbs brighten the dish and enhance its aroma.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Warm, buttery cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chili.
• Rice: Serve over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy chips add texture and can be used for dipping.

Garnishes

• Green onions: Sliced green onions provide a fresh crunch.
• Avocado slices: Creamy avocado is a delicious addition that pairs well with the spices.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can take it from good to extraordinary. Here are some helpful tips.

• Bold flavors: Use fresh spices and seasonings for a more robust flavor profile.
• Layer ingredients: Add ingredients in stages to build depth; start with meat, then vegetables, followed by liquids.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the chili to cook longer enhances the flavors. Aim for 6 hours on low if possible.
• Taste and adjust: Always taste before serving; adjust seasoning as needed for balance.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent choices that complement the hearty flavors of chili.

1. Garlic Bread: Toasted bread with garlic butter is perfect for dipping into chili.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy slaw adds crunch and freshness, balancing the richness of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a great base to load with chili and toppings.
4. Vegetable Sticks: Crisp carrot and celery sticks offer a refreshing bite alongside spicy chili.
5. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad brings a nutritious twist and complements the meal nicely.
6. Stuffed Peppers: Bell peppers filled with rice or grains provide an additional veggie option that pairs well with chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne. Here are some key pitfalls to watch out for:

• Using Too Much Liquid: Adding excessive broth can make the chili too soupy. Stick to the recommended 2 cups of beef broth for the right consistency.
• Not Browning the Meat: Skipping the browning step can lead to less flavor. Take a few minutes to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker for a richer taste.
• Overcooking or Undercooking: Timing is crucial. Ensure you cook on low for 4-6 hours, as overcooking can dry out the meat, while undercooking may leave it tough.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Tasting during cooking is important. Adjust spices and salt as needed to achieve your desired flavor profile.
• Neglecting Bean Preparation: Using canned beans without rinsing can add excessive sodium. Always drain and rinse canned beans before adding them to your chili.

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

• 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 and cover with foil. Heat for about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat in 1-minute intervals until warmed through.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne that may help clarify your cooking process.

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

Yes, ground beef works well for this recipe if you prefer a different texture. Just brown it before adding other ingredients.

What toppings pair best with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro, but feel free to get creative with your favorites!

Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with plant-based protein and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

How do I spice up my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

To add more heat, include jalapeños or cayenne pepper according to your taste preference.

Can I make this in advance?

Yes! This dish actually tastes better when made ahead of time. It allows flavors to meld beautifully.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is not only hearty but also versatile. You can customize it by adjusting spices or adding different toppings based on your preferences. Give this recipe a try; it’s perfect for cozy dinners or meal prep!