Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for chilly evenings. This flavorful recipe features tender beef, robust beans, and a blend of spices that create a warm, comforting meal. Ideal for family gatherings or casual get-togethers, this chili is sure to impress with its rich taste and easy preparation. Plus, it fills the kitchen with an enticing aroma as it simmers away in the slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Just toss all the ingredients into your slow cooker and let it do the work!
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking brings out deep, savory flavors.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alone or with toppings like cheese or cilantro to suit everyone’s taste.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make a big batch for easy leftovers throughout the week.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner, this chili fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne successfully, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure great results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: The star of the show! It allows for hands-off cooking, making meal prep effortless.
• Large Dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping ingredients quickly and efficiently.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to prepare your delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne:

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

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 Vegetables

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chuck roast pieces along with the diced onion.
3. Cook until the meat is browned and the onion is tender—about 5-7 minutes.
4. Stir in minced garlic and cook for one more minute until fragrant.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain any excess fat from the pot.
2. Return the meat mixture to the Dutch oven.
3. Add in both types of kidney beans, tomato sauce, fire-roasted tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir everything well until combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook Your Chili

1. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer on medium heat.
2. Carefully transfer everything into your slow cooker.
3. Cover and cook on low for 4-6 hours; then reduce to warm until ready to serve.

Step 4: Serve Your Chili

1. Once cooked, ladle portions into serving bowls.
2. Top each bowl with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a delicious bowl of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne that warms both heart and soul!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a delightful experience that allows you to customize each bowl according to personal tastes. Here are some creative ways to enhance your chili experience.

Toppings

• Shredded cheese – A sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess and richness.
• Sour cream – Adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Cilantro – Fresh cilantro provides a burst of flavor and freshness.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread – A sweet, buttery bread that pairs perfectly with chili.
• Tortilla chips – Crunchy chips offer a nice texture contrast; perfect for scooping!
• Rice – Serve chili over rice for a hearty meal.

Garnishes

• Green onions – Chopped green onions add color and a mild onion flavor.
• Avocado slices – Creamy avocado balances the heat of the chili.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your dish from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure a delicious outcome.

• Choose quality beef – Select chuck roast for its tender flavor after slow cooking.
• Brown the meat – Searing the beef first enhances its taste and texture.
• Use fresh spices – Fresh spices provide a more vibrant flavor compared to old ones.
• Let it simmer longer – Cooking your chili for longer allows flavors to meld beautifully.
• Adjust seasoning at the end – Taste before serving and adjust salt and spices as needed.

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:

1. Garlic Bread – Toasted bread brushed with garlic butter complements the chili’s flavors.
2. Coleslaw – A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and contrast in texture.
3. Steamed Vegetables – Lightly steamed broccoli or carrots provide nutrition without overpowering flavors.
4. Baked Potatoes – Fluffy potatoes can be topped with chili for a filling dish.
5. Quesadillas – Cheesy quesadillas can be served on the side or as an accompaniment for dipping.
6. Corn on the Cob – Sweet corn brings a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs well with chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to overlook some details that can affect the dish’s flavor and texture.

• Using the wrong cut of meat: Choosing a lean cut can lead to dry chili. Opt for beef chuck roast for better flavor and tenderness.
• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the meat can result in a less rich flavor. Always brown the beef first to enhance the overall taste.
• Overloading on spices: Adding too many spices can overwhelm your chili. Stick to recommended amounts and taste as you go.
• Neglecting to drain beans: Not draining canned beans can make your chili watery. Always rinse and drain beans for a better texture.
• Not allowing enough cooking time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to tough meat and underdeveloped flavors. Give it at least 4 hours on low in the slow cooker.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags for storage.
• The chili can be frozen 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, cover, and heat for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan until hot, stirring occasionally.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish made with tender chunks of beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices that simmer together in a slow cooker.

How do I customize my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

You can add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, use different types of beans, or adjust the spice level by adding more chili powder or fresh peppers.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

Yes! This recipe is great for meal prep. You can prepare it ahead and store it in the refrigerator or freezer.

What should I serve with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Delicious options include cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. Toppings like cheese, sour cream, and cilantro also enhance the dish.

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

It typically takes about 4-6 hours on low heat in a slow cooker for the flavors to develop fully.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is not only comforting but also versatile. It’s perfect for chilly evenings and easy to customize based on your preferences. Whether you stick to classic ingredients or try new variations, this dish is sure to please your taste buds. Give it a try!