The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a delightful dish that brings warmth and flavor to any table. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this recipe offers a satisfying meal that’s simple to prepare. With its rich taste and hearty ingredients, it’s sure to become a favorite in your home. Plus, the slow cooker makes it easy to enjoy deep flavors without spending hours in the kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: With minimal chopping and no complicated techniques, you can set it and forget it.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a depth of flavor that rivals any restaurant dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own, over rice, or with toppings like avocado and tortilla chips – the possibilities are endless!
• Perfect for Batch Cooking: Make a large portion to feed a crowd or meal prep for the week ahead.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans and veggies, this chilli is as healthy as it is delicious.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for low-and-slow cooking, enhancing flavors while freeing up your time.
• Skillet: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker.

Ingredients

For the Base

• 500 g 5% fat mince beef (ground beef)
• 1 medium red onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)

For the Sauce

• 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 400 g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce

For Seasoning

• 200 ml beef stock (made using a stock cube or a 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 Beef

If you prefer extra flavor, start by heating a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once hot:
1. Add the minced beef along with diced onions and minced garlic.
2. Cook for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

Once browned:
1. Transfer the beef mixture into your slow cooker.
2. Add all remaining ingredients including chopped tomatoes, mixed beans, beef stock, dried thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder or dark chocolate, and smoked paprika.
3. Stir well to combine thoroughly.

Step 3: Slow Cook Your Chilli

Set your slow cooker:
– Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until everything is tender and flavors meld together.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy!

When ready:
1. Taste your chilli and adjust seasoning if needed.
2. Serve hot with accompaniments like rice, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream as desired.

This easy slow cooker chilli con carne is not only delicious but also an excellent way to gather friends or family around the dinner table!

How to Serve The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Serving your easy slow cooker chilli con carne can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful options to complement this hearty dish.

With Rice

• Fluffy white rice or brown rice pairs perfectly with the chilli, soaking up the delicious sauce.

Avocado Slices

• Creamy avocado slices add a rich texture and balance the spice, making each bite more satisfying.

Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy tortilla chips provide a great contrast to the soft chilli, perfect for scooping and enjoying as a side.

Cheese

• Shredded cheese, like cheddar or Monterey Jack, melts beautifully over the hot chilli, enhancing flavor and creaminess.

Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream adds coolness and richness, counteracting the heat of the spices.

Fresh Herbs

• Chopped cilantro or parsley can be sprinkled on top for freshness and color, elevating the presentation.

How to Perfect The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Making your slow cooker chilli con carne even better is simple with these tips. Follow these suggestions for an amazing meal every time.

• Add More Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition and flavor.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Experiment with different amounts of chilli powder or try adding jalapeños for an extra kick.

• Cook Low and Slow: For deeper flavors, let it cook on low for longer than 8 hours if possible; this helps meld all ingredients beautifully.

• Use High-Quality Ingredients: Fresh herbs and quality beef stock make a significant difference in taste.

• Taste Before Serving: Always taste before serving to adjust seasonings as needed; this ensures a balanced flavor profile.

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

Pairing side dishes with your easy slow cooker chilli con carne can enhance your meal. Here are some excellent choices that complement its rich flavors.

1. Cornbread: Soft and slightly sweet cornbread is perfect for soaking up the chilli’s sauce.

2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and a nice contrast to the warmth of the dish.

3. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is great for dipping into the rich sauce of the chilli.

4. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies offers a healthy balance alongside the hearty chilli.

5. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes provide a comforting base that pairs well with spicy flavours.

6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add smokiness and color to your meal.

7. Pasta Salad: A chilled pasta salad brings brightness and crunch to balance out the heaviness of the chilli.

8. Crisp Salad: A simple crisp salad with mixed greens can lighten up your plate while adding freshness.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make sure your chilli con carne turns out perfectly, here are some common mistakes to watch for.

• Not Browning the Meat – Skipping this step can lead to less flavor. Always take the time to brown the beef for a richer taste.
• Ignoring Seasoning – Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can result in bland chili. Always sample before serving and add extra spices if needed.
• Overlooking Cooking Times – Cooking for too long or not enough can affect texture. Stick to the recommended cooking times for optimal results.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients – Cheap ingredients can compromise flavor and nutrition. Invest in good quality beef and fresh veggies for the best outcome.
• Forgetting About Toppings – Missing out on toppings can make your dish less exciting. Consider garnishing with avocado, cheese, or tortilla chips for added flavor and texture.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept for up to 3 days in the fridge.

Freezing The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Oven – Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and bake for about 20 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave – Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering it loosely. Heat in short bursts, stirring in between.
• Stovetop – Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What is the best meat for chilli con carne?

Ground beef is ideal, but you can also use turkey or lamb for different flavors.

How can I spice up The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?

Add extra chili powder or jalapeños if you like it hot! Fresh herbs like cilantro also add great flavor.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

How do I thicken my chilli con carne?

If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for a while or mix in some cornmeal or masa harina.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is not just delicious; it’s also versatile and perfect for any gathering. Customize it with your favorite toppings or ingredients to suit your taste. Give it a try; it’s bound to become a family favorite!

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: Amelia
• Total Time: 0 hours
• Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x

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Description

Discover the joy of The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, a heartwarming dish that combines rich flavors and effortless preparation. This hearty chili is perfect for cozy family dinners or lively gatherings with friends. With a medley of spices and wholesome ingredients, it delivers deep, satisfying taste without requiring hours in the kitchen. Simply brown your beef and let the slow cooker do the work while you enjoy your time with loved ones. Serve it over rice or topped with creamy avocado and crunchy tortilla chips for an unforgettable meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g lean minced 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
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. 1. Brown the beef: Heat a skillet over medium heat with vegetable oil. Add minced beef, diced onions, and minced garlic. Cook for about 10 minutes until browned.
2. 2. Combine ingredients: Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add chopped tomatoes, mixed beans, beef stock, thyme, chili powder, cumin, cocoa powder, and smoked paprika. Stir well.
3. 3. Slow cook: Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until tender.
4. 4. Serve: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Enjoy hot with rice or your favorite toppings.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 5 hours (high) or 8 hours (low)
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (250g)
• Calories: 300
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 650mg
• Fat: 12g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 6g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 8g
• Protein: 22g
• Cholesterol: 70mg