Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a comforting dish that warms you from the inside out. This hearty chili is perfect for gatherings, family dinners, or cozy nights in. With tender beef, flavorful spices, and a variety of beans, it delivers rich taste and satisfaction. Perfect for cool weather, this recipe is sure to impress guests and satisfy your cravings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Cooking: Simply toss the ingredients into the slow cooker and let it do the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a deep, savory flavor that will tantalize your taste buds.
• Versatile Meal: Enjoy it on its own or pair with rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
• Family-Friendly: A crowd-pleaser that both kids and adults will love.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Makes excellent leftovers, perfect for meal prepping for the week ahead.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne efficiently, having the right tools is essential. Here’s what you need to get started.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Slow cooker: Ensures even cooking over several hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Cutting board & Sharp knife: Essential for safely chopping vegetables and meat into bite-sized pieces.

Ingredients

Here are the ingredients needed for making this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne:

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)

Beans & Tomatoes

• 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

Broth & Spices

• 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: Brown the Meat

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

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain any excess fat from the dutch oven.
2. Return the mixture to the pot.
3. Add in beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Slow Cook

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
2. Carefully transfer everything into a slow cooker.
3. Cover with a lid and cook on low for about 4 to 6 hours until flavors meld beautifully.

Step 4: Serve

1. After cooking time is up, reduce temperature to warm if not serving immediately.
2. Transfer chili into serving bowls and top with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream as desired.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your dining experience. Here are some delightful serving suggestions that complement the rich flavors of this dish.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a handful of shredded cheese on top for a creamy texture.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spices and enhances the flavor.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro adds a burst of color and freshness, making each bite vibrant.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a deliciously sweet contrast to the chili’s heat.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be used for dipping or as a side for added texture.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide healthy fats and a refreshing taste.

Garnishes

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime juice over the chili brightens the overall taste.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is all about technique and quality ingredients. Follow these tips to enhance your dish further.

• Bold seasoning: Ensure you season generously with chili powder and cumin for deep flavor.
• Quality beef: Use high-quality beef chuck roast for tenderness and rich taste after slow cooking.
• Layering flavors: Sauté the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker to build depth in flavor.
• Experiment with beans: Mix different types of beans, like black beans or pinto beans, for varied textures and tastes.
• Let it rest: Allow the chili to sit for about 30 minutes after cooking; this helps meld flavors together.

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 options that complement its flavors beautifully.

1. Garlic Bread: Crunchy garlic bread is perfect for scooping up chili and offers savory goodness.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances the hearty chili with its crispness.
3. Rice: Serve over steamed rice or quinoa for a filling meal that absorbs all the rich sauce.
4. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chili, making for a comforting dish.
5. Side Salad: A simple mixed green salad provides freshness and cuts through the richness of the chili.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smokiness and complement the flavors in your chili nicely.
7. Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brings brightness to your plate, balancing out spicy notes in the chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, avoiding common pitfalls can enhance your dish significantly.

• Using too much liquid: If you add too much broth or sauce, your chili may turn out watery. Start with the recommended amount and adjust as needed.
• Not browning the meat: Skipping the browning step can result in less flavor. Sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker for a richer taste.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Cooking for too long can make the meat tough, while not cooking enough can leave it chewy. Follow the cook time closely for best results.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Each ingredient varies in flavor; don’t forget to taste and adjust seasonings as needed throughout the cooking process.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Low-quality ingredients may lead to bland chili. Use fresh herbs and quality meats for a more flavorful dish.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Make sure to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bag for up to 3 months.
• Label with the date for easy tracking.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high, stirring every minute until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne.

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

Yes! Ground beef is a great alternative if you prefer a different texture. Just be sure to cook it thoroughly before adding it to the slow cooker.

How can I make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne spicier?

To increase the heat, add more chili powder or include diced jalapeños. Adjust according to your taste preferences.

What beans are best for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Light and dark red kidney beans are ideal, but feel free to mix in black beans or pinto beans for variety.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth for a delicious vegetarian version.

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

Cooking on low typically takes about 6-8 hours. Check for tenderness of the beef before serving.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish perfect for any occasion. Its rich flavors and tender beef make it an appealing meal choice. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional spices to suit your taste!