Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a delightful dish that brings warmth and comfort to any table. This The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is not only simple to prepare but also perfect for feeding a crowd. Whether it’s a family gathering, game day, or just a cozy night in, this hearty meal delivers rich flavors and satisfying textures. Plus, it’s an excellent option for batch cooking, making leftovers a breeze!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick Preparation: Spend just 15 minutes on prep, then let the slow cooker do the rest.
- Rich Flavor: A blend of spices and quality ingredients creates a mouthwatering taste.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it with rice, tortilla chips, or even on its own!
- Healthy Dinner Choice: Packed with protein and nutrients while being low in fat.
- Budget-Friendly: Use affordable ingredients without compromising on taste.
Tools and Preparation
To make this The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. These will ensure your cooking experience is smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Slow cooker
- Skillet
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Slow cooker: The star of this recipe allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors.
- Skillet: Ideal for browning the beef and sautéing aromatics, enhancing the overall taste of your chilli.
Ingredients
For the Chilli
- 500 g 5% fat mince beef (ground beef)
- 1 medium red onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 400 g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce
- 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
For Garnish
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped
How to Make The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Step 1: Brown the Beef
If you prefer browning the beef for extra flavor:
1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Once hot, add the mince beef, diced onions, and minced garlic.
3. Cook for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned and onions are soft.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker
- Transfer the browned mixture to your slow cooker.
- Add all remaining ingredients: diced celery, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans, beef stock, dried thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder or chocolate square, and smoked paprika.
Step 3: Cook Low and Slow
- Set your slow cooker to low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.
- Allow the flavours to meld together beautifully during this time.
Step 4: Taste and Serve
- After cooking time is complete, taste your chilli.
- Adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve with accompaniments like rice, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream for an extra touch!
How to Serve The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Serving chilli con carne is a great way to make any meal feel special. This easy slow cooker dish offers a variety of options to enhance your dining experience.
With Rice
- Steamed White Rice: A classic pairing, the fluffy texture of white rice absorbs the chilli flavors beautifully.
- Brown Rice: For a healthier twist, brown rice adds nuttiness and additional fiber.
Toppings
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances the heat.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese melts perfectly on top for extra flavor.
With Tortilla Chips
- Crispy Tortilla Chips: Serve alongside these chips for dipping, adding crunch and an enjoyable textural contrast.
- Guacamole: A side of guacamole enhances the dish with its creamy avocado goodness.
Fresh Vegetables
- Sliced Avocado: Creamy avocado slices bring freshness and richness to every bite.
- Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro sprinkled on top adds a burst of flavor and color.
How to Perfect The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
To ensure your easy slow cooker chilli con carne is absolutely delicious, consider these helpful tips.
- Bold Flavors: Use fresh spices for enhanced taste. Freshly ground spices can make a big difference in flavor.
- Adjust Heat Level: Experiment with different types of chili powder to find your preferred spice level.
- Let it Simmer: Allowing the dish to simmer longer can deepen the flavors. If you have time, cook it on low for maximum taste.
- Add Sweetness: Incorporating a small amount of sugar or honey can balance out acidity from tomatoes and beans.
- Use Quality Ingredients: High-quality beef mince and fresh vegetables will elevate your dish significantly.
- Garnish Creatively: Don’t forget to garnish with toppings like green onions or jalapeños for added flavor and presentation.
Best Side Dishes for The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Pairing side dishes with your chilli con carne can elevate your meal. Here are some tasty options that complement the flavors perfectly.
- Cornbread: This sweet bread provides a wonderful contrast to the spicy chilli.
- Green Salad: A light salad with vinaigrette offers freshness that balances the richness of the dish.
- Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes can be topped with chilli for a hearty meal.
- Coleslaw: Crunchy coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that pairs well with the warmth of chilli.
- Mexican Rice: Flavored with spices, this rice adds an extra layer of taste and texture.
- Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies provide a delicious side that complements the main dish nicely.
- Pita Bread: Soft pita bread is great for scooping up chilli while adding a chewy texture.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
When making The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that could affect the outcome. Here are some tips to ensure your dish turns out perfectly.
Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef improves flavor. If you’re short on time, it’s tempting to skip this, but don’t! Take the extra 10 minutes for richer taste.
Using low-quality ingredients: Quality matters in cooking. Opt for fresh vegetables and good-quality meat to enhance the overall taste of your chilli con carne.
Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Always taste before serving. Adjusting seasonings can elevate your dish. Don’t forget to add salt and pepper as needed!
Overloading the slow cooker: Filling it too full can lead to uneven cooking. Ensure there’s enough room for steam and flavors to circulate for the best results.
Not letting it rest after cooking: Allowing your chilli to sit for 10-15 minutes enhances flavors. This resting period helps meld all the ingredients together beautifully.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- It will last up to 3 days in the fridge.
- Let it cool down before refrigerating to maintain freshness.
Freezing The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
- Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
- It can be frozen for up to 3 months.
- Label each container with the date for easy tracking.
Reheating The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat in a covered dish for about 20-25 minutes until warmed through.
Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes or until hot, stirring halfway through.
Stovetop: Heat in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, about 10-15 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this the BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?
This recipe balances rich flavors with simplicity, making it perfect for busy weeknights or gatherings without compromising on taste.
Can I customize my slow cooker chilli con carne?
Absolutely! You can add more veggies like bell peppers or zucchini, swap ground beef for turkey or plant-based options, or adjust spices according to your preference.
How do I thicken my chilli con carne?
If you prefer a thicker consistency, let it simmer uncovered for a bit longer or mix in some cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water) just before serving.
How spicy is this chilli con carne?
This recipe has a mild spice level due to the chilli powder. You can increase heat by adding more chilli powder or diced jalapeños if desired.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to develop even further. Just reheat when ready to serve!
Final Thoughts
The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is not only simple and nourishing but also highly versatile. You can easily customize this dish based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Whether you serve it at a family gathering or enjoy it as a cozy dinner at home, this recipe is sure to impress and satisfy every palate. Give it a try today!
The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x
Description
Discover the joy of comfort food with this Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne. Perfect for any occasion, this hearty dish combines tender ground beef, a medley of beans, and a blend of spices, creating rich flavors that satisfy every palate. With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker works its magic. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this chili is sure to impress. Plus, it’s ideal for batch cooking, making leftovers easy to enjoy later. Dive into a bowl of warmth and flavor today!
Ingredients
- 500 g lean ground beef (5% fat)
- 1 medium red onion (diced)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 3 stalks celery (diced)
- 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 400 g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce
- 200 ml beef stock
- Spices: dried thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder or dark chocolate, smoked paprika
Instructions
- Brown the ground beef in a skillet with oil for about 10 minutes until cooked through.
- Transfer the browned beef along with diced onions and minced garlic to the slow cooker.
- Add diced celery, chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans, beef stock, and spices.
- Cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours until flavors meld.
- Taste and adjust seasoning before serving with your favorite toppings.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Nutrition
- Serving Size: Approx. 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 10g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: For added depth of flavor, consider browning the beef first. Customize with more veggies or different meats according to your preference. Top with shredded cheese or avocado slices for extra creaminess.