Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food for chilly evenings. This hearty dish combines tender beef, nutritious beans, and a medley of spices to create a flavorful meal that’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in. With minimal preparation and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a delicious bowl of chili without the hassle. It’s also versatile enough to accommodate various toppings, making it a hit with family and friends.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set up your slow cooker and let it do the rest.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and tender beef creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Versatile Meal: Customize your chili with different toppings, such as shredded cheese, cilantro, or sour cream.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week; it tastes even better the next day!
• Great for Entertaining: Serve this dish at parties or gatherings; it’s sure to please a crowd.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes cooking smoother and more enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

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

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This tool allows you to cook your chili low and slow, enhancing flavors while freeing you up to do other things.
• Large dutch oven: Perfect for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring everything to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board: A sturdy surface is essential for safe and efficient chopping of ingredients.
• Sharp knife: A quality knife ensures clean cuts on your vegetables and meat, speeding up prep time.

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 Chili Mixture

• 15 ounces Canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces Canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 8 ounces 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 extra virgin olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef chuck roast pieces along with diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and onions are tender.
3. Add minced garlic to the mix and sauté for an additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain any excess fat from the mixture in the dutch oven.
2. Return the meat and onions back to the dutch oven.
3. Stir in both types of beans, tomato sauce, fire roasted diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper until well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

1. Bring the mixture in the dutch oven to a simmer.
2. Carefully transfer everything into your slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook on Low

1. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low heat for 4-6 hours.
2. If desired, reduce temperature to warm until you’re ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve Your Chili

1. Once cooked through, transfer chili into serving bowls.
2. Top with optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream if desired.

Now you’re ready to enjoy a delightful bowl of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate the dining experience and make it even more delightful. Here are some tasty serving suggestions that complement this hearty dish.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle a generous amount of shredded cheese on top for creaminess.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, tangy flavor that balances the spices.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and color to your chili.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve with warm cornbread for a comforting and traditional pairing.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up chili or enjoying on the side.
• Rice: A bed of fluffy rice can soak up the chili’s rich flavors, making for a filling meal.

Garnishes

• Green Onions: Chopped green onions add a mild onion flavor and a pop of color.
• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado slices provide richness and enhance the overall taste.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne involves attention to detail. Here are some tips to help you achieve the best results.

• Use Quality Meat: Choose fresh beef chuck roast for tender pieces that will enhance the flavor.
• Layer Flavors: Sauté onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker; this intensifies their taste.
• Adjust Spices: Taste as you go! Adjust chili powder and cumin based on your heat preference.
• Let It Rest: Allow your chili to sit for 30 minutes after cooking for improved flavor melding.
• Store Properly: Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge; they often taste better the next day!

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate the meal. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery cornbread complements the savory chili perfectly. Serve warm!
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice absorbs sauce beautifully, enhancing each bite.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips provide a delightful crunch and are great for dipping into chili.
4. Side Salad: A fresh green salad with light dressing helps balance the richness of the chili.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled vegetables add depth and nutrition alongside your meal.
6. Baked Potatoes: Soft baked potatoes offer a filling base that pairs well with chili toppings like cheese or sour cream.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here are some pitfalls to watch out for:

• Skipping the Searing: Not browning the meat before adding it to the slow cooker can lead to less flavor. Always sear your beef chuck roast first to enhance taste.

• Overcrowding the Ingredients: Adding too many beans or vegetables can dilute the flavors. Stick to the recommended amounts for a balanced chili.

• Neglecting Seasoning: Under-seasoning can result in bland chili. Make sure to use sufficient spices and taste as you go along.

• Not Allowing Enough Cook Time: Rushing the cooking process can leave tougher meat. Ensure you cook on low for 4-6 hours for tender beef.

• Ignoring Toppings: Skipping toppings like cheese or cilantro can miss out on added flavor. Don’t forget to add your favorite toppings before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Consume within 3-4 days for best quality.

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) and heat in an oven-safe dish until warmed through.

• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in intervals until hot.

• Stovetop: Heat over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

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

It takes about 4-6 hours on low heat in the slow cooker, plus preparation time.

Can I use ground beef instead of chunks?

Yes! Ground beef can be used if you prefer a different texture, but ensure it’s well-cooked before adding it to the slow cooker.

What beans work best in this chili recipe?

Light and dark red kidney beans are ideal, but you can also experiment with black beans or pinto beans for variety.

Can I customize the spice level in my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Absolutely! Adjust the chili powder and add fresh jalapeños or hot sauce for extra heat according to your preference.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It stores well and is perfect for meal prep. Just make sure you refrigerate or freeze appropriately after cooking.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a comforting dish perfect for cool weather gatherings. Its rich flavors and hearty ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser. Feel free to customize your chili with additional vegetables, different types of beans, or toppings like avocado or diced onions. Try making this recipe today!