A steaming bowl of chili con carne is the epitome of comfort food, especially on a chilly evening when all you want is something hearty and satisfying. This slow cooker chili is the answer to those long days when you need a meal that practically makes itself.
After a long day, there’s nothing better than coming home to a kitchen filled with the delicious aromas of spicy, savory chili simmering away in the slow cooker, just waiting to be devoured.
What makes this chili con carne so irresistible is the perfect balance of tender beef, rich tomatoes, and a bold combination of spices. It’s hearty, spicy, and totally satisfying. Whether you’re enjoying it with friends at a game day party or serving it to your family for dinner, this dish delivers comfort and flavor with minimal effort.
Why This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a Must-Try
If you’re looking for a dish that’s easy to make, full of flavor, and will feed a crowd, this chili is the perfect choice. Here’s why it will quickly become your go-to recipe:
- Hands-Off Cooking – The slow cooker does all the work for you. Simply toss everything in, set it, and let the flavors meld together while you go about your day.
- Rich and Flavorful – The beef, beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices create a complex flavor that’s both hearty and spicy without being overwhelming.
- Customizable – Add more heat with extra chili powder or customize the beans and vegetables to suit your tastes.
- Perfect for Leftovers – Chili only gets better as it sits, making it perfect for meal prepping or serving the next day.
This chili is not just a meal; it’s a cozy, flavorful experience that gets better the longer it simmers.
Key Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
The beauty of this recipe lies in its simple, no-fuss ingredients, which all come together to create a hearty and flavorful meal. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Ground Beef – The heart of the chili, providing that rich, meaty base.
- Canned Tomatoes – Tomatoes add the necessary richness and a little acidity to balance the spices.
- Beans – Kidney beans and black beans are great for adding texture and making the chili even more filling.
- Chili Powder – The key spice that adds that deep, smoky heat. Adjust it to your preferred spice level.
- Onions and Garlic – The base aromatics that bring savory depth to the dish.
- Beef Broth – To create a rich, hearty liquid that complements the spices.
- Bell Peppers – Add a touch of sweetness and crunch to the chili.
With these basic ingredients, you can create a rich and flavorful chili that will have everyone asking for the recipe.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
This recipe is perfect for a lazy weekend, when you just want to toss everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. Here’s how to get it done:
- Brown the Beef – In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- Add the Veggies – To the slow cooker, add the onions, garlic, and bell peppers. These aromatics will help build a rich flavor base.
- Combine the Rest of the Ingredients – Pour in the canned tomatoes, beef broth, and beans. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, and salt. Stir everything to combine.
- Set It and Forget It – Cover and set the slow cooker to low for 6-8 hours, or high for 3-4 hours. Let the chili simmer and develop those rich, savory flavors.
- Taste and Adjust – Before serving, taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with more salt, chili powder, or a squeeze of lime for extra brightness.
That’s it! This hands-off recipe will reward you with a flavorful chili that’s perfect for any occasion.
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Chili is a filling dish, but adding some sides makes it feel even more like a feast. Here are some great options to serve alongside your chili:
| Side Dish | Why It Works |
|---|---|
| Cornbread | The slightly sweet cornbread balances the spicy chili perfectly. |
| Tortilla Chips | Crunchy chips are perfect for dipping into the chili or for a little extra texture. |
| Cheddar Cheese | Melted cheese adds a creamy, savory finish on top of the chili. |
| Sour Cream | A dollop of sour cream helps cool the heat and adds a tangy contrast. |
| Avocado | Sliced avocado gives a rich, creamy contrast to the chili’s spiciness. |
| Coleslaw | A fresh, crunchy slaw provides a nice contrast to the rich chili. |
How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
This chili keeps well, making it perfect for leftovers or meal prep. Here’s how to store and reheat it:
How to Store Leftovers
- Store the chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days.
- You can also freeze the chili for up to 3 months. Just make sure it cools completely before transferring to a freezer-safe container.
How to Reheat
- Stovetop: Reheat the chili over medium heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up.
- Microwave: Reheat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval, until it’s heated through.
- Slow Cooker: If you have leftover chili in the fridge, you can reheat it in the slow cooker on the low setting for a few hours.
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Here are some helpful tips to take your chili to the next level:
- Adjust the Spice – If you like more heat, add extra chili powder, cayenne pepper, or even some diced jalapeños.
- Use Fresh Spices – Fresh chili powder and ground cumin make a big difference in flavor. Don’t rely on old spices sitting in your pantry!
- Add More Beans – If you like a heartier chili, feel free to add an extra can of beans—it makes the dish even more filling.
- Top It Off – Don’t forget the toppings! Sour cream, shredded cheese, and fresh cilantro make the chili even more indulgent.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili actually gets better as it sits. You can make it a day ahead and store it in the fridge to let the flavors develop.
2. Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! You can add more chili powder, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce to the chili to turn up the heat.
3. Can I make it without beef?
Yes! You can swap the ground beef for ground turkey or chicken, or even use a vegetarian chili base with extra beans and veggies.
4. How can I thicken the chili?
If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans or add a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water towards the end of cooking.
5. Can I freeze chili con carne?
Yes! Chili freezes really well. Allow it to cool completely before storing in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
This slow cooker chili con carne is hearty, flavor-packed, and made with minimal effort. It’s the kind of dish that’s perfect for family dinners, game day, or just because you want a bowl of something that warms you up from the inside out.
Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Equipment
- Slow Cooker For slow cooking the chili
- Large Skillet For browning beef
- Large Pot For sautéing vegetables and combining ingredients
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef or ground turkey
- 2 cups canned tomatoes diced or crushed
- 1 can kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 1 can black beans drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 large onion chopped
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 1 large bell pepper chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt to taste
- 1 teaspoon black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat and transfer the beef to your slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper for 3-4 minutes, until softened.
- Add the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker along with the diced tomatoes, beans, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper. Stir everything together.
- Cover and cook on **low** for **6-8 hours**, or **high** for **3-4 hours**, until the flavors meld together and the chili is thickened.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning with more salt, pepper, or chili powder if needed. Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- For a spicier chili, add diced **jalapeños** or extra **chili powder**.
- This chili can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge for up to **4 days**.
- Top with **cheddar cheese**, **sour cream**, and **cilantro** for extra flavor and freshness.
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