Hearty Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe for Cozy Nights

Chilli lovers rejoice as this slow cooker chilli con carne recipe brings hearty comfort right to your dinner table.

Packed with rich, deep flavors, the dish combines tender beef and robust spices in a simple one-pot meal.

You’ll fall in love with how effortlessly the slow cooker works its magic on these classic ingredients.

Aromatic cumin and smoky paprika dance together, creating a symphony of taste that warms you from the inside out.

The long, gentle cooking process ensures every bite is packed with incredible depth and complexity.

No complicated techniques or hard-to-find ingredients stand between you and this delicious meal.

This chilli con carne promises to become your new go-to recipe for easy, satisfying dinners that everyone will devour.

Fun New Ways to Flavor Slow Cooker Chilli

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or chopped mushrooms for a hearty meat-free version.
• Turkey Chili Lean Option: Swap ground beef with ground turkey for a lower-fat protein alternative that's equally flavorful.
• Gluten-Free Friendly Chili: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use corn-based toppings instead of wheat-based garnishes.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Add diced jalapeños, increase chili powder, and mix in chipotle peppers for a fiery kick that intensifies the traditional recipe.

Plating Slow Cooker Chilli for Comfort Nights

• Fiesta of Flavors: Sprinkle fresh chopped cilantro on top for a bright, herbal burst that cuts through the rich chili.
• Cheese Lover's Dream: Generously top with shredded cheddar or monterey jack cheese to create a creamy, melty layer that adds extra richness.
• Cooling Companion: Add a dollop of cool sour cream to balance the spicy warmth and create a smooth, tangy contrast to the hearty chili.
• Crunch Factor: Serve with crispy tortilla chips or cornbread on the side to provide a satisfying textural crunch that complements the tender meat and beans.

How to Store Slow Cooker Chilli for Later Meals

• Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Cool completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date for easy tracking.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals. Stir between intervals to ensure even warming and prevent hot spots.
• Pour chili into a saucepan, add a splash of beef broth to prevent drying, and warm over medium-low heat. Stir occasionally until heated thoroughly and reach an internal temperature of 165°F.

FAQs

• Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?

Yes, ground turkey is a great lean alternative that works perfectly in this chili recipe and provides similar texture and flavor.

• Is this chili recipe spicy?

The recipe has a mild to moderate heat level. You can adjust the spiciness by increasing or decreasing the amount of chili powder to suit your taste preferences.

• Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! You can prepare this chili in a large pot on the stovetop, simmering for about 1-2 hours until the flavors meld and the meat is tender.

• Are kidney beans necessary for the recipe?

While kidney beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans or pinto beans if you prefer or have them on hand.

Chilli Con Carne – The Slow Cooker Approach

• Dump and Go Simplicity: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker without complex prep, making this recipe perfect for busy home cooks who want delicious meals with minimal effort.
• Crowd-Pleasing Comfort: Packed with hearty beef, beans, and bold spices, this chili delivers warm, satisfying flavors that appeal to both kids and adults at family gatherings or casual dinners.
• Flexible Meal Prep Champion: Easily customize with your favorite toppings, make ahead for meal planning, and enjoy leftovers that taste even better the next day, saving time and reducing kitchen stress.
• One-Pot Wonder Convenience: Minimal dishes and straightforward cooking method mean less cleanup and more time enjoying a rich, flavorful meal without complicated kitchen techniques.

Gather These Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chilli

• Ground Beef: A hearty protein that provides rich flavor and substance to the chili.

• Onion, Red Bell Pepper, Garlic: A flavorful trio that creates a robust aromatic base for the dish.

• Diced Tomatoes, Kidney Beans, Tomato Paste, Beef Broth: These ingredients create a thick, savory sauce that helps tenderize the meat and develop deep flavors.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Salt, Pepper: A classic spice blend that gives the chili its signature warm and complex taste profile.

• Fresh Cilantro, Sour Cream, Shredded Cheese: These garnishes add freshness, creaminess, and extra texture to the finished chili.

Directions for Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Sizzle the Beef

Heat a skillet and cook the ground beef until it turns a rich, golden brown.

Break the meat into small crumbles as it cooks.

Once browned, transfer the beef to your slow cooker, letting all those delicious meaty juices come along.

Step 2: Chop and Drop Vegetables

• Onions
• Garlic
• Red bell peppers

Toss these colorful ingredients into the slow cooker with the browned beef, creating a vibrant base for your chili.

Step 3: Pour in the Liquid Gold

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Tomato paste
• Beef broth

Stir everything together to create a harmonious mixture that will develop deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Sprinkle the Spice Symphony

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Paprika
• Oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Blend these spices thoroughly, ensuring they’re evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen.

Cook on low setting for 6-8 hours or on high setting for 3-4 hours.

This slow cooking process will meld the flavors and tenderize the meat.

Step 6: Garnish and Serve

• Fresh cilantro
• Sour cream
• Shredded cheese

Each spoonful promises a burst of comfort and flavor that will warm your soul.

Tips for Rich, Robust Slow Cooker Chilli

• Sear ground beef in a hot skillet before adding to slow cooker to develop deeper, richer taste and caramelized edges.
• Rinse canned kidney beans thoroughly to reduce sodium and remove excess starch for a cleaner, fresher chili texture.
• Adjust spice levels by gradually adding chili powder and tasting, ensuring a personalized heat that suits your preference.
• Prepare chili a day in advance to allow flavors to meld and intensify, creating an even more delicious dish when reheated.
• Replace ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for a lighter, leaner, or vegetarian version of the classic chili.

Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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4.7 from 9 reviews

• Total Time: 7 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Mexican chilli con carne delivers hearty comfort straight from your kitchen’s heart. Packed with rich beef, spicy seasonings, and robust beans, this slow-cooked classic promises a delicious meal you’ll savor with pure satisfaction.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Protein:

• 1 pound (450 grams) ground beef
• 2 cans (15 ounces/425 grams) kidney beans
• 1 cup beef broth

Vegetables and Aromatics:

• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1–2 bell peppers, chopped
• 2 cans (14.5 ounces/411 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste

Spices and Seasonings:

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 1 bay leaf
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

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Instructions

1. Sear ground beef in a hot skillet until golden brown and crumbly, ensuring no pink remains.
2. Transfer browned meat directly into the slow cooker, preserving all flavorful drippings.
3. Sauté diced onions, minced garlic, and chopped red bell peppers for 2-3 minutes to release aromatic oils.
4. Add sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker with the browned beef.
5. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, concentrated tomato paste, and rich beef broth.
6. Sprinkle chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, kosher salt, and freshly cracked black pepper over the mixture.
7. Gently stir all ingredients until evenly distributed and well-combined.
8. Cover slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 6-7 hours or high temperature for 3-4 hours until meat is tender and flavors meld.
9. Once cooking is complete, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
10. Ladle into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like fresh chopped cilantro, dollop of tangy sour cream, and shredded sharp cheddar cheese.

Notes

• Boost flavor by searing beef at high heat before adding to slow cooker, creating deeper caramelized notes and richer taste profile.
• Enhance protein variety by substituting ground beef with ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for healthier, dietary-flexible options.
• Control sodium levels by using low-sodium beef broth and reducing added salt, making the dish heart-friendly and more nutritionally balanced.
• Maximize meal prep by preparing large batches and freezing in portions, ensuring convenient, quick meals for busy weeknights or unexpected hunger.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 7 hours (on Low) or 4 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 309 kcal
• Sugar: 5 g
• Sodium: 400 mg
• Fat: 15 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
• Trans Fat: 0.2 g
• Carbohydrates: 21 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 28 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg