The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a delightful and hearty dish that brings warmth and flavor to any gathering. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or weekend meal prep, offering a simple way to feed a crowd with minimal effort. The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne combines rich flavors with nutritious ingredients, making it not only delicious but also a healthy choice for your family.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simplicity: With easy-to-follow steps, this recipe requires minimal cooking experience.
• Flavorful: A blend of spices and quality ingredients creates a robust taste that everyone will love.
• Versatile: Serve it on its own or pair it with rice, tortilla chips, or avocado for a complete meal.
• Batch Cooking Friendly: Perfect for meal prep, this recipe can be made in large quantities and stored for later.
• Healthy Option: Packed with protein and fiber, this chilli is a nutritious dinner choice.

Tools and Preparation

Having the right tools makes cooking easier and more enjoyable. Here’s what you’ll need to whip up The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons
• Can opener

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-free cooking, letting flavors meld over hours without constant attention.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning meat before adding to the slow cooker, enhancing depth of flavor.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe.

Ingredients

Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a simple and healthy homemade dinner perfect for batch cooking and feeding a crowd.

For the Chilli Base

• 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)

For the Spices

• 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

How to Make The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Brown the Meat

If browning the beef, heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot:
1. Add the minced beef, diced onions, and minced garlic to the skillet.
2. Cook for about 10 minutes until the meat is browned and onions are soft.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

Once the beef mixture is ready:
1. Transfer it into your slow cooker bowl.
2. Add all remaining ingredients: chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans in chilli sauce, beef stock, dried thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder or dark chocolate square, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Cook Your Chilli

Set your slow cooker:
– Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.

Step 4: Final Touches

When the chilli is cooked:
1. Taste and adjust seasoning as desired.
2. Serve hot with sides such as rice, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream.

Now you have The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne that’s sure to impress at any meal!

How to Serve The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Serving your chili con carne can elevate the dining experience. Here are some fun and tasty ways to enjoy this dish.

With Rice

• Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a hearty meal that soaks up the flavors.

Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and make for a great dipper for the chili.

Avocado Slices

• Creamy avocado slices provide a refreshing contrast to the spicy chili, making each bite delightful.

Cheese

• Top with shredded cheese for added creaminess and a rich flavor that complements the spices.

Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream adds a cooling effect, balancing out the heat from the chili.

Fresh Cilantro

• Sprinkle freshly chopped cilantro on top for an aromatic finish that brightens the dish.

How to Perfect The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Making your chili even better can be simple with these tips.

• Choose quality beef: Using 5% fat mince beef ensures a leaner meal without sacrificing flavor.
• Adjust spice levels: Taste your chili before serving and adjust the chili powder according to your heat preference.
• Let it rest: Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking helps blend flavors even more.
• Add fresh ingredients: Incorporating fresh bell peppers or corn can add sweetness and crunch.
• Meal prep friendly: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later.

Best Side Dishes for The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your chili can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options.

1. Cornbread
   A sweet, buttery cornbread is perfect for scooping up chili or enjoying on its own.
2. Coleslaw
   Tangy coleslaw provides crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the chili.
3. Baked Potatoes
   Fluffy baked potatoes can serve as an excellent base for spooning over your chili.
4. Cauliflower Rice
   For a low-carb option, serve your chili over cauliflower rice, which absorbs flavors nicely.
5. Grilled Vegetables
   Charred vegetables bring smoky flavors that complement the spices in the chili.
6. Garden Salad
   A simple garden salad with vinaigrette adds freshness and lightness to your meal.
7. Garlic Bread
   Crispy garlic bread is delicious for dipping into warm bowls of chili.
8. Quinoa
   This nutty grain is high in protein and makes an excellent alternative to rice alongside your dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

To make The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the browning step: Not browning the beef can lead to a less flavorful chili. Take the time to brown it in a skillet for better depth of flavor.
• Using stale spices: Old spices can dull the taste of your chili. Always check the freshness of your spices before using them for optimal flavor.
• Overloading with beans: Adding too many beans might overwhelm the beef flavor. Stick to one tin for a balanced chili that highlights all ingredients.
• Neglecting to taste: Failing to taste your chili before serving can result in blandness. Adjust seasoning as needed for a well-rounded dish.
• Ignoring cooking times: Cooking on high instead of low may rush the process, leading to less tender meat. Follow recommended times for best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
• Allow the chili to cool down before sealing it for storage.

Freezing The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be stored for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish and cover; heat for about 20-30 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium on the stovetop, stirring occasionally until warmed thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne.

How long does it take to cook this chilli?

Cooking on low takes about 8 hours, while cooking on high takes around 5 hours.

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes! Ground turkey is a great alternative and will still yield delicious results.

What can I serve with chilli con carne?

Serve with rice, avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream for added flavor and texture.

Is this recipe spicy?

The spice level is adjustable. Start with less chilli powder if you prefer a milder taste and add more as desired.

Can I make this recipe vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is not just delicious but also versatile. You can customize it with different beans, vegetables, or spices based on your preferences. This recipe is perfect for batch cooking and feeds a crowd effortlessly. Give it a try and enjoy hearty flavors!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is a comforting and hearty dish that promises to warm your soul and satisfy your taste buds. This recipe combines lean ground beef with a rich mix of spices, beans, and tomatoes, creating a deliciously robust flavor that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re enjoying it on a busy weeknight or serving it at a family gathering, this easy-to-follow slow cooker recipe ensures a filling meal with minimal effort. Plus, it’s packed with protein and fiber, making it a nutritious choice for you and your loved ones.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 500 g lean minced beef
• 1 medium red onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)
• 400 g chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 400 g mixed beans in chilli sauce
• 200 ml beef stock
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 ½ teaspoon chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or 1 small square of dark chocolate
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

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Instructions

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil. Add the minced beef, diced onion, and minced garlic; cook until the meat is browned and onions are soft (about 10 minutes).
2. Transfer the cooked mixture to your slow cooker. Stir in chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans in chilli sauce, beef stock, dried thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder or dark chocolate square, and smoked paprika.
3. Set your slow cooker to cook on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.
4. Once cooked, taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving hot.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (300g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 720mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 6g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 10g
• Protein: 25g
• Cholesterol: 80mg