Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a comforting, hearty dish with layers of flavor. The tender beef is simmered in a rich, spiced tomato sauce, perfectly complemented by the creamy kidney beans and aromatic spices. Perfect for busy weekdays or relaxed weekends, this slow-cooked masterpiece lets the flavors meld beautifully over time. Serve it with fluffy rice, crusty bread, or tortilla chips for a cozy, satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Full recipe:

Ingredients:

• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• 1–2 tsp hot chili powder (to taste)
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 lb (450g) lean beef mince
• 1 beef stock cube dissolved in 300ml boiling water
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes
• 1 can (400g) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small bunch fresh coriander, chopped (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Directions:

1. Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, sautéing for 2–3 minutes until softened.
2. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika, cooking for 1 minute until aromatic.
3. Add the beef mince and cook until browned all over, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon.
4. Transfer the beef mixture to your slow cooker. Add the beef stock, tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, and kidney beans. Stir well to combine.
5. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper. Just before serving, sprinkle with chopped coriander if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 6 hours | Total Time: 6 hours 10 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 4 servings

A Warm and Hearty Hug in a Bowl: Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

When it comes to comfort food, few dishes can rival the timeless appeal of chili con carne. This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne recipe takes this beloved classic to the next level, offering unbeatable flavor, convenience, and nutritional benefits. Whether you’re cooking for a busy family dinner or preparing meals for the week, this recipe deserves a place in your kitchen repertoire.

A Brief History of Chili Con Carne

Chili con carne, which translates to “chili with meat,” is a dish steeped in history and culture. Its origins trace back to Texas, where it became a staple of cowboy cuisine in the 1800s. The original recipes were simple, combining dried beef, chili peppers, and fat for a portable and flavorful meal that could be prepared on the trail. Over the years, this hearty dish has evolved, incorporating a variety of spices, beans, and vegetables to create the rich and versatile chili we know today.

Why Use a Slow Cooker for Chili Con Carne?

Using a slow cooker is the secret to achieving a deeply flavorful and tender chili con carne. Here’s why:

1. Flavor Development: Slow cooking allows the spices to infuse the dish, creating layers of flavor. The beef becomes incredibly tender, absorbing the smoky, spicy essence of the chili.
2. Hands-Off Cooking: Once you’ve prepped the ingredients, the slow cooker does all the work. It’s the perfect solution for busy days when you want a homemade meal without constant monitoring.
3. Enhanced Texture: The low-and-slow cooking process melds the ingredients together, creating a cohesive and velvety chili that tastes even better the next day.

Nutritional Benefits of This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne isn’t just delicious—it’s nutritious too!

• Lean Protein: The beef mince is an excellent source of high-quality protein, supporting muscle growth and repair.
• Fiber-Rich Beans: Kidney beans provide a hearty dose of dietary fiber, which aids digestion and keeps you feeling full longer.
• Rich in Vitamins and Minerals: Onions, garlic, and tomatoes bring a wealth of antioxidants, vitamin C, and potassium to the table.
• Low-Calorie Option: Despite its richness, this recipe is surprisingly light, making it a balanced choice for those watching their calorie intake.

What Makes This Chili Con Carne the Best?

1. Perfectly Balanced Spices: The combination of chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin strikes the perfect balance between smoky and spicy, catering to a variety of palates.
2. Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to your preference by tweaking the amount of chili powder. Add a dash of cayenne for extra heat or keep it mild for a family-friendly version.
3. Versatility: Serve this chili with rice, over baked potatoes, or as a filling for tacos and burritos. Add a dollop of sour cream and shredded cheese for an indulgent touch.
4. Affordable Ingredients: This recipe uses pantry staples, making it budget-friendly without compromising on taste.

Tips for Perfect Chili Con Carne

To ensure your chili con carne turns out perfect every time, keep these tips in mind:

• Sauté the Aromatics: Cooking the onion, garlic, and spices before adding them to the slow cooker releases their flavors, giving your chili a more robust taste.
• Don’t Skimp on Time: While it’s tempting to rush, chili con carne benefits from a longer cooking time. Let it simmer in the slow cooker to deepen the flavors.
• Use Fresh Ingredients: High-quality beef mince and fresh herbs like coriander can make a noticeable difference in taste.
• Thicken the Chili: If your chili seems too thin, let it simmer uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking to reduce the liquid.

Serving Suggestions

This chili con carne is a versatile dish that pairs beautifully with a variety of sides:

• Classic Pairing: Serve it over steamed rice for a hearty meal.
• Low-Carb Option: Enjoy it with a side of cauliflower rice or on its own for a keto-friendly dish.
• Mexican Twist: Use it as a filling for soft tacos or enchiladas, topped with fresh guacamole and salsa.
• Loaded Bowl: Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, and a squeeze of lime for a complete chili experience.

Storage and Reheating

One of the best things about chili con carne is how well it keeps. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to four days, or freeze for up to three months. Reheat on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or stock if needed to restore its consistency.

Fun Facts About Chili

1. Chili con carne is the official dish of Texas!
2. There’s a heated debate among chili enthusiasts—true Texan chili doesn’t include beans, but many modern versions do for added texture and nutrition.
3. The first known chili recipe appeared in a Texas cookbook in 1887.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne combines tradition with convenience, making it a go-to recipe for busy home cooks. Its rich and smoky flavor, easy preparation, and wholesome ingredients make it an unbeatable choice for any occasion. Whether you’re hosting a casual dinner party, meal prepping for the week, or simply craving a cozy bowl of comfort food, this chili con carne is sure to satisfy.