Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty and satisfying dish perfect for any occasion. This recipe features tender beef, flavorful spices, and nutritious beans, making it a delightful meal for family gatherings, game nights, or cozy weeknight dinners. With minimal effort required and a slow cooker doing most of the work, you can enjoy a rich and savory chili that warms you from the inside out.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just a few simple steps, you can set it and forget it while your slow cooker works its magic.
• Hearty Flavor: The combination of beef chuck roast and spices delivers a robust chili that is sure to please everyone.
• Versatile Serving Options: Customize your chili with various toppings like cheese, sour cream, or cilantro to suit your taste.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch to enjoy throughout the week or freeze portions for later use.

Tools and Preparation

To create this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need some essential tools. These will help streamline your cooking process and ensure everything goes smoothly.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows for low-and-slow cooking, making the beef tender while melding flavors beautifully.
• Large Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring them to the slow cooker.
• Cutting board: A safe surface for chopping ingredients while keeping your kitchen tidy.
• Sharp knife: Essential for cutting meat and vegetables quickly and safely.

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Ingredients

For this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, gather the following ingredients:

Meats and Beans

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 pounds Beef chuck roast (sliced thin and cut into pieces)
• 15 ounces Canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces Canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Vegetables

• 1 Small onion (diced (about 1 cup))
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)

Sauces and Broths

• 8 ounce Canned tomato sauce
• 15 ounces Canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups Beef broth

Spices

• 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: Brown the Meat

1. In a large Dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chuck roast pieces along with the diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and onions are tender.
3. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain off excess fat from the meat mixture.
2. Return the mixture to the Dutch oven.
3. Add in the rinsed kidney beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and ground black pepper.
4. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

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

Step 4: Slow Cook

1. Cover your slow cooker and set it to low heat.
2. Cook for 4-6 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Serve

1. Once cooked, reduce the temperature to warm until ready to serve.
2. Transfer to serving bowls topped with your choice of shredded cheese, sour cream, or cilantro.

Enjoy this comforting bowl of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne with family or friends!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your meal experience. Here are some delightful ways to enhance this hearty dish.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Sprinkle on top for a creamy texture that complements the spices.
• Sour Cream: Adds a cool, tangy flavor that balances the heat of the chili.
• Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brings a burst of freshness and color to your bowl.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs well with chili, soaking up the flavors.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips can be used for dipping and add an extra layer of texture.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serve over rice or quinoa for a filling base that complements the chili.

Salad Options

• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with greens can provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
• Coleslaw: The crunchiness and tanginess of coleslaw can enhance the overall meal experience.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne truly exceptional, consider these helpful tips.

• Choose Quality Beef: Select a good cut of beef chuck roast for tender, flavorful meat in your chili.
• Brown the Meat First: Browning adds depth of flavor; don’t skip this step for maximum richness.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you go and adjust chili powder or cumin to suit your preference.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing it to cook longer develops deeper flavors; patience is key!
• Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh onions and garlic enhance the overall taste compared to dried versions.
• Experiment with Beans: Feel free to mix different types of beans for varied textures and flavors.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing sides with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: Sweet and buttery, cornbread is perfect for soaking up delicious chili juices.
2. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip adds richness and contrasts nicely with spicy flavors.
3. Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes serve as a hearty side that complements the chili beautifully.
4. Steamed Broccoli: Bright green broccoli provides a nutritious balance to the meaty dish.
5. Mexican Rice: Flavorful rice seasoned with herbs makes an excellent base for chili.
6. Roasted Vegetables: A medley of seasonal vegetables roasted until tender adds color and nutrients.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, it’s essential to avoid common pitfalls for the best results.

• Using the wrong cut of meat: Selecting a tough cut like chuck roast is ideal, while lean cuts may dry out. Choose cuts with good marbling for tenderness.
• Skipping the browning step: Failing to brown the meat first can result in a less flavorful dish. Take the time to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker for richer flavor.
• Overcrowding the slow cooker: Filling your slow cooker too full can prevent even cooking. Ensure there’s enough space for air circulation, keeping it about two-thirds full.
• Neglecting seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasonings can lead to bland chili. Always taste during cooking and adjust spices as needed.
• Ignoring cook times: Cooking too long or too short can ruin texture. Stick to recommended times and check for doneness in between.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Will last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and heat covered for about 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
• Microwave: Heat in microwave-safe bowl in 1-minute intervals until hot, stirring between each interval.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

What type of beans are best for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Light and dark red kidney beans work well together, providing a nice texture and flavor balance.

Can I customize my Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Absolutely! Add vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra nutrients and flavor.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The spice level depends on your chili powder choice. Start with a mild blend and adjust according to your preference.

Is it possible to make this recipe vegetarian?

Yes! Substitute beef with lentils or mushrooms, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings. It’s rich, hearty, and allows for plenty of customization based on your preferences. Try adding different toppings or spices to make it uniquely yours!