If you’re looking for a cozy meal that warms the soul, then this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is just what you need! This rich and hearty dish is perfect for lazy weekends or busy weeknights when you want something comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. With tender chunks of beef, a medley of beans, and a zesty blend of spices, it’s no wonder this recipe has become a beloved favorite in my home.

Whether you’re hosting friends for game day or enjoying a family dinner, this chili brings everyone together. It’s not just about the flavor—it’s about the memories we create while enjoying a delicious meal with loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: Simply chop, sauté, and let your slow cooker do the magic! You can set it and forget it.
Family-Friendly: With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this chili is sure to please even the pickiest eaters.
Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for meal prep! Make it ahead of time and enjoy leftovers all week long.
Delicious Flavor: Each spoonful is packed with savory goodness from the spices and tender beef—it’s truly a crowd-pleaser!

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients for this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne are simple and wholesome. You likely have many of them in your pantry already! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delightful dish:

For the Chili

2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
3 pounds Beef chuck roast (sliced thin and cut into pieces)
1 Small onion (diced (about 1 cup))
3 cloves Garlic (minced)
15 ounces Canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
15 ounces Canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
8 ounce Canned tomato sauce
15 ounces Canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups Beef broth
2 tablespoons Chili powder
1 teaspoon Cumin
1 teaspoon Salt
1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Optional Toppings

Shredded cheese
Sour cream
Cilantro

Variations

One of the best things about this recipe is its flexibility! You can easily adapt it to suit your taste or dietary needs. Here are some fun variations to try:

Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter option.
Add more veggies: Toss in bell peppers, corn, or zucchini for added nutrition and flavor.
Spice it up: If you like heat, add jalapeños or cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch!
Make it vegetarian: Substitute the beef with extra beans or lentils for a meaty texture without meat.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Sauté the Meat and Onions

In a large dutch oven, heat your olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef chuck roast pieces along with diced onion. Cook until the meat is browned and cooked through, while the onion becomes tender. This step is essential as it builds those delicious base flavors that make your chili so irresistible!

Step 2: Add Garlic

Once your meat and onions are ready, toss in minced garlic. Sauté for one more minute until fragrant. This little addition gives your chili an aromatic boost that you’ll love!

Step 3: Combine Ingredients

Next, drain any excess fat from your dutch oven before returning the mixture to cook. Add in all those beautiful beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Stir everything until well combined—this is where all those flavors start to meld together!

Step 4: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Bring your mixture to a gentle simmer on the stovetop before carefully transferring it into your slow cooker. Cover it up; now it’s time for some hands-off cooking!

Step 5: Slow Cook It

Set your slow cooker on low heat for 4-6 hours. If you’re like me and want to enjoy it later, just reduce the temperature to warm until you’re ready to serve. The longer it cooks, the better those flavors will develop!

Step 6: Serve with Toppings

When you’re ready to dig in, ladle the chili into bowls and set out optional toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. These little extras elevate each bowl into something special!

Enjoy every bite of this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne—it’s sure to become a favorite in your home too!

Pro Tips for Making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Creating the perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is all about the little details, so here are some tips to elevate your chili game!

Choose Quality Meat: Opt for a good cut of beef like chuck roast; it will become tender and flavorful as it cooks low and slow.
Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing the onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker enhances their flavors, creating a richer base for your chili.
Adjust the Spice: If you’re sensitive to heat, start with less chili powder and add more later. You can always control the spice level to suit your taste!
Let It Rest: Allowing your chili to sit for a bit after cooking enhances the flavors even more. The next day, it’s often even better!
Store Leftovers Properly: Chili stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days or freezes beautifully for future meals.

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving this hearty Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can be just as enjoyable as making it! Here are some ideas to present this comforting dish in style.

Garnishes

Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of your favorite cheese adds creaminess and flavor that pairs beautifully with the spiciness of the chili.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can balance out the heat and add a refreshing touch.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro offers a bright, fresh contrast that elevates each bite.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: This sweet, buttery bread is perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili goodness. Plus, its soft texture complements the robust flavors of the chili.
Rice: A side of fluffy white or brown rice provides a neutral base that absorbs the chili’s rich sauce beautifully.
Tortilla Chips: Crispy chips are great for scooping up chili or enjoying on their own—perfect for those who love a bit of crunch.
Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.

Now that you have all these tips and serving suggestions, gather your ingredients and get ready to enjoy a warm bowl of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne! It’s comfort food at its finest—great for family dinners or gatherings with friends. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is perfect for meal prep, allowing you to make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week. Its flavors only get better as it sits, making it a fantastic option for busy days!

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
Make sure to label the container with the date for easy reference.

Freezing

Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable freezer bags.
Leave some space at the top of the containers as the chili will expand when frozen.
Freeze for up to 3 months for best quality.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
Alternatively, microwave in a covered bowl for about 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through for even heating.

FAQs

If you have questions about making this delicious dish, you’re in the right place!

Can I use other types of meat in Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Absolutely! While this recipe calls for beef chuck roast, you can substitute with ground beef, turkey, or even chicken if you prefer. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

How spicy is this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The spice level can be adjusted based on your taste preference. For a milder chili, reduce the amount of chili powder or add less spicy toppings. If you love heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.

Can I make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne vegetarian?

Yes! Simply replace the beef with a variety of beans or lentils and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. The spices will still provide that robust flavor you’re looking for!

What can I serve with Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

This chili pairs wonderfully with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips. You can also offer toppings like avocado slices, fresh cilantro, or lime wedges to enhance your meal.

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne! Its hearty flavors are perfect for cozy evenings with family or friends. It’s an incredibly versatile dish that welcomes your personal touch – whether that’s extra toppings or a side dish of your choice. Enjoy every warm bowl of this comforting meal; I can’t wait for you to try it!

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

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Author: Madison
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours
Total Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Category: Main
Method: Slow Cooking
Cuisine: American

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Description

If you’re in search of a comforting dish that warms the heart and satisfies the taste buds, look no further than this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne. This rich and hearty chili features tender beef, a variety of beans, and a zesty mix of spices, making it the perfect meal for family gatherings or cozy nights in. Its straightforward preparation lets you set it and forget it, while the slow cooking process melds the flavors beautifully. Whether you’re hosting game day or simply craving a delightful home-cooked meal, this chili promises to be a crowd-pleaser that brings everyone together around the table.

Ingredients

Scale

2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
3 pounds beef chuck roast (cut into pieces)
1 small onion (diced)
3 cloves garlic (minced)
15 ounces canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
15 ounces canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
8 ounces canned tomato sauce
15 ounces canned fire-roasted diced tomatoes
2 cups beef broth
2 tablespoons chili powder
1 teaspoon cumin
Salt and black pepper to taste

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Instructions

In a large Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add beef chunks and diced onion; cook until browned.
Stir in minced garlic and sauté for an additional minute.
Drain excess fat; return mixture to Dutch oven. Add beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper. Mix well.
Transfer the mixture into your slow cooker and cover.
Cook on low for 4-6 hours or until beef is tender. Adjust seasoning as needed before serving.