Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out. This rich, meaty chili features tender chunks of beef, flavorful beans, and a blend of spices that create a symphony of taste. Perfect for family dinners or gatherings with friends, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and ability to fill your kitchen with mouth-watering aromas. Enjoy it on a chilly evening or during game day for a satisfying meal that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: Simply toss everything into your slow cooker and let it do the work while you enjoy your day.
• Flavorful Experience: The combination of beef, beans, and spices results in a robust flavor profile that pleases every palate.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as is or customize with toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flair.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it an excellent option for busy weeknights.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need some essential tools to ensure everything runs smoothly in the kitchen.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Slow cooker
• Sharp knife
• Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Slow cooker: Makes the cooking process hands-off, allowing flavors to meld beautifully over several hours.
• Sharp knife: Ensures precise cutting of meat and vegetables for even cooking throughout the dish.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne:

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 ounces 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

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Brown the Meat and Vegetables

1. In a large dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chuck roast pieces and 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 any excess fat from the mixture in the dutch oven.
2. Return the mixture to the dutch oven.
3. Add beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
4. Stir until all ingredients are well combined.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer on medium heat.
2. Carefully transfer everything into your slow cooker.

Step 4: Cook

1. Cover your slow cooker and set it on low for 4-6 hours.
2. Once done cooking, reduce temperature to warm until ready to serve.

Step 5: Serve

1. Transfer chili into serving bowls.
2. Add desired toppings such as shredded cheese or sour cream before serving.

Enjoy your delicious Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your dining experience. The hearty flavors and rich texture make it a comforting meal that pairs well with various toppings and sides.

Top with Cheese

• Shredded cheese: Add a handful of shredded cheese on top for a creamy, savory finish.

Add Creaminess

• Sour cream: A dollop of sour cream balances the spice and adds a cool contrast to the chili’s heat.

Fresh Herbs

• Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens up each bowl of chili.

Serve with Bread

• Crusty bread: Offer slices of crusty bread for dipping or soaking up the delicious broth.

Create a Chili Bar

• Chili bar setup: Set up a chili bar with various toppings so guests can customize their bowls according to taste.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Perfecting your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne ensures every bite is packed with flavor and tenderness. Here are some tips to help you achieve that perfect dish.

• Choose quality meat: Select fresh beef chuck roast for maximum tenderness and flavor.
• Season generously: Don’t skimp on spices; they bring depth and enhance the overall taste.
• Let it simmer: Allow the chili to cook low and slow for several hours to develop rich flavors.
• Adjust thickness: If you prefer thicker chili, reduce the amount of broth or let it simmer uncovered towards the end.
• Taste before serving: Always taste your chili before serving; adjust salt and spices as needed.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can enhance your meal. Here are some great options to consider.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly cornbread complements the spiciness of chili perfectly.
2. Rice: White or brown rice serves as a neutral base that absorbs flavors from the chili.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and can be used for scooping up chili.
4. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole provides a rich, buttery contrast to spicy chili.
5. Salad: A fresh garden salad offers crispness and lightness alongside hearty chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a base for spooning over warm chili for a filling dish.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne even better. Here are some pitfalls to watch for:

• Under-seasoning – Not adding enough spices can lead to a bland chili. Always taste before serving and adjust seasoning as needed.
• Overcooking the meat – Cooking beef too long can make it tough. Monitor cooking time closely, especially if you’re using different cuts.
• Skipping the browning step – Browning the meat enhances flavor. Don’t skip this step; take the time to sear the beef for a richer taste.
• Using low-quality canned beans – Cheap beans may affect texture and flavor. Opt for high-quality brands for the best results.
• Ignoring ingredient preparation – Not properly chopping onions or garlic can lead to uneven flavors. Ensure all ingredients are prepped uniformly for an even cook.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Enjoy within 3-4 days for best quality.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

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

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven – Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in a baking dish, cover, and heat until warmed through (about 20-30 minutes).
• Microwave – Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover, and heat on medium power in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop – Heat on medium-low in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne that might help you out.

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

Yes! Ground beef works well if you prefer a different texture. Just brown it before adding to the slow cooker.

How spicy is Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder and any additional peppers you add. Adjust these based on your preference!

Can I make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute beef with lentils or your favorite vegetables and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Is there a way to thicken my chili?

Yes! You can add cornstarch mixed with cold water or let it simmer uncovered for additional time, allowing excess liquid to evaporate.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, perfect for any dinner table. It’s versatile; feel free to customize with your favorite toppings or spices. Whether enjoyed on its own or with bread, this dish is sure to please everyone!