Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe

Did you know that chili con carne is enjoyed by over 70% of American households? You're about to unlock a game-changing slow cooker recipe that'll transform your weeknight dinner routine. This isn't just another chili recipe—it's a hands-off, flavor-packed meal that'll have your family asking for seconds. With minimal prep and maximum taste, you'll discover why slow cookers are a home cook's best friend. Intrigued by the promise of a foolproof, delicious dinner? Let's dive into this chili adventure.

Recipe Highlights

• Brown ground beef and onions in a skillet before transferring to the slow cooker to enhance flavor and build a rich, deep taste profile.
• Combine ground beef with kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and a blend of traditional spices like chili powder, cumin, and paprika for authentic chili con carne.
• Cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, allowing ingredients to simmer and meld together, creating a tender, flavorful dish with minimal hands-on preparation time.
• Top with classic garnishes like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sliced jalapeños to customize and elevate the final chili presentation.
• Portion and store leftovers for convenient meal prep, as slow cooker chili con carne often tastes even better the next day and freezes well.

History

While chili con carne might seem like a straightforward Mexican dish, its origins are actually more complex and deeply rooted in American culinary history.

You'll discover that the dish evolved from cowboy trail cooking in the late 19th century, where hungry ranch workers needed hearty, portable meals.

Tex-Mex cuisine played a crucial role in developing the recipe, blending Mexican and American flavors into a robust, filling dish.

San Antonio's famous "chili queens" first popularized the meal in the 1880s, selling spicy stews from street carts.

Their versions typically included:

• Beef
• Chili peppers
• Simple spices
• Minimal additional ingredients

Recipe

Chili con carne is a hearty and satisfying dish that brings warmth and comfort to any meal. This slow cooker version simplifies the traditional recipe, allowing home cooks to create a delicious and flavorful meal with minimal effort.

Packed with rich spices and tender ground beef, this chili is perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep throughout the week. The slow cooking process ensures that every bite is infused with deep, complex flavors that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Ingredients:

• 2 pounds ground beef
• 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained
• 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder

Begin by browning the ground beef and diced onion in a large skillet over medium-high heat. This step helps develop a rich, caramelized flavor and ensures the meat is cooked through before transferring to the slow cooker.

Once browned, drain any excess fat and transfer the beef and onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and chili powder to the slow cooker. Stir the ingredients thoroughly to combine, ensuring that the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mixture.

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and promote even cooking. When preparing this chili, resist the temptation to lift the lid frequently, as this releases heat and extends the cooking time.

The chili is ready when the sauce has thickened and the flavors have melded together. If the consistency becomes too thick, add small amounts of water or beef broth to achieve your desired texture. For best results, let the chili rest for 15-20 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to fully develop.

Cooking Steps

You'll start by browning the ground beef and onions in a skillet, creating a rich, caramelized base that'll infuse your chili with deep flavor.

Next, transfer the meat mixture to your slow cooker and add kidney beans, diced tomatoes, and your signature chili powder, stirring thoroughly to ensure every ingredient is perfectly distributed.

Cover the slow cooker and let the magic happen, allowing the ingredients to simmer and meld together into a thick, hearty chili that'll have everyone at the table asking for seconds.

Step 1. Brown Ground Beef, Onions

Fire up a large skillet over medium-high heat and prepare to transform your ground beef into a flavor-packed foundation for your slow cooker chili.

Add your 2 pounds of ground beef to the hot pan, breaking it into small, uniform crumbles with a wooden spoon or spatula. Season the meat with a pinch of salt and pepper while it browns, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking and prevent sticking.

• Cook until meat is no longer pink (about 7-8 minutes)
• Drain excess fat using a colander
• Add diced onions to the same skillet
• Sauté onions until translucent and slightly golden

Once browned and caramelized, transfer the beef and onion mixture directly into your waiting slow cooker, ready to build layers of rich, complex flavor.

Step 2. Add Beans and Tomatoes

Because precision matters in slow cooker recipes, carefully drain your kidney beans to ensure a perfect chili consistency. Let the colander be your best friend, allowing excess liquid to escape completely before adding beans to your slow cooker.

You'll want to use two 15 oz cans of kidney beans, thoroughly rinsed and drained to prevent watery results.

Next, add two 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes directly into the slow cooker. These tomatoes will provide crucial moisture and acid that'll help break down the meat and develop rich flavor layers.

Gently stir the beans and tomatoes into your browned beef and onion mixture, ensuring even distribution. Your goal is a harmonious blend where each ingredient complements the others, creating a robust and satisfying chili con carne.

Step 3. Add Spices, Stir Thoroughly

When spices transform a good chili into an extraordinary dish, your attention to detail will make all the difference. Sprinkle 2 tablespoons of chili powder evenly across the meat and bean mixture, ensuring complete distribution.

Don't stop there—add 1 teaspoon of ground cumin, which provides a warm, earthy undertone that deepens the chili's complexity.

Next, incorporate:

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)

Stir thoroughly with a large wooden spoon, making sure spices coat every ingredient.

Press the spices gently into the mixture, allowing them to integrate fully. This technique ensures each bite will have a balanced, rich flavor profile that transforms your slow cooker chili from good to memorable.

Step 4. Cook Until Thickened

As your chili simmers in the slow cooker, you'll want to monitor its thickening process carefully, transforming the initial liquid mixture into a rich, hearty stew.

Watch for these key indicators of doneness:

• Sauce reduces and becomes less watery
• Meat looks tender and fully integrated
• Beans soften and absorb surrounding flavors

Around the 6-hour mark, check your chili's consistency. If it's too thin, leave the lid slightly ajar to allow moisture to evaporate.

For a thicker texture, mash some beans against the side of the pot, which will naturally increase viscosity. You can also add a small amount of tomato paste to enhance thickness and deepen the flavor profile.

Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even cooking. The goal is a robust, spoonable consistency that clings to your serving spoon.

Step 5. Serve With Toppings

A symphony of garnishes transforms your slow-cooker chili from good to unforgettable.

Top your hearty dish with classic additions that elevate flavor and texture: shredded cheddar cheese, which melts deliciously into warm chili; fresh, chopped cilantro for bright herbal notes; and tangy sour cream to balance the spice.

Consider these complementary toppings:

• Diced green onions
• Crispy tortilla strips
• Sliced jalapeños
• Diced avocado
• Lime wedges

For maximum impact, serve your chili in wide, shallow bowls that showcase the toppings.

Layer ingredients strategically: first cheese, then herbs, followed by creamy and crunchy elements. Each spoonful becomes a personalized flavor experience, allowing guests to customize their meal with their preferred garnishes.

Experiment and discover your perfect combination.

Final Thoughts

Because slow cooker chili con carne represents such a versatile and comforting meal, you'll appreciate how simple yet satisfying this recipe can be for your culinary repertoire.

Your newfound cooking skill will impress family and friends, transforming a basic ingredient list into a rich, flavorful dish that's both easy and delicious.

Key takeaways for success include:

• Always brown your meat first
• Let flavors develop slowly
• Don't rush the cooking process
• Experiment with additional spices
• Consider portion sizes for meal prep