The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a delightful dish that brings together robust flavors and hearty ingredients. Perfect for family dinners, game day gatherings, or meal prep for the week, this recipe stands out due to its simplicity and deliciousness. With minimal effort, you can create a warm and satisfying meal that everyone will enjoy.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Preparation: Spend just 15 minutes getting everything ready before your slow cooker does the heavy lifting.
• Flavorful and Rich: The combination of spices and ingredients creates a depth of flavor that will impress your family and friends.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch to feed a crowd or enjoy leftovers throughout the week without losing quality.
• Customizable: Adjust the spice level or add extra vegetables to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.
• Nutritious Ingredients: Packed with beans, vegetables, and lean beef, this dish offers a balanced meal option.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience seamless, having the right tools at hand is essential. Here’s what you’ll need to create this easy slow cooker chilli con carne.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow Cooker: Ideal for allowing flavors to meld together over time, resulting in tender meat and rich sauces.
• Skillet: Great for browning beef and sautéing vegetables before adding them to the slow cooker, enhancing flavor.
• Chef’s Knife: A sharp knife makes chopping ingredients quick and effortless—essential for speedy prep time.

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Ingredients

Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a simple and healthy homemade dinner perfect for batch cooking and feeding a crowd.

For the Beef Base

• 500 g 5% fat mince beef (ground beef)
• 1 medium red onion (diced)
• 4 cloves garlic (minced)
• 3 stalks celery (diced)

For the Sauce

• 400 g tin chopped tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons tomato purée
• 400 g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce

For Flavoring

• 200 ml beef stock (made using a stock cube or stock pot)
• 1 tablespoon dried thyme
• 1 ½ teaspoon chilli powder
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 1 tablespoon of cocoa powder or 1 small square of dark chocolate
• 1 tablespoon smoked paprika

How to Make The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Brown the Beef

1. Heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Add the minced beef along with diced onions and minced garlic.
3. Cook until the meat is browned and onions are soft, about 10 minutes.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the browned beef mixture to your slow cooker.
2. Add all remaining ingredients including chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans, beef stock, dried thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder or dark chocolate, and smoked paprika.

Step 3: Cook Your Chilli Con Carne

1. Set your slow cooker on low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.
2. Once cooked, taste your chilli con carne and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Step 4: Serve

Serve hot with rice, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream as desired. Enjoy!

How to Serve The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Serving your easy slow cooker chilli con carne can elevate the dish and make it even more enjoyable. Here are some creative serving suggestions that will complement the flavors of this hearty meal.

With Rice

• Fluffy rice absorbs the rich sauce, making it a perfect base for your chilli con carne. White or brown rice both work well.

Topped with Avocado

• Slices or cubes of creamy avocado add a fresh flavor and smooth texture to balance the spices in the chilli.

Alongside Tortilla Chips

• Crispy tortilla chips are great for dipping into the chilli. They add crunch and are perfect for sharing at gatherings.

Garnished with Cheese

• Shredded cheese, such as cheddar or Monterey Jack, melts beautifully on top of hot chilli, enhancing its richness.

Served with Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream cools down the heat and adds a creamy texture, making each bite more delightful.

Accompanied by Fresh Herbs

• Fresh cilantro or parsley sprinkled on top provides a burst of color and freshness that brightens up the dish.

How to Perfect The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

To ensure your chilli con carne turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips:

• Use Quality Meat: Select lean ground beef for a healthier option that still offers great flavor without excess fat.

• Balance the Spices: Adjust the amount of chilli powder and cumin to suit your taste preferences. Start with less if you prefer milder flavours.

• Let It Rest: Allowing the chilli to sit for a few minutes after cooking helps meld the flavors together before serving.

• Experiment with Ingredients: Feel free to add other vegetables like bell peppers or corn for added texture and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with your easy slow cooker chilli con carne can enhance your meal experience. Below are some fantastic options that go well with this dish:

1. Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread offers a delightful contrast to spicy chilli and is perfect for sopping up sauce.

2. Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and acidity, balancing out the richness of the chilli.

3. Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with veggies brings health benefits and complements the hearty nature of your main dish.

4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled vegetables add smoky flavors that pair beautifully with spicy chilli con carne.

5. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges bring comfort food vibes and can be dipped into the chilli for extra deliciousness.

6. Garlic Bread: Toasted garlic bread is perfect for scooping up chilli while adding an aromatic touch to your meal.

7. Cucumber Salad: A refreshing cucumber salad brings cooling crunchiness that contrasts nicely against warming spices in the chilli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne, it’s important to avoid common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Using low-quality meat: Choosing lower-quality beef can lead to a less flavorful chilli. Opt for 5% fat mince beef for the best results.
• Skipping the browning step: Browning the beef and vegetables adds depth to the flavor. Always take a few extra minutes to brown before adding to the slow cooker.
• Not seasoning correctly: Under-seasoning can make your chilli bland. Taste as you cook and adjust spices like chilli powder and cumin according to your preference.
• Ignoring cooking time: Cooking for too long or too short can affect texture. Follow recommended times for best results; aim for low for 8 hours or high for 5 hours.
• Overloading with beans: Adding too many beans can change the consistency. Stick to the recipe’s ratio for balanced flavor and texture.

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Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Keep in an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Use freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and heat in a covered dish until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, covering loosely, at medium power in intervals of 1-2 minutes until hot.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a saucepan, stirring occasionally until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne:

Can I use turkey instead of beef?

Yes, you can substitute turkey mince for beef. It will give a lighter flavor while still being delicious.

How spicy is this chilli?

The spice level depends on how much chilli powder you add. Start with the recommended amount and increase if you prefer more heat.

What sides go well with chilli con carne?

It pairs well with rice, avocado, tortilla chips, or even cornbread for a complete meal.

How do I customize The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?

Feel free to add more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini, or use different beans based on your preference.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is not only simple but also versatile, making it perfect for any gathering or meal prep. You can easily customize it by adding your favorite veggies or adjusting the spice level. Give this recipe a try and enjoy a hearty meal that everyone will love!