The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Easy slow cooker chilli con carne is the perfect meal for busy weeknights or gatherings. With minimal prep time and a slow cooker doing the work, you can enjoy a flavorful, hearty dish without the fuss. This recipe is not only simple but also customizable, making it suitable for various occasions, from casual family dinners to game day parties. Get ready to impress your guests with this delicious and satisfying meal!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: With just 15 minutes of prep time, you can set your slow cooker and walk away.
• Flavorful Combination: The blend of spices and ingredients creates a rich, deep flavor that everyone will love.
• Healthy Ingredients: Packed with beans, vegetables, and lean beef, this dish is both nutritious and filling.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it over rice, with tortilla chips, or as a topping for baked potatoes; the choices are endless!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a large batch and freeze leftovers for quick meals later in the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth and enjoyable, gather these essential tools before you start.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Skillet
• Chopping board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: Allows for hands-off cooking while developing deep flavors over hours.
• Skillet: Ideal for browning meat and enhancing flavor before adding it to the slow cooker.
• Chopping board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables efficiently.
• Knife: A sharp knife makes prep work quicker and easier.

Ingredients

For the 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

Seasonings

• 200 ml beef stock (made using a stock cube or a 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. If desired, heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
2. Once hot, add the minced beef along with diced onions and minced garlic.
3. Sauté for about 10 minutes until the beef is browned and onions are soft.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker

1. Transfer the browned mixture to your slow cooker bowl.
2. Add all remaining ingredients: chopped tomatoes, tomato purée, mixed beans, beef stock, dried thyme, chilli powder, cumin, cocoa powder or chocolate square, and smoked paprika.
3. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 3: Cook and Serve

1. Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours until everything is tender.
2. Once finished cooking, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
3. Serve hot with rice, avocado slices, tortilla chips, cheese, or sour cream as desired.

Enjoy your homemade easy slow cooker chilli con carne!

How to Serve The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Serving your homemade easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a delightful experience that can be easily tailored to your taste. Here are some delicious ideas to enhance your meal.

With Rice

• Serve the chilli over fluffy white or brown rice for a hearty and filling option. The rice absorbs the rich flavors of the chilli.

Topped with Avocado

• Slice fresh avocado on top for a creamy texture that complements the spicy warmth of the chilli.

Accompanied by Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy tortilla chips provide a perfect contrast and can be used for scooping up the chilli, adding a fun twist to your meal.

Garnished with Cheese

• Sprinkle grated cheese on top for an extra layer of flavor. Cheddar or Monterey Jack work particularly well.

With Sour Cream

• A dollop of sour cream adds creaminess and balances out the heat of the spices in the chilli.

Served with Cornbread

• Pair your chilli with warm cornbread for a classic comfort food experience that everyone will love.

How to Perfect The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Creating the perfect easy slow cooker chilli con carne can be simple with a few tips. Here’s how you can elevate your dish:

• Choose Quality Beef: Use lean ground beef for a healthier option. It makes the dish flavorful without excessive fat.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Modify the amount of chilli powder based on your spice preference. A little can go a long way!

• Add Extra Veggies: Incorporate bell peppers or zucchini for added nutrition and texture, making your dish even heartier.

• Use Fresh Herbs: Adding fresh herbs like cilantro right before serving can brighten up the flavors and add freshness.

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 dining experience. Here are some tasty options:

1. Cornbread
   A sweet and savory bread that complements the richness of the chilli beautifully.

2. Coleslaw
   A crunchy slaw offers freshness and contrasts nicely with the warm, hearty chilli.

3. Guacamole
   Creamy guacamole adds flavor and pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips served alongside.

4. Rice Pilaf
   Flavored with herbs and spices, this side adds depth and absorbs the delicious sauce from the chilli.

5. Baked Potatoes
   Lightly seasoned baked potatoes serve as a canvas for spooning over delicious chilli.

6. Grilled Vegetables
   Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrients, balancing out the meal perfectly.

7. Nachos
   Layered tortilla chips topped with melted cheese create a fun sharing platter alongside your main dish.

8. Pico de Gallo
   This fresh salsa made from tomatoes, onions, and cilantro brings brightness and acidity to each bite of chilli.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoiding common mistakes can enhance your experience making The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne.

• Not Browning the Meat: Skipping the browning step can lead to a less flavorful dish. Always brown the beef first for richer taste.
• Overcrowding the Slow Cooker: Filling the slow cooker too full can prevent even cooking. Make sure to leave some space for proper heat circulation.
• Ignoring Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning before serving can leave your chilli bland. Always check and tweak flavors to your liking.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Poor-quality meat or canned goods can affect texture and flavor. Choose fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best results.
• Cooking on High Too Long: Cooking on high for too long can dry out the meat. Stick to recommended cooking times for tender results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Let it cool completely before placing it in the fridge.

Freezing The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Separate into portions for easy reheating later.

Reheating The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 180°C (350°F) and reheat in a covered dish for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Gently reheat over low heat, stirring frequently until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne special?

The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne stands out due to its rich flavors, simple preparation, and versatility in serving options.

Can I customize The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?

Absolutely! Feel free to add vegetables like bell peppers or corn, or adjust spice levels according to your preference.

How long does it take to cook The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?

It typically takes about 8 hours on low or 5 hours on high in a slow cooker.

What should I serve with The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?

Pair it with rice, tortilla chips, avocado, or cheese for a delightful meal experience.

Final Thoughts

The BEST Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or meal prepping for busy weeks, this recipe adapts well to various tastes. Customize it with your favorite toppings or spices and enjoy a hearty meal that satisfies everyone at the table!