The Best Crock Pot Recipe: Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Chilli Con Carne in a crock pot is the ideal option if you’re searching for a filling, tasty, and simple to prepare meal! Packed with tender beef, beans, tomatoes, and powerful spices, this slow-cooked Tex-Mex classic is a hearty meal for any occasion.

A slow cooker (crock pot) reduces the amount of preparation required while allowing all the flavours to meld harmoniously. Simply set it and forget about it! Everyone will want more of this rich and smoky chilli whether you’re preparing it for a family dinner, game day, or meal prep.

Now let’s get started with this simple and tasty crock pot Chilli Con Carne recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Chilli Con Carne

✅ Simple One-Pot Meal – Simply put everything in the slow cooker and let it do its magic. ✅ Bold & Spicy Flavour – A blend of savoury, spicy, and smoky flavours that are just right. ✅ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day!
✅ Family-Friendly – Tailor the amount of spice to your personal preference. ✅ Freezer-Friendly – Prepare a large quantity and store any leftovers in the freezer.

Ingredients You’ll Need🛒

2 pounds ground beef (or chuck roast, chopped into small cubes) for the chilli base

• One large chopped onion – three minced garlic cloves – one large chopped bell pepper – two 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes
  One fifteen-ounce can of tomato sauce
  One can of tomato paste (6 oz)
  Beef broth – 2 cups
  One fifteen-ounce can of washed and drained kidney beans
  One fifteen-ounce can of washed and drained black beans or pinto beans

For the seasoning for the chilli:

Two tablespoons of chilli powder
Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
One teaspoon of cumin
Oregano 1 teaspoon
One-half teaspoon of cayenne pepper (Adapt to personal preference)
An additional teaspoon of black pepper
One teaspoon of salt
A single teaspoon of brown sugar (Keeps the acidity in check)
A single teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (provides depth)
Cocoa powder 1 teaspoon (optional, but adds depth.)

Optional garnishes: – Chopped fresh cilantro – Slices of jalapeños – Tortilla chips or cornbread – Shredded cheese (either Monterey Jack or cheddar)

🔥 Detailed Instructions

First Step: Brown the Meat (Suggested, but optional)

A big skillet should be heated to medium-high heat.

2. Add the ground beef and use a spoon to split it up as it cooks until browned. Empty the extra grease.
3. Put the crock pot with the beef.

*Tip: Before putting the cubed chuck roast to the slow cooker, sear the pieces in batches for more flavour.

Step 2: Aromatic Sautéing

1. Add a small amount of oil to the same skillet and sauté the bell peppers, onions, and garlic for two to three minutes, or until they are tender.
2. Move to the slow cooker.

Add the remaining ingredients in step three

1. Add the tomato paste, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
2. Include all the seasonings, Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, and the drained beans.
3. Mix all the ingredients together.

Step 4: Slow Cook the Chilli First, cover and cook for 6–8 hours on LOW or 3–4 hours on HIGH.

2. Although it’s not necessary, stir occasionally if you can.

Step 5: Adjust Seasoning & Taste

1. Taste and adjust salt, spice, or sweetness as necessary after cooking.
2. Add extra broth if the chilli is too thick, and simmer it uncovered for half an hour if it is too thin.

Step 6: Serve and Savour!

Ladle the chilli into bowls and garnish with cilantro, sour cream, cheese, or jalapeños.

2. Serve over rice, tortilla chips, or cornbread.

🍽️ Top Chilli Con Carne Side Dishes

This chilli goes nicely with:

✔️ A traditional Southern side dish is cornbread.
✔️ Steamed Rice – Ideal for a filling supper.
Garlic Bread ✔️ – Excellent for dipping.
✔️ Tortilla chips: They provide texture and crunch.
✔️ Grilled Cheese Sandwich – The perfect combination of comfort foods.

🥡 Tips for Storing and Reheating

To Store: – Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a airtight container.

To Freeze: – Before freezing, let the chilli cool fully.
Keep for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Before reheating, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.

In order to reheat, place it in a pot over low heat and stir from time to time.
A little broth or water can be added if it thickens too much.
The microwave can also be used to reheat in 30-second increments.

🔥 Expert Advice for the Greatest Crock Pot Chilli

✔️ Brown the meat first because it adds a rich, complex flavour.
✔️ Let It Slow Cook Longer – If you want to build flavours, the longer the better.
✔️ Tailor the Spice to Your Taste – For additional spiciness, use more chilli powder.
✔️ Use Different Beans – For variation, combine kidney, black, or pinto beans.
✔️ Thicken with Cornmeal For a thicker chilli, add a teaspoon of cornmeal and boil.
Twice the Recipe ✔️ Make extra for later dinners because it freezes wonderfully!

Is it possible to prepare Chilli Con Carne without beans?

Yes! Simply omit the beans and add more meat or vegetables if you want Texas-style chilli.

2. How does one make the greatest chilli

?Chilli is made rich and flavourful by combining balanced spices, slow simmering, and a little acidity (vinegar or Worcestershire sauce).

3. Is it possible to prepare this using an Instant Pot?

Yes! Brown the meat using the sauté function, then pressure cook it for 20 minutes on high, letting it release naturally.

4. How can I lessen the heat?

To balance the heat, add a little amount of brown sugar or sour cream and cut back on the cayenne pepper and chilli powder.

5. Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for beef?

Indeed! A leaner alternative that is as effective in this recipe is ground turkey.

⭐ Concluding Remarks

Packed with warmth and flavour, this Crock Pot Chilli Con Carne is the ideal set it and forget it meal. This dish will be a hit whether you’re making it for dinner prep, game day, or a cosy night in.

Try it out and let me know what you think! 😊🔥