Easy Slow Cooker Chili con Carne
This slow cooker chili con carne is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for family gatherings or cozy nights in. With minimal prep time and hearty ingredients, it's a must-try for chili lovers.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g 5% fat mince beef (ground beef) See notes for alternatives
- 1 medium red onion Diced
- 4 cloves garlic Minced
- 3 stalks celery Diced
- 400 g tin chopped tomatoes See notes
- 2 tablespoons tomato purée
- 400 g tin mixed beans in chilli sauce See notes
- 200 ml beef stock Made using a stock cube or a stock pot
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1.5 teaspoons chilli powder
- 2 teaspoons cumin
- 1 tablespoon cocoa powder Or 1 small square of dark chocolate
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
Instructions
Preparation
- If browning the beef, heat a skillet over medium heat with 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil.
- Once the oil is hot, brown the meat, onions, and garlic in the skillet for about 10 minutes.
- Once the beef is browned and the onions are soft, add them to the bowl of your slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
Cooking
- Cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 5 hours.
- When the chili is cooked, taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.
Serving
- Serve with rice, avocado, tortilla chips, cheese, and sour cream for a delightful meal.
Notes
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze in portions for up to 3 months. Allow to cool completely before freezing. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Consider adding Worcestershire sauce or hot sauce for extra flavor. For a lighter dish, substitute with lean ground turkey or chicken. Let the chili sit for an hour before serving for enhanced flavor.