Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Steak Chili, or Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or cozy gatherings. This rich, meaty dish combines tender beef with hearty beans and robust spices to create a mouthwatering experience. Whether you’re having a family dinner or hosting a game day party, this recipe stands out for its ease of preparation and deep flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: With minimal hands-on time, you can set it and forget it while the slow cooker does all the work.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of spices and slow cooking creates a depth of flavor that will impress everyone at your table.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize each bowl with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
• Hearty and Filling: This chili packs a punch with protein and fiber, making it a satisfying meal for any occasion.
• Meal Prep Friendly: Make it in advance and reheat for quick lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, you’ll need a few essential tools. These will help ensure your cooking process is smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Large dutch oven
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Slow cooker: This appliance allows you to cook low and slow, enhancing the flavors of your chili without constant supervision.
• Large dutch oven: Ideal for browning meat and sautéing vegetables before transferring to the slow cooker.
• Wooden spoon: Perfect for stirring ingredients gently without scratching your cookware.

Ingredients

Meat & Beans

• 2 tablespoons Extra virgin olive oil
• 3 pounds Beef chuck roast (sliced thin and cut into pieces)
• 15 ounces Canned light red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 15 ounces Canned dark red kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

Vegetables & Spices

• 1 Small onion (diced (about 1 cup))
• 3 cloves Garlic (minced)
• 2 tablespoons Chili powder
• 1 teaspoon Cumin
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 1/2 teaspoon Ground black pepper

Liquids & Tomatoes

• 8 ounce Canned tomato sauce
• 15 ounces Canned fire roasted diced tomatoes
• 2 cups Beef broth

Optional Toppings

• shredded cheese
• sour cream
• cilantro

How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients

1. Gather all your ingredients together on a clean cutting board.
2. Slice the beef chuck roast into thin pieces for even cooking.

Step 2: Brown the Meat

1. In a large dutch oven, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat.
2. Add the beef chuck pieces along with diced onion.
3. Cook until the meat is browned through and onion is tender.

Step 3: Add Garlic

1. Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Drain any excess fat from the dutch oven.
2. Return the mixture to heat and add all beans, tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, salt, and black pepper.
3. Stir well until everything is combined.

Step 5: Transfer to Slow Cooker

1. Bring the mixture to a simmer in the dutch oven.
2. Carefully transfer everything to your slow cooker.

Step 6: Cook

1. Cover and cook on low for 4–6 hours.
2. Reduce temperature to warm until ready to serve.

Step 7: Serve

1. Transfer chili to serving bowls.
2. Offer optional toppings like shredded cheese or sour cream for guests to customize their bowls.

Enjoy this hearty Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne as you gather with friends or family around the table!

How to Serve Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Serving Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can elevate your meal experience. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, these suggestions will enhance the flavors and presentation of your chili.

With Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese adds creaminess and richness to the chili.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh, herbal note that brightens up the dish.

As a Meal Bowl

• Rice Base: Serve the chili over a bed of fluffy rice for added texture and heartiness.
• Cornbread: Pair with warm cornbread on the side for a classic comfort food combination.
• Nachos: Use tortilla chips topped with chili for a fun, shareable snack.

With Accompaniments

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado balances the spices and adds healthy fats.
• Pickled Jalapeños: For an extra kick, serve pickled jalapeños on the side for those who love heat.

How to Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

To achieve the best results with your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne, consider these tips that will enhance flavor and texture.

• Choose Quality Meat: Select high-quality beef chuck roast for tender chunks that melt in your mouth.
• Sear the Meat: Browning the meat before slow cooking enhances its depth of flavor.
• Use Fresh Spices: Opt for fresh spices instead of old ones to ensure vibrant flavors.
• Adjust Seasoning Gradually: Taste as you go and adjust salt and spices to your preference during cooking.
• Let it Rest: Allowing the chili to sit for 10-15 minutes after cooking lets flavors meld together beautifully.

Best Side Dishes for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Pairing your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne with delicious side dishes can create a well-rounded meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: This sweet, crumbly bread is perfect for soaking up all that flavorful chili.
2. Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice serves as a neutral base that complements spicy chili well.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make great dippers, adding texture and fun to your meal.
4. Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw offers a refreshing contrast to the rich chili flavors.
5. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds healthy fats and balances spice with its smooth texture.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies bring additional nutrients and vibrant colors to your plate.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne can be easy, but there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Here’s how to avoid them.

• Skipping the browning step: Not searing the beef first may result in less flavor. Always brown your meat for a richer taste.
• Overcooking: Leaving it on high too long can lead to mushy beans. Stick to low heat and check for tenderness.
• Ignoring seasoning adjustments: Every ingredient varies in strength, so taste as you go. Adjust spices to match your preference.
• Using low-quality meat: Cheap cuts can lead to tough chili. Invest in good quality beef chuck for tender results.
• Not letting it rest: Serving immediately can miss out on flavors melding together. Allow the chili to sit for a few minutes before serving.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne in an airtight container.
• It stays fresh for up to 5 days in the fridge.

Freezing Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can last up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover the chili with foil, and heat until warm.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring often until heated through.
• Stovetop: Place in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until hot.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne.

What is the best meat for Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne?

Beef chuck roast is ideal due to its marbling and tenderness after cooking for hours.

Can I add vegetables?

Yes! Bell peppers, corn, or zucchini are great additions for extra nutrition and flavor.

How spicy is this recipe?

The spice level depends on your choice of chili powder. Start with mild and adjust according to your taste.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute beef with lentils or mushrooms and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is not only comforting but also versatile enough for any occasion. You can easily customize it with toppings like cheese or sour cream and experiment with different spices. Try this recipe today, and enjoy a hearty meal that warms your soul!