Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne is a hearty, bold, and deeply flavorful dish that has become a comfort food classic across America and beyond. Originally inspired by Tex-Mex cuisine, this chili brings together ground beef, tomatoes, beans, spices, and aromatics to create a rich and satisfying one-pot meal.

When made in a slow cooker, the flavors have hours to meld together, resulting in a deeply seasoned chili with a tender texture and a thick, rich sauce that tastes even better than restaurant versions.

This slow cooker version makes mealtime incredibly easy—simply prep the ingredients, toss them into the cooker, and let low, slow heat transform everything into a delicious and cozy dish perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or casual gatherings.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s warm, filling, and packed with flavor without requiring much hands-on effort. The slow cooker does all the heavy lifting, while the spices, beef, and beans blend together beautifully. It’s also versatile—great for parties, family dinners, or storing as leftovers.

Why It’s a Must-Try Dish

You must try this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne because:

✔ It feeds a crowd
✔ It’s customizable—mild, spicy, smoky—your choice
✔ Leftovers taste even better the next day
✔ It freezes incredibly well for future meals
✔ It works for everything from tacos to chili dogs

If you love comforting, hearty meals with bold spices, this recipe will quickly become a staple in your home.

Recipe Details

Category	Information
Preparation Time	10–15 minutes
Cook Time	6–8 hours on LOW or 4 hours on HIGH
Total Time	4–8 hours
Servings	6–8 servings
Cuisine	Tex-Mex / American
Course	Main Dish
Calories	~435 calories per serving

Ingredients

Main Ingredients

• 1.5–2 lbs (700–900g) ground beef
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 medium onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) diced tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz / 400g) tomato sauce or crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz / 425g) black beans or pinto beans (optional)
• 1 cup beef broth or water

Seasoning & Spices

• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• ¼–½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)

Garnishes

• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Sour cream
• Sliced jalapeños
• Chopped green onions
• Fresh cilantro

Cooking Directions (Summary)

1. Brown the ground beef with onions and garlic.
2. Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.
3. Stir, cover, and cook.
4. Adjust seasoning before serving.
5. Serve with toppings of choice.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Brown the Beef

Heat olive oil in a skillet. Add ground beef and cook until browned. Drain excess fat.

Step 2: Add Vegetables

Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper to the skillet. Sauté 2–3 minutes until softened.

Step 3: Transfer to Slow Cooker

Add the cooked beef and vegetables to the crockpot.

Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients

Stir in tomatoes, tomato sauce, beans, broth, and all seasonings.

Step 5: Cook

Cook:

• 6–8 hours on LOW, or
• 4 hours on HIGH

Step 6: Taste and Adjust

Add more salt, heat, or spices if desired.

Step 7: Serve

Ladle into bowls and garnish generously.

How to Serve

Serve your chili with:

White rice
Baked potatoes
Tacos or nachos
Crusty bread or cornbread

Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, or avocado slices.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the meat first for maximum flavor.
• Drain beans well to avoid thinning the chili.
• Add more broth if you prefer a soupier consistency.
• For thicker chili, remove lid during last 15-20 minutes.

Variations

Extra Spicy Chili

Add:

• 1–2 fresh jalapeños
• Hot sauce
• Extra cayenne

Southwest Style

Add:

• 1 cup corn kernels
• Lime juice
• Cilantro

Rich Smoky Version

Add:

• 1 teaspoon cocoa powder OR
• A small piece of dark chocolate

Chunky Beef Chili

Replace ground beef with diced chuck roast pieces.

Storage & Freezing

Storage Method	Time
Refrigerator	4–5 days
Freezer	3 months

Reheat on stovetop or microwave with a splash of broth if needed.

Special Equipment Needed

• 6-quart slow cooker
• Skillet for browning meat
• Wooden spoon or spatula

Conclusion

Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is warm, cozy, bold, and incredibly satisfying. It’s simple to prepare, packed with flavor, and customizable enough to suit any taste preference. Whether you're feeding a hungry family, hosting game night, or meal prepping for the week, this chili is guaranteed to impress and comfort with every spoonful.