US Trends

how to make chilli con carne in slow cooker

Making chili con carne in a slow cooker is a hands-off way to get rich, flavorful results with tender beef and beans melding over hours. This classic Tex-Mex dish shines with simple ingredients and minimal prep, perfect for busy weeknights or batch cooking ahead.

Core Ingredients

Gather these staples for a hearty batch serving 6-8; adjust spices for heat preference.

Ingredient| Amount| Notes 137
---|---|---
Beef (ground or chunks)| 1.5-2 lbs| Chuck or minced for tenderness
Onion| 1 large, diced| Yellow or white for base flavor
Garlic| 3-4 cloves, minced| Fresh for punch
Red bell pepper| 1, diced| Adds sweetness 1
Kidney beans| 2 cans (14 oz each), drained| Or black beans for variety
Diced tomatoes| 2 cans (14 oz each)| Fire-roasted for depth
Tomato paste| 3 tbsp| Thickens the sauce
Beef broth| 2 cups| Or vegetable for lighter version
Chili seasoning| 1 packet or 3 tbsp mix (cumin, chili powder, paprika, oregano)| Homemade: 1 tbsp each chili powder, cumin; 1 tsp each paprika, oregano 19
Jalapeño or chili| 1/2-1, chopped| Optional for spice
Oil| 1 tbsp olive| For sautéing

Step-by-Step Instructions

No-fuss method with optional browning for extra depth—many skip it for true dump-and-go ease.

  1. Prep base : Heat oil in a pan over medium. Sauté onion, garlic, bell pepper, and jalapeño 4-5 minutes until soft. Brown beef 3-5 minutes, breaking it up. (Skip browning for no-mess version: add raw to cooker.)
  1. Load slow cooker : Transfer meat/veggies to cooker. Stir in tomato paste, beans, tomatoes, broth, and seasoning until combined.
  2. Cook low and slow :
    • Low : 7-8 hours for fall-apart texture.
    • High : 4-5 hours if rushed.
      Beef should shred easily; skim fat if needed.
  1. Finish and rest : Taste—add salt, sugar (1 tsp for balance), or more chili powder. Let sit 10 minutes off heat for flavors to settle.

Quick Tips from Forums

Home cooks rave about tweaks for perfection, pulling from recent UK food chats and recipe sites.

  • Thicker chili : Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with water near end; stir in.
  • Milder for kids : Swap jalapeño for mild seasoning or use half chipotle paste.
  • Boost flavor : Splash Worcestershire sauce (1 tbsp) or dark chocolate (1 oz) for umami depth—forum favorite.
  • No beans? : Double beef or add lentils for heartiness.
  • Freezer gold : Cools perfectly; portions last weeks.

"Beautiful chilli, very similar to my own recipe with a few tweaks. Would recommend!" – Taming Twins commenter on easy slow cooker hacks.

Serving Ideas

Pair with rice, jacket potatoes, or cornbread for a full meal. Top with sour cream, cheddar, avocado, or coriander. Leftovers shine in nachos or tacos tomorrow.

Variations Table

Explore twists from trending recipes—no two chilies alike!

Style| Key Swap/Add| Cook Time Note 359
---|---|---
Spicy Kick| Extra cayenne + chipotle| High for 4 hrs
Veggie-Heavy| Extra peppers, no meat| Low 8 hrs
Pork Blend| Half pork mince| Shred at end
Bean-Free Tex-Mex| Just beef + bacon bits| Strain fat

TL;DR : Brown beef/onions, dump into slow cooker with beans, tomatoes, and spices; cook low 7-8 hrs. Serves crowd, freezes great.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.