Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne Recipe
Introduction
This Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is a hearty and comforting dish packed with rich flavors and a gentle spicy kick. Perfect for a cozy dinner, it’s easy to prepare and lets your slow cooker do all the work, resulting in tender beef and a delicious sauce.
Ingredients
- 500 g 15% fat beef mince
- 1 onion (peeled and finely chopped)
- 1 red pepper (deseeded and chopped)
- 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes
- 150 ml passata
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 3 garlic cloves (peeled and crushed)
- 1 gluten free beef stock pot
- 400 g tinned kidney beans (drained)
- 1 square dark chocolate (at least 80% cocoa)
- 2 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Step 1: OPTIONAL STEP: Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beef mince and fry for 4-5 minutes, breaking it up with a spatula until browned. This step enhances texture and flavor but can be skipped if short on time.
- Step 2: Add the browned beef mince (or raw if skipping step 1) to the slow cooker along with chopped onion, red pepper, tinned tomatoes, passata, tomato puree, crushed garlic, beef stock pot, drained kidney beans, dark chocolate, chilli powder, marjoram, paprika, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 3: Cover with the lid and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. Before serving, stir the chilli well to mix flavors evenly.
Tips & Variations
- For extra depth, add a splash of strong coffee or a dash of Worcestershire sauce before cooking.
- Adjust the chilli powder to your preferred heat level to make it milder or spicier.
- Serve with rice, crusty bread, or over baked potatoes for a satisfying meal.
- Try adding extra vegetables like corn or chopped carrots for more texture and nutrition.
Storage
Store leftover chilli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until piping hot. This chilli also freezes well for up to 2 months; thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I use a different type of meat?
Yes, turkey or chicken mince can be used as a leaner alternative. Adjust cooking times if using less fatty meat to prevent drying out.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, this chilli is gluten-free as long as you use a gluten-free beef stock pot and check that all canned ingredients are free from gluten-containing additives.
PrintSlow Cooker Chili Con Carne Recipe
This Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. Made with lean beef mince, kidney beans, tomatoes, and a blend of spices, it slowly simmers to develop rich flavors. The optional step of browning the mince adds depth and texture, but the slow cooker does most of the work, making it an easy yet satisfying recipe.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 4-8 hours (depending on slow cooker setting)
- Total Time: 4 hours 15 minutes to 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Mexican-inspired
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 500 g 15% fat beef mince
- 1 onion, peeled and finely chopped
- 1 red pepper, deseeded and chopped
- 400 g tinned chopped tomatoes
- 150 ml passata
- 2 tbsp tomato puree
- 3 garlic cloves, peeled and crushed
- 1 gluten free beef stock pot
- 400 g tinned kidney beans, drained
- 1 square dark chocolate (at least 80% cocoa)
Spices
- 2 tsp chilli powder
- 1/2 tsp marjoram
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
Instructions
- Brown the Beef Mince (Optional): Heat a little oil in a pan over medium heat. Add the beef mince and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring and breaking it up with a spatula until browned. This step enhances the texture and flavor of the mince but can be skipped if you’re short on time.
- Combine Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Transfer the browned beef mince to the slow cooker. Add the chopped onion, red pepper, tinned chopped tomatoes, passata, tomato puree, crushed garlic, gluten free beef stock pot, drained kidney beans, dark chocolate, chilli powder, marjoram, paprika, and ground cumin. Stir well to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook in Slow Cooker: Place the lid on the slow cooker and cook on high for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours. The slow cooking allows all the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Serve: Once cooked, give the chilli a good stir and serve hot. It pairs well with rice, bread, or on its own as a warming meal.
Notes
- Browning the mince before adding it to the slow cooker improves flavor and texture but is optional.
- Adjust chilli powder quantity based on your preferred spice level.
- Using dark chocolate adds a subtle richness and depth to the sauce.
- Make sure to drain and rinse the kidney beans to reduce sodium content.
- This recipe is gluten-free with the use of a gluten-free beef stock pot.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
Keywords: Chilli con carne, slow cooker chilli, gluten free chilli, beef mince recipe, easy slow cooker meals
