There’s something irresistible about the warm, smoky aroma of Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne wafting through your kitchen on a lazy afternoon. This savory, slow-cooked masterpiece is a go-to for busy weeknights, cozy weekends, and everything in between. Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or feeding a hungry crowd, this hearty chili with ground beef delivers robust flavor, minimal effort, and ultimate comfort in every spoonful.
Imagine coming home after a long day to a pot of slow-cooked beef chili—rich, thick, and bursting with bold spices. This is more than just a recipe; it’s a warm hug in a bowl, a family favorite, and your new meal-prep hero. Let’s break down exactly how to create this Tex-Mex slow cooker chili that’s packed with protein, fiber, and crave-worthy spice.
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
- Bold, smoky flavors from spices like chili powder, cumin, and smoked paprika.
- Effortless prep—just toss everything into the slow cooker and walk away.
- Budget-friendly ingredients available year-round.
- Meal prep perfection—makes enough for leftovers that taste even better the next day.
- Kid-approved and easily adjustable for heat and spice.
- Protein-packed and fiber-rich, thanks to lean beef and beans.
- Customizable with your favorite toppings—from cheese to sour cream to avocado.
- Freezer-friendly—save portions for busy nights later in the month.
Ingredients for the Perfect Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne
Each ingredient in this recipe serves a specific purpose—flavor, texture, balance. Let’s explore the lineup:
Main Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef – Opt for lean ground beef (90/10) to reduce grease without compromising flavor.
- 28 oz crushed tomatoes – The rich base that gives the chili its hearty texture.
- 1 can kidney beans (15 oz) – Drained and rinsed. Adds color and classic chili texture.
- 1 can black beans (15 oz) – Provides a creamy contrast to the kidney beans.
- 1 medium onion, diced – Builds the aromatic foundation and slight sweetness.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced – Elevates the savory notes and adds depth.
- 2 tbsp chili powder – The soul of this dish. Adjust to your desired heat level.
- 1 tbsp cumin – Earthy and warming, balancing the chili spice.
- 1 tsp smoked paprika – Adds a smoky undertone and vivid color.
- Salt and black pepper to taste – Essential seasoning to round out all the flavors.
🔄 Substitutions: Use ground turkey for a lighter version. Try pinto or cannellini beans instead of black or kidney. Tomato puree can substitute for crushed tomatoes for a smoother texture.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne (Step-by-Step)
🔪 Preparation
- Dice your onion finely.
- Mince the garlic.
- (Optional but recommended) Brown the ground beef in a skillet before adding to the slow cooker to enhance flavor and reduce grease.
🔥 Cooking
- In your slow cooker, combine the ground beef, crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, diced onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
- Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure even distribution.
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or high for 3–4 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
🍲 Visual cues: Chili should be thick with a deep red hue, beans tender but intact, and the sauce rich and fragrant.
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Pro Tips for the Best Chili Ever
What is the best meat for chili con carne in a slow cooker?
Ground beef is classic, but chuck roast or brisket cut into small cubes creates a melt-in-your-mouth texture. Choose lean cuts for best results.
🕓 Can I make chili con carne in a crockpot overnight?
Yes! Set it on low for 8 hours, and you’ll wake up to rich, fully developed flavors. Just be sure your slow cooker has a “warm” setting to prevent overcooking.
🔥 Should you brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, if time allows. Browning caramelizes the meat and adds a deeper umami flavor, especially if you deglaze the pan and add those browned bits into the pot.
Bonus Tip: Add a teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder or a splash of coffee for a richer, more complex flavor.
🍽️ Best Ways to Serve It
- With buttery cornbread or crusty sourdough
- Over a bed of steamed rice or quinoa
- Stuffed into baked sweet potatoes
- As a topping for nachos or loaded fries
- Paired with a crisp apple slaw or a cucumber-lime salad
💡 Explore more warming dishes on our Hearty Dinners Collection.
Nutrition Breakdown (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount | % Daily Value |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 380 kcal | 19% |
| Protein | 27g | 54% |
| Carbohydrates | 28g | 9% |
| Dietary Fiber | 9g | 36% |
| Fat | 17g | 26% |
| Saturated Fat | 6g | 30% |
| Sodium | 680mg | 28% |
Note: Nutrition may vary based on substitutions or toppings.
❄️ Storage & Leftovers
- Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 3 months in portioned freezer-safe bags or containers.
- Reheating: Warm on the stove over low heat or in the microwave in 1-minute intervals, stirring in between.
💡 Pro Tip: Add a splash of broth or water when reheating to restore consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I freeze leftover slow cooker chili con carne?
Absolutely! Cool completely before transferring to airtight containers. Label and date for best use within 3 months.
What beans go best in chili con carne?
Kidney beans and black beans are traditional, but pinto, navy, or cannellini beans work well too.
How do you thicken chili in the crockpot?
Leave the lid off during the last 30 minutes to let moisture evaporate. Alternatively, mash some beans into the chili or add a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Is chili con carne better the next day?
Yes! The flavors meld beautifully overnight. It’s thicker, deeper in taste, and more satisfying the next day.
Can I make chili con carne without beans?
Of course. Simply omit the beans for a meatier, keto-friendly version. Add chopped bell peppers or zucchini for texture.
🌶️ Variations to Try
🔄 By Diet
- Low-carb: Skip the beans, use more vegetables like bell peppers or mushrooms.
- Vegetarian: Replace meat with lentils or textured vegetable protein (TVP).
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free—just double-check spice blends and toppings.
🔥 By Flavor
- Smoky Chipotle: Add chipotle peppers in adobo for bold heat.
- Sweet Heat: Toss in sweet corn and a splash of maple syrup or honey.
- Beer Chili: Replace part of the tomato sauce with a dark stout or ale.
🍳 By Cooking Method
- Instant Pot: Use sauté function for the beef, then pressure cook for 15 minutes.
- Dutch Oven: Simmer covered on low heat for 1.5–2 hours on the stovetop.
Final Thoughts: Your New Favorite Comfort Meal
There’s a reason this Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne earns a permanent place in your recipe rotation. It’s the definition of comfort food done right—satisfying, easy, customizable, and rich in both flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re snuggling up on a chilly evening or feeding a hungry group, this recipe is your ticket to hearty happiness.
