As the aroma of slow-cooked chili wafts through your kitchen, you'll find yourself transported to a world of hearty comfort. You've likely encountered chili con carne before, but the slow cooker version elevates this classic dish to new heights. It's a perfect blend of convenience and flavor, allowing you to set it and forget it while the ingredients meld into a rich, satisfying meal. But there's more to this dish than meets the eye. From its fascinating history to the endless possibilities for customization, slow cooker chili con carne has a story to tell that might just surprise you.
Key Takeaways
- Slow cooker chili con carne is a hearty dish made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and chili seasoning.
- Cooking times are 6-8 hours on low or 3-4 hours on high, allowing flavors to develop fully.
- Brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker with other ingredients for best results.
- Stir occasionally during cooking to distribute heat evenly and prevent sticking or burning.
- Customize with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and green onions; serve with cornbread or tortillas.
History
Chili con carne's origin story is a subject of culinary debate. Some claim it originated in Texas during the 19th century, while others trace its roots to Mexico. Regardless of its exact birthplace, chili con carne has become a beloved dish across North America.
You'll find that the traditional recipe typically includes beef, chili peppers, and various spices. Over time, regional variations have emerged, with some recipes incorporating beans, tomatoes, or other ingredients.
The dish gained popularity in the early 20th century, particularly during the Great Depression, when it provided an affordable and filling meal.
In 1977, chili con carne was named the official state dish of Texas, cementing its place in American culinary culture. The invention of slow cookers in the 1970s revolutionized how people prepared chili, making it easier to cook low and slow for enhanced flavor development.
Today, you can find countless recipes and adaptations of chili con carne, from vegetarian versions to those featuring unique ingredients like chocolate or coffee. This versatile dish continues to evolve while maintaining its status as a comforting classic.
Recipe
Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a comforting and flavorful dish that's perfect for busy weeknights or lazy weekends. This simplified version uses only five ingredients, making it an easy and accessible recipe for cooks of all skill levels.
By utilizing a slow cooker, this chili develops rich, complex flavors as it simmers throughout the day. The low and slow cooking process ensures that the ground beef becomes tender and the beans absorb all the delicious spices, resulting in a hearty and satisfying meal.
- 2 lbs (900 g) ground beef
- 2 cans (15 oz / 425 g each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (28 oz / 800 g) crushed tomatoes
- 1 packet (1.25 oz / 35 g) chili seasoning mix
- 1 cup (240 ml) beef broth
Begin by browning the ground beef in a skillet over medium-high heat. Once browned, transfer the meat to the slow cooker.
Add the drained and rinsed kidney beans, crushed tomatoes, chili seasoning mix, and beef broth to the slow cooker. Stir all ingredients together until well combined. Cover and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, stirring occasionally.
Once the cooking time is complete, give the chili a final stir and serve hot. For best results, allow the chili to cool slightly before serving to let the flavors settle.
This recipe can be easily customized by adjusting the amount of chili seasoning mix to suit your spice preference. If you prefer a thicker consistency, you can leave the slow cooker uncovered for the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some of the liquid to evaporate.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, add a splash of water or broth to maintain the desired consistency.
Cooking Steps
To prepare this simple yet delicious Chili Con Carne, you'll follow a straightforward process using your slow cooker.
First, brown the ground beef in a skillet before transferring it to the slow cooker along with the remaining ingredients.
Once everything's combined, cover the cooker, set the appropriate temperature, and let it simmer for several hours, stirring occasionally to ensure even cooking.
Step 1. Brown Beef in Skillet
Browning the beef is the crucial first step in creating your delicious chili. Begin by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once it's hot, add the ground beef to the pan, breaking it up with a wooden spoon or spatula.
You'll want to cook the beef until it's no longer pink and has developed a rich, brown color. This process usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the heat of your stove.
As you're browning the beef, make sure to stir it frequently to ensure even cooking and prevent any pieces from sticking to the pan. You'll notice that the beef will release some of its fat during this process.
It's up to you whether you want to drain this excess fat or keep it for added flavor. If you choose to drain it, use a slotted spoon to transfer the browned beef to a paper towel-lined plate before adding it to your slow cooker. This extra step will help remove any excess grease, resulting in a leaner chili.
Step 2. Add Ingredients to Cooker
With the beef expertly browned, it's time to assemble your chili in the slow cooker. Begin by transferring the cooked ground beef to the slow cooker's ceramic insert.
Next, open the cans of kidney beans, drain them thoroughly, and rinse them under cool water to remove any excess sodium. Add the cleaned beans to the slow cooker, followed by the can of crushed tomatoes. Don't forget to scrape the sides of the can to get every last bit of tomato goodness.
Now, it's time to add flavor. Sprinkle the entire packet of chili seasoning mix over the ingredients in the slow cooker. This blend of spices will infuse your chili with that classic, comforting taste.
Finally, pour in the beef broth, which will help create the perfect consistency and depth of flavor. Using a large spoon or spatula, gently stir all the ingredients together until they're well combined. Make sure to scrape the bottom and sides of the slow cooker to incorporate everything evenly.
Your chili is now ready for its long, slow simmer to perfection.
Step 3. Cover and Set Temperature
The final step before your chili begins its slow transformation is to cover and set the temperature. Once you've added all the ingredients and given them a good stir, it's time to secure the lid on your slow cooker. Ensure it's firmly in place to prevent heat and steam from escaping during the cooking process.
Now, you'll need to choose between two temperature settings: low or high. For a longer, gentler cook that allows flavors to meld beautifully, set your slow cooker to low and let it simmer for 6-8 hours. If you're short on time, opt for the high setting, which will have your chili ready in 3-4 hours. Remember, the low setting is ideal if you're planning to leave the chili cooking while you're at work or running errands.
Whichever setting you choose, resist the urge to lift the lid frequently. Every time you do, heat escapes, and you'll need to add extra cooking time. Instead, trust the process and let your slow cooker work its magic, transforming simple ingredients into a rich, hearty chili.
Step 4. Stir Occasionally While Cooking
While your chili simmers away, it's important to give it a stir now and then. This simple action helps distribute the heat evenly throughout the pot, ensuring all ingredients cook uniformly.
It also prevents any potential sticking or burning at the bottom of the slow cooker, which could impart an unpleasant flavor to your chili.
You don't need to stir constantly, but aim to do so every hour or two if you're cooking on low, or every 30 minutes to an hour if you're using the high setting.
When you lift the lid to stir, do it quickly to minimize heat loss. Use a long-handled spoon to reach the bottom of the pot, gently scraping and folding the ingredients to mix them thoroughly.
This process allows the flavors to meld more effectively, resulting in a richer, more cohesive taste. As you stir, you'll notice the chili's consistency changing, becoming thicker and more integrated.
If you find it's getting too thick, you can add a splash of broth or water to adjust the texture to your liking.
Step 5. Serve and Enjoy Chili
After the slow cooking process is complete, your chili con carne is ready to be served and enjoyed. Carefully remove the lid of your slow cooker, allowing the aromatic steam to escape.
Give the chili a final stir to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Ladle the hot chili into bowls, making sure to distribute the meat and beans evenly.
For a classic presentation, you can top your chili with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and some chopped green onions. If you're feeling adventurous, try adding sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of crushed tortilla chips for extra crunch.
Serve your chili alongside warm cornbread or flour tortillas to soak up the flavorful sauce.
Don't forget to let your chili cool for a few minutes before digging in, as it'll be piping hot straight from the slow cooker. This waiting period also allows the flavors to settle, resulting in an even more delicious experience.
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days, or freeze for future meals.
Final Thoughts
Countless variations of this classic dish exist, but this slow cooker Chili con Carne recipe offers a simple yet delicious approach. You'll find that the ease of preparation and minimal ingredient list make it an excellent choice for busy weeknights or lazy weekends.
As you experiment with this recipe, don't hesitate to adjust the seasonings to suit your taste preferences. You might consider adding diced onions, bell peppers, or garlic for extra flavor and texture.
Remember that chili often tastes even better the next day, as the flavors have more time to meld together. This makes it an ideal make-ahead meal for meal planning or entertaining. You can easily double the recipe if you're feeding a crowd or want to stock your freezer for future meals.
When serving, consider offering a variety of toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños to allow everyone to customize their bowl. With its hearty flavors and comforting warmth, this slow cooker Chili con Carne is sure to become a family favorite in your household.
