Easy Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Set-and-Forget Simplicity: Minimal prep makes it perfect for busy days.

2. Deep, Complex Flavors: Spices and a hint of dark chocolate make it unforgettable.

3. Great Leftovers: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.

4. Customizable Heat: Easily adjust the spice level to your liking.

5. Feeds a Crowd: Hearty, filling, and budget-friendly.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• 750 g lean ground beef

• 1 onion, peeled and diced

• 800 g canned chopped tomatoes (two 400 g cans)

• 800 g canned kidney beans (drained and rinsed)

• 75 g tomato paste

• 2 beef bouillon cubes

• 3 tsp ground cumin

• 1 tsp cayenne pepper

• 2 tsp dried oregano

• 4 tsp garlic powder

• Sea salt and black pepper to taste

• 25 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)

• 2 green bell peppers, chopped

Directions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Brown the ground beef in a skillet for deeper flavor, then add it to the slow cooker along with onion, tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, cumin, cayenne, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dark chocolate.

2. Cook: Set the slow cooker to cook for 6 hours on HIGH or 8 hours on LOW.

3. Add Bell Peppers: About 30 minutes before cooking ends, stir in the chopped bell peppers.

4. Serve: Once the peppers are tender and the chili is thick and fragrant, serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Servings and Timing

• Servings: 6-8

• Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

• Cook Time: 6-8 hours

• Total Time: 6-8 hours 15 minutes

Variations

• Meat Optionspork, or a plant-based substitute.: Swap ground beef with ground turkey, pork, or a plant-based substitute.

• Bean Swap: Use black beans or pinto beans instead of kidney beans.

• Extra Veggies: Add corn, jalapeños, or carrots for more variety.

• No Chocolate? Use 1 tbsp cocoa powder instead.

Storage/Reheating

• Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

• Freezing: Freeze in portions for up to 3 months.

• Reheating: Reheat in a pot on the stove over medium heat or microwave in intervals, adding a splash of broth if needed.

FAQs

1. Can I skip the dark chocolate?

Yes, but it adds a wonderful richness—try cocoa powder as a substitute.

2. Can I use fresh garlic?

Yes, use 4-5 cloves of minced garlic instead of garlic powder.

3. What’s the best type of ground beef for chili?

Use 85-90% lean for the best flavor and texture balance.

4. Can I make this vegetarian?

Yes, use plant-based meat alternatives or extra beans and veggies.

5. How can I make it spicier?

Add extra cayenne pepper or chopped jalapeños.

6. What toppings go well with this?

Cheddar cheese, sour cream, avocado, lime, and cilantro are all great choices.

7. Do I need to brown the meat first?

It’s recommended for better flavor, but you can skip it to save time.

8. Can I cook this on the stove instead?

Yes, simmer on low for 1–2 hours, stirring occasionally.

9. Will this recipe work without a slow cooker?

Yes, a Dutch oven or large pot on the stovetop works well too.

10. Can I add rice or serve it over rice?

Absolutely! It’s delicious over steamed rice or with a side of cornbread.

Conclusion

This Easy Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is a go-to recipe for a filling, flavorful meal with minimal effort. Perfect for chilly nights, family dinners, or meal prepping, it’s a dish you’ll make again and again. Try it once, and it just might become your favorite chili recipe!

Easy Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

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Easy Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food—rich, hearty, and packed with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices. A touch of dark chocolate adds deep flavor, and the slow cooker does all the work. This bold, meaty chili is perfect for busy weeknights, meal prep, or feeding a hungry crowd.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cook Time: 6–8 hours
• Total Time: 6–8 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: 6-8 servings
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex / American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

750 g lean ground beef

1 onion, peeled and diced

800 g canned chopped tomatoes (two 400 g cans)

800 g canned kidney beans, drained and rinsed

75 g tomato paste

2 beef bouillon cubes

3 tsp ground cumin

1 tsp cayenne pepper

2 tsp dried oregano

4 tsp garlic powder

Sea salt and black pepper to taste

25 g dark chocolate (70% cocoa)

2 green bell peppers, chopped

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Instructions

• Brown the ground beef in a skillet over medium heat, then transfer to a slow cooker.

• Add onion, chopped tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, bouillon cubes, cumin, cayenne pepper, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and dark chocolate.

• Stir to combine.

• Cook on HIGH for 6 hours or LOW for 8 hours.

• About 30 minutes before cook time ends, stir in chopped bell peppers.

• Once the peppers are tender and chili is thick and aromatic, serve hot with your favorite toppings.

Notes

Black beans or pinto beans can replace kidney beans.

No dark chocolate? Substitute with 1 tablespoon cocoa powder.

Add extra veggies like corn or carrots for more texture.

Use fresh garlic (4–5 cloves) if preferred over powder.