The Ultimate Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne: Hearty, Flavorful & Easy

Welcome to your new favorite chili recipe! Our Chili Con Carne is a harmonious blend of tender, slow-cooked beef, robust tomatoes, aromatic onions, and vibrant bell peppers, all simmered with an expertly balanced mix of spices. This comforting dish promises to warm you from the inside out and is perfectly complemented by your preferred chili toppings. Get ready to impress your family and friends with this truly irresistible meal!

Why This is The Best Chili Con Carne Recipe You’ll Ever Make!

For years, my Crockpot Chili recipe has been a beloved staple, even earning top honors for many readers in chili cook-off contests. Building on that legacy, I’ve dedicated weeks to perfecting this new Chili Con Carne, and I’m absolutely confident it will exceed all your expectations. It delivers the same bold, deep flavors and satisfying warmth, but with an enhanced richness that truly sets it apart.

What makes this recipe truly special is its incredible depth of flavor, achieved through carefully selected ingredients and a slow-cooking process that allows all the spices and beef juices to meld beautifully. Each spoonful offers a perfect balance of savory beef, sweet tomatoes, and a subtle kick of heat that makes it incredibly addictive.

The best part about this particular recipe? It yields a generous, massive batch. This means it’s ideal for feeding a large family, entertaining a crowd at your next gathering, or simply ensuring you have delicious leftovers to enjoy throughout the week. Plus, it freezes beautifully, making future meal prep a breeze. You’ll thank yourself later when you have a ready-made, comforting meal just waiting to be reheated!

Essential Chili Con Carne Ingredients for Unbeatable Flavor

The secret to an exceptional Chili Con Carne lies in the quality and balance of its ingredients. Here’s a closer look at some key components and why they’re chosen for this recipe:

• Chili Beans: These aren’t just any beans! Chili beans are typically cooked in a mild chili sauce, pre-seasoned with a blend of chili powder, garlic, onion, and cumin. Using them adds an instant layer of rich flavor and texture to your chili without requiring extra effort or spice blending from scratch. They contribute to the chili’s body and provide a comforting heartiness.
• Chuck Roast: For the most incredibly tender and flavorful beef, chuck roast is my top recommendation. This cut of beef is renowned for its rich marbling, which breaks down beautifully during long, slow cooking, resulting in succulent, melt-in-your-mouth pieces of beef. Its inherent flavor is deep and beefy, perfect for anchoring a robust chili. While other cuts can be used, chuck roast truly delivers that sought-after hearty texture and taste.
• High-Quality Crushed Tomatoes: The quality of your tomatoes profoundly impacts the overall taste of your chili. Opt for premium crushed tomatoes such as Cento Marzano®, Carmelina Marzano Italian®, or Muir Glen®. These brands are celebrated for their fresh, sweet, and perfectly balanced acidity. Their thicker, smoother consistency also contributes to a richer, more luxurious chili base, preventing a watery consistency and ensuring a satisfying mouthfeel.
• Aromatic Vegetables: Finely diced bell peppers and yellow onions lay the groundwork for a flavorful chili. When sautéed, they release their sweet and savory essences, building a complex flavor base before any spices are added. Minced garlic, a classic flavor enhancer, adds a pungent warmth that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
• Key Spices: This recipe utilizes a powerful blend of spices to create its signature taste.
  • Chili Powder: The backbone of any good chili, providing deep, earthy, and mildly spicy notes. Ensure you’re using American chili powder, which is a blend, not the very hot Indian/Mexican ground chili.
  • Cumin: Adds a warm, earthy, and slightly smoky flavor that is quintessential to chili.
  • Dried Oregano: Contributes an aromatic, slightly bitter, and peppery note that balances the richness.
  • Paprika: Offers a sweet and mild pepper flavor, enhancing the chili’s color and depth without adding too much heat.
  • Cayenne Pepper: This is where you control the heat! A small amount provides a pleasant warmth, but it can be adjusted to your preference.
  • Sugar: A touch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and rounds out the overall flavor profile, preventing the chili from tasting too sharp.
• Beef Bouillon Powder: A fantastic ingredient to intensify the beef flavor without adding excessive liquid. It provides a concentrated savory depth that enhances the entire dish.
• Worcestershire Sauce: This savory condiment adds an umami punch and a subtle tanginess that deepens the chili’s complexity. It’s a secret weapon for boosting rich, savory flavors.

The Crucial Step: Why Browning The Beef First is Essential

Browning the beef before adding it to your slow cooker is more than just a preliminary step; it’s a fundamental technique that dramatically elevates the flavor and complexity of this Chili Con Carne. Do not skip this!

The process of searing creates a beautiful, rich, caramelized crust on the surface of the beef. This isn’t just about aesthetics; it’s about flavor. When meat is subjected to high heat, it undergoes a chemical transformation known as the Maillard reaction. This complex reaction between amino acids and reducing sugars produces hundreds of new flavor compounds, resulting in that deeply savory, roasted, and utterly delicious taste that you can’t achieve any other way. Think of the difference between boiled meat and a perfectly seared steak – the Maillard reaction is responsible for that incredible flavor.

Furthermore, as the beef browns, tiny bits of caramelized meat and juices stick to the bottom of the pan. This flavorful residue is known as “fond.” By dissolving these bits into your sauce later – a process called deglazing – you capture all those concentrated, complex flavors and reincorporate them back into your chili. This enriches the overall savory profile of the dish, adding layers of depth that would be entirely absent if the beef were simply added raw to the slow cooker. It’s a simple step that yields immense flavor dividends, transforming your chili from good to extraordinary.

Customizing the Heat: Adjusting Your Chili’s Spice Levels

This Chili Con Carne recipe is crafted to have just the right amount of heat to complement its rich and savory flavors, offering a pleasant warmth without overpowering the palate. However, personal preference for spiciness varies greatly, and this recipe is incredibly adaptable to suit every taste bud. For those who prefer a milder experience, the array of cool and creamy toppings like shredded cheese and sour cream serve as excellent natural temperants, balancing any perceived heat.

To make your Chili Con Carne less spicy:

• Reduce or Omit Cayenne Pepper: This is your primary control for heat. You can significantly reduce the amount of ground cayenne pepper or even omit it entirely.
• Choose Mild Chili Beans: Ensure the canned chili beans you use specify a “mild sauce.”
• Adjust Chili Powder: While chili powder is crucial for flavor, reducing it slightly can also lessen the overall heat. Be mindful, however, that too much reduction might subtly alter the classic chili flavor profile.

To make your Chili Con Carne spicier:

• Increase Cayenne Pepper: Gradually increase the amount of ground cayenne pepper, up to a full teaspoon or even more, depending on your heat tolerance. Taste as you go!
• Spicy Chili Beans: Look for canned chili beans in a “medium” or “hot” sauce for an extra kick.
• Add Fresh or Dried Chilies: For adventurous palates, consider adding finely diced jalapeños, serranos, or a pinch of red pepper flakes along with the other aromatics. A smoky chipotle powder could also add heat with a delicious depth.

Elevate Your Meal: Delicious Chili Con Carne Toppings

Chili Con Carne is a fantastic blank canvas for a variety of toppings that can add flavor, texture, and visual appeal. Here are some popular and highly recommended options to take your chili experience to the next level:

• Grated Sharp (or Extra-Sharp) Cheddar Cheese: A true chili classic! Freshly shredded sharp Cheddar melts beautifully over the hot chili, adding a creamy, tangy, and salty contrast that is simply irresistible. Always grate cheese from the block for superior flavor and melt.
• Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: A dollop of cool and creamy sour cream is perfect for balancing the chili’s warmth and richness. It adds a lovely tang and a smooth texture. If you’re looking for a healthier alternative, plain Greek yogurt offers a similar cooling effect and tang.
• Sliced Jalapeños or Diced Onions: For those who crave an extra kick, fresh sliced jalapeños offer a vibrant, spicy crunch. Finely diced red or white onions provide a pungent bite and a refreshing textural contrast that cuts through the richness of the chili.
• Avocado or Guacamole: Creamy, ripe avocado slices or a spoonful of homemade guacamole add a refreshing, buttery texture and a dose of healthy fats. Their mild flavor beautifully complements the bold spices of the chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: A sprinkle of fresh, chopped cilantro adds a bright, herbaceous note and a pop of color, providing a refreshing counterpoint to the deep, savory flavors.
• Fresh Lime Wedges: A squeeze of fresh lime juice over your chili can work wonders! It introduces a burst of acidity and citrusy brightness that enlivens all the other flavors, making the chili taste even more vibrant and dynamic.
• Crushed Tortilla Chips or Fritos: For an addictive crunch and a subtle corn flavor, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or Fritos on top. This adds a fantastic textural element that makes each bite more interesting.
• Hot Sauce: If you like your chili extra fiery, a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce can personalize the heat to your exact liking.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve On The Side with Chili Con Carne

Chili Con Carne is a hearty meal on its own, but pairing it with the right side dishes can elevate the dining experience, adding textural contrast, freshness, or complementary flavors. Here are some excellent options:

• Rice: A classic pairing! Fluffy white rice or nutritious brown rice provides a neutral base that soaks up the rich chili flavors beautifully. It also helps to stretch the meal further and is especially satisfying.
• Cornbread: Perhaps the most iconic chili sidekick, cornbread (or individual cornbread muffins) offers a slightly sweet, crumbly texture that perfectly complements the savory chili. It’s ideal for soaking up every last drop of that delicious sauce.
• Baked Potatoes: For a truly substantial and comforting meal, serve a fluffy baked potato topped with a generous spoonful of chili. Add some cheese, sour cream, and chives, and you have a loaded chili potato!
• Fresh Garden Salad: To lighten up the meal and add some freshness, a simple garden salad with a light vinaigrette is an excellent choice. The crisp greens and tangy dressing provide a refreshing contrast to the rich chili.
• Coleslaw: A side of tangy, creamy coleslaw offers a crisp texture and a bright, vinegary flavor that can help cut through the richness of the chili, cleansing the palate between bites.
• Grilled or Roasted Vegetables: For a healthy and flavorful accompaniment, serve chili with grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or corn on the cob. These add a smoky sweetness and a different texture.
• Garlic Bread or Biscuits: Crusty garlic bread is perfect for dipping and scooping up chili, while warm, flaky drop biscuits offer a Southern-inspired comfort pairing, great for sopping up all the delicious sauce.

Creative Ways to Repurpose Leftover Chili Con Carne

One of the many benefits of making a large batch of this Chili Con Carne is the opportunity to transform leftovers into exciting new meals throughout the week. Don’t let a single spoonful go to waste! Here are some fun and delicious ideas to repurpose your leftover chili:

• Chili Mac: A classic comfort food mashup! Mix your leftover chili with freshly cooked macaroni pasta and top it with a generous layer of grated Cheddar cheese. Bake until bubbly and golden for a hearty, kid-friendly meal. See a similar recipe here: Vegetarian Chili Mac (easily adapted for meat chili).
• Chili-Stuffed Baked Potatoes: Turn a simple baked potato into a complete meal. Halve a hot baked potato, fluff the interior, and then spoon a generous amount of warm chili on top. Finish with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and perhaps some chopped green onions for a satisfying dish.
• Stuffed Bell Peppers: Hollow out vibrant bell peppers (any color works!) and fill them with your leftover chili and some shredded cheese. Bake until the peppers are tender and the cheese is melted and bubbly. This is a colorful and wholesome way to enjoy chili. For inspiration, check out Taco Stuffed Sweet Peppers.
• Chili Nachos: An ultimate crowd-pleaser! Layer tortilla chips on a baking sheet, then top with warm chili, plenty of shredded cheese, and bake until the cheese is melted. Afterward, add your favorite fresh toppings like salsa, jalapeños, sour cream, and guacamole for an epic snack or appetizer.
• Chili Cheese Fries: Indulge in some decadent chili cheese fries. Simply top a plate of hot, crispy French fries with warm chili and a generous amount of melted Cheddar cheese. This is pure comfort food bliss!
• Chili Sliders: For a fun party appetizer or a smaller meal, spoon chili onto mini slider buns. Top with shredded cheese, pickle slices, or any other desired slider toppings.
• Chili Dogs: A timeless American classic! Heat up your favorite hot dogs, place them in buns, and then load them up with a spoonful of warm chili, shredded cheese, and chopped onions for a delicious and satisfying hot dog experience.

More Delicious Beef Recipes to Savor

If you loved this Chili Con Carne, you’re sure to enjoy these other hearty and flavorful beef recipes:

• Beef Stroganoff with a savory and rich gravy
• Mississippi Pot Roast with Ranch seasoning mix for incredible flavor!
• Crockpot Pot Roast complete with tender potatoes and carrots
• Shredded Beef Enchiladas, easily made in the slow cooker or pressure cooker
• French Dip Sandwich served with a delectable au jus sauce

Chili Con Carne Recipe

This heartwarming Chili Con Carne combines succulent pieces of beef slow-cooked to perfection in a medley of crushed tomatoes, diced onions, and peppers. A tantalizing blend of chili spices and a touch of heat create a warm and comforting meal that’s sure to satisfy. Don’t forget to serve it up with your favorite toppings for the best chili experience ever!

By: Chelsea Lords

Prep Time: 30 minutes

Cook Time: 8 hours

Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes

Servings: 12 servings

Equipment

• 6-quart Crock-Pot (Note 1)
• Large pan

Ingredients

• 4 pounds beef chuck roast
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 bell peppers, finely diced
• 1-1/2 cups finely diced yellow onion
• 1 tablespoon minced garlic
• 3 (15-ounce) cans chili beans in mild sauce, undrained
• 2 (28-ounce) cans crushed tomatoes (Note 3)
• 1 (6-ounce) can tomato paste
• 4 tablespoons chili powder (Note 4)
• 1 tablespoon dried oregano
• 1 tablespoon sugar
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 4 teaspoons beef bouillon powder
• 1/4 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
• 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Pat the beef dry with a paper towel. Cut the beef into 4 equal pieces. In a small bowl, combine 1/2 teaspoon each of salt and pepper. Season one side of each beef piece with this mixture.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over high heat. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add the beef in a single layer. Allow it to sear and brown deeply on every side, which takes approximately 3–4 minutes per side. You’ll know a side is perfectly seared when the beef releases easily from the pan with tongs, without resistance. Once all sides are seared, transfer the beef to a plate and set aside. Turn off the heat and let the pan cool slightly.
3. While the pan cools, finely dice the bell peppers and onion, and mince the garlic. Return the pan to medium-high heat, adding a drizzle more oil if necessary. Sauté the onion and peppers, stirring occasionally, until the onion becomes golden and translucent, about 3–5 minutes. While they cook, measure out the rest of your seasonings. Add the minced garlic, tomato paste, and all the measured spices (chili powder, oregano, sugar, cumin, paprika, beef bouillon powder, and cayenne pepper) to the pan. I recommend also adding 1-1/4 teaspoons of salt and 3/4 teaspoon of pepper at this stage. Sauté for another 2–3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the tomato paste starts to darken and become fragrant. Turn off the heat.
4. Carefully transfer the sautéed vegetable and spice mixture to your 6-quart Crock-Pot. If any bits are sticking to the bottom of the pan, deglaze it with a splash of crushed tomatoes (from one of your cans) and scrape up all the fond with a wooden spoon before adding it to the Crock-Pot.
5. To the Crock-Pot, add the crushed tomatoes, all the undrained chili beans, and the Worcestershire sauce. Stir all the ingredients well to combine. Gently add the seared beef pieces, along with any accumulated juices from the plate, into the Crock-Pot. Press the beef down to ensure it is submerged below the other ingredients and liquid. Cover the Crock-Pot and cook on the LOW setting for 8 hours. High heat is not recommended as it can make the beef less tender.
6. After 8 hours, carefully remove the beef from the Crock-Pot and place it on a cutting board or a clean plate. Using two forks, shred the beef, discarding any excess fat. Return the shredded beef to the Crock-Pot and gently stir it through the chili.
7. Taste the chili and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, pepper, or a pinch more cayenne if you prefer more heat. Ladle the hot chili into bowls.
8. Serve with your preferred toppings! My favorites are a dollop of sour cream and freshly shredded sharp Cheddar cheese. Other excellent options include guacamole, diced avocado, fresh cilantro, and a squeeze of fresh lime juice. For dipping, serve with crispy tortilla chips or warm cornbread. Enjoy your incredibly flavorful and comforting Chili Con Carne!

Recipe Notes

Note 1: Instant Pot Adaptation: This recipe has also been successfully tested in a 6-quart Instant Pot. To use your Instant Pot, follow the initial steps to sear the beef and sauté the vegetables. You can perform these steps directly in the Instant Pot using its “Sauté” function (it takes about 6–7 minutes for the beef to sear nicely in the Instant Pot) or use a separate pan and then transfer everything to the Instant Pot. If sautéing in the Instant Pot, it is crucial to deglaze the pot thoroughly with some of the crushed tomatoes after searing to scrape up any browned bits; this prevents a “burn” warning during pressure cooking.

For Instant Pot preparation, you will need to omit 1 can of crushed tomatoes and 1 can of chili beans initially. These will be stirred in at the very end to prevent the cooker from being overfilled. Set the Instant Pot to “Manual” (or “Pressure Cook”) on HIGH pressure for 60 minutes. Allow for a natural pressure release for 15 minutes before manually releasing any remaining pressure. For slightly larger beef amounts, cook for 70 minutes for 3-1/2 pounds of beef and 80 minutes for 4 pounds.

Note 3: Quality of Tomatoes: For the best possible flavor and texture in your chili, prioritize high-quality crushed tomatoes. Brands like Cento Marzano®, Carmelina Marzano Italian®, or Muir Glen® are excellent choices known for their superior taste and consistency, which significantly impact the overall deliciousness of your chili base.

Note 4: Chili Powder Clarification: Please note that this recipe specifically calls for American chili powder, which is a blend of spices (including chili pepper, cumin, oregano, garlic powder). It is distinctly different from pure chilli powder (sometimes spelled ‘chile powder’ or ‘cayenne pepper’ in other cuisines), which is typically a very hot, ground single chili varietal. For this recipe, I use McCormick® American chili powder.

Storage: Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 5 days (it only gets more flavorful as it sits!). Or, freeze some for later; it freezes beautifully (more details in the storage section above)!

Nutrition Information (Approximate)

Serving: 1 serving | Calories: 274kcal | Carbohydrates: 5g | Protein: 26g | Fat: 17g | Saturated Fat: 7g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 91mg | Sodium: 365mg | Potassium: 594mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 1451IU | Vitamin C: 28mg | Calcium: 42mg | Iron: 4mg

Nutrition information is automatically calculated and should only be used as an approximation.

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