Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne: Effortless 5-Hour Recipe For Irresistible Comfort Food

As winter chills set in or when you're simply craving a hearty, soul-warming dish, nothing quite fits the bill like a steaming bowl of Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne. This timeless comfort food combines rich flavors in a concoction that's both easy to prepare and deeply satisfying. 🌶️ Here's how to make this effortless 5-hour recipe that'll have everyone asking for seconds!

Introduction to Slow Cooking Bliss

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The beauty of using a slow cooker for your chilli con carne lies in its simplicity. Not only does it save you time, but it also allows the flavors to meld together in a way that's just not possible with quicker cooking methods. From the gentle spice of cumin to the deep warmth of smoked paprika, every ingredient sings in harmony.

Ingredients: What You'll Need 🌽

To embark on this culinary journey, gather the following ingredients:

• 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into bite-sized pieces
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 2 cans (15 oz each) of diced tomatoes
• 1 can (15 oz) of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) of black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (6 oz) of tomato paste
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1⁄2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• Beef broth or water, enough to cover

Step-by-Step Slow Cooker Method 📝

Preparation

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1. Prep Work: Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Season the beef with salt and pepper, then brown it in batches. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker.

2. Sauté the Base: In the same skillet, add the onion, garlic, and bell peppers. Sauté until they are softened and fragrant, about 5-7 minutes. Transfer to the slow cooker.

Slow Cooking Magic

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3. Combine Ingredients: Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne (if using) to the slow cooker. Stir everything together, ensuring the spices are evenly distributed.

4. Broth Addition: Pour in enough beef broth or water to just cover the ingredients.

5. Set and Forget: Cook on low for 5 hours. During this time, the flavors will marry to create a rich, thick chili.

Taste Testing

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6. Adjust to Perfection: After cooking, taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. You might need a bit more salt or a dash of additional chili powder or cayenne for extra spice.

<p class="pro-note">✨ Note: Feel free to add a splash of red wine or a spoonful of cocoa powder to deepen the flavors if you desire.</p>

Serving Suggestions 🍲

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• Traditional: Serve your Chilli Con Carne over rice or with a side of cornbread for soaking up all the delicious sauce.

• Cheese Lovers: Top with shredded cheese, sour cream, and avocado slices.

• Adventurous: Try it in a bowl of tortilla chips for a unique nacho experience.

Tips for a Perfect Chilli Con Carne 🌡️

• Meat Selection: Use good quality beef chuck. It melts down beautifully and infuses the chili with rich flavor.

• Spice Balance: Customize the heat by adjusting the amount of chili powder and cayenne. More cumin or smoked paprika can also enhance smokiness.

• Cooking Time: While 5 hours is standard, feel free to cook longer for even more integrated flavors. Just ensure there’s enough liquid.

• Storage: Chilli actually tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop. It freezes well too.

Final Touches and Presentation 🍴

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Before serving, give your Chilli Con Carne a gentle stir to mix any flavors that might have settled at the bottom. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, and perhaps a dollop of sour cream to cut through the richness. Enjoy with friends, family, or on your own, savoring each bite of this comforting dish.

Here’s to a bowl of warmth and happiness in every spoonful. Bon Appétit!

The process of making Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne not only promises a delicious end result but also fills your home with an irresistible aroma, setting the stage for a delightful meal. Whether you're hosting a casual dinner, need a comforting mid-week treat, or just want to prepare a dish that'll have your freezer stocked with comfort for weeks, this recipe has you covered.

This timeless dish, prepared effortlessly with a slow cooker, embodies the essence of comfort food. Its flavors are rich, its preparation is simple, and its warmth is unmatched. So, let this 5-hour slow cooker chili recipe become a staple in your culinary repertoire. Share it with those you love or keep it for those nights when nothing but a hearty bowl will do.

<div class="faq-section"> <div class="faq-container"> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can I use chicken instead of beef for this recipe?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Absolutely! Chicken will cook faster, so adjust the cooking time to around 3-4 hours on low.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>What can I do to make the chilli thicker?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>If your chili is too watery, you can either remove some liquid and thicken with a cornstarch slurry or let it cook uncovered for the last hour to reduce the sauce.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>How long will the chili last in the fridge?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Stored in an airtight container, your chili will stay fresh for up to 4 days in the refrigerator.</p> </div> </div> <div class="faq-item"> <div class="faq-question"> <h3>Can this recipe be frozen?</h3> <span class="faq-toggle">+</span> </div> <div class="faq-answer"> <p>Yes, you can freeze it! Cool the chili completely, then transfer to freezer-safe containers. It will last up to 3 months.</p> </div> </div> </div> </div>