Simple Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Why make this recipe

This slow cooker chilli con carne dish is perfect for cold days when you need a warm, hearty meal. Packed with protein and fibre from the canned beans, you’ll find this meal to be the perfect option to keep you full and satisfied.

This slow cooker chilli is flavourful due to the fresh herbs and seasoning included. Since this recipe is cooked in a slower cooker, it allows the flavours to mingle together, creating an even tastier dish. As a bonus, the longer you leave the chilli cooking (and the longer the leftovers are in the fridge), the more delicious it tastes when you finally serve it!

My Chilli con carne slow cooker recipe is perfect for meal prep for the week. It’s already split into five servings, so you can separate it into five airtight containers to pack for lunches. It also freezes well, so you can create large batches. Then, you’ll have plenty of leftovers for nights when your schedule is too full to create a home-cooked meal from scratch.

Ingredients

Onion & Garlic

Including onion and garlic helps create a deliciously fragrant dish.

Beef Mince

Adding in beef mince aids in increasing the protein in this slow cooker chilli recipe. You can also use turkey mince or 5% fat pork mince for a leaner dish.

Plum Tomatoes (in a can)

Using canned plum tomatoes is a quick way to boost the nutrients of the slow cook chilli con carne. I prefer the end result when using plum tomatoes over chopped tomatoes, but feel free to use those if you have them instead. 

Black Beans

Filled with protein and fibre, black beans help make this slow cooker chilli con carne more filling.

Kidney Beans

Like black beans, kidney beans are full of fibre and protein. You can also use other beans, such as cannellini beans or chickpeas if you prefer the flavour and consistency.

White Rice

White or brown rice will work well in a batch of slow-cooked chilli con carne.

Fresh Chillies

Fresh chillies are key to creating slow cooker beef chilli con carne with the right amount of heat. Opt for Fresno chillies that are red and green when stocking up for this recipe, as they offer mild heat. If you like your chilly really spicy, you could use bird’s eye chillies as well. 

Tomato Puree

Using tomato puree helps create this dish’s delicious, rich tomato flavour.

Sour Cream

Including a dollop of sour cream makes the dish feel more decadent without adding a calorie-dense ingredient. Greek yogurt is another excellent option that will increase the protein content. It’s a lovely contrasting ingredient against the spicy chilli. 

Lime

Adding lime is a great way to brighten up the chilli con carne. A squeeze of lemon will also do.

Fresh Coriander

Using coriander, also known as cilantro, helps provide a fresh, earthy flavour to the dish. Dried coriander will also work in a pinch.

How to make chilli con carne in slow cooker

Preheat a large non-stick frying pan over a high heat, coated with rapeseed oil. Add the mince into the pan and break apart (roughly) with a spatula. Leave to brown on a high heat for five minutes. Season with salt and pepper. Once taken on some colour. Continue to cook for around 3 minutes. Set aside.

Add the onion and half of the chillies into the pan. The oil rendered from the beef should be enough to fry the onions in. Season with salt and pepper.  After 4 minutes of sauteing the onion and chilli, add the garlic to fry for a minute.

Then transfer the onion/ chilli mix into the slow cooker, along with the browned beef. To the pot, also add the plum tomatoes, beef stock, spices, soy sauce, dried thyme and tomato puree. Season with salt and pepper and cook on high for 3-4 hours.
After 3 hours, add the black beans, kidney beans and honey and cook for 30 more minutes. During this time, cook your rice.

Serve a portion of rice with a few ladles of chilli con carne, followed by a dollop of sour cream and a sprinkle of coriander & chilli flakes, and a squeeze of lime juice.

FAQ

Does this keep well?

Chilli con carne is a recipe that gets better over time. As the chilli sits in the pot or in a container, the flavours of the dish merry together, creating an even more flavourful dish. This flavourful recipe can stay in the fridge for about 3-5 days.

Can I freeze this recipe?

Yes, you can freeze slow cooker chilli con carne! Separate it into airtight containers with 1-2 servings before freezing. Separating it into smaller batches will make it much easier to defrost and reheat later. Chilli can stay good in the freezer for up to three months.

When reheating chilli con carne, you can put it in a small pan on the stovetop and reheat it until fully warmed. If you forgot to store the chilli con carne in batches, don’t fret! You can put it back into the slow cooker and heat it until it’s warmed and ready to eat.

Can I use pork mince instead of beef mince?

Yes, you can pork mince in this recipe! There will not be a significant change in flavour when using pork instead of beef. You can also use turkey or chicken mince to create a lighter meal. Or, use meatless crumbles to create a vegetarian-friendly option.

Can I make this recipe without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can make this chilli con carne recipe in a regular pot on the stove. You’ll find the recipe will cook more quickly. However, the flavour will not be as developed as when you make chilli in the slow cooker. Though, you’ll still have a tasty dish!

Other slow cooker recipes you should try…

Spanish Chorizo and Butter Bean Slow Cooker Stew

Slow Cooker White Bean Stew with Crispy Bacon

Gochujang Pork Slow Cooker Ramen