Olivia Carter
Are you ready to indulge in a bowl of flavorful and hearty chilli con carne? Look no further, as we provide the ultimate guide on how long to cook this beloved dish in a slow cooker.
Chilli con carne, a popular Mexican dish, is a perfect choice for those who crave a warm and satisfying meal. This spicy and rich stew is traditionally made with beef, chili peppers, beans, and a variety of spices. While the stovetop method is commonly used to prepare this dish, using a slow cooker can be just as effective, if not better, in terms of flavor and tenderness.
When it comes to cooking chilli con carne in a slow cooker, low and slow is the key. Set your slow cooker on the low heat setting and let it work its magic for at least 6 to 8 hours. This extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become incredibly tender. However, if you’re pressed for time, you can also cook it on high heat for 3 to 4 hours.
Whether you choose to cook it on low or high heat, make sure to periodically check on the dish and give it a good stir. This helps to evenly distribute the flavors and ensures that it doesn’t burn or stick to the bottom of the slow cooker. Additionally, taste the chilli as it cooks and adjust the seasonings according to your preference.
So, the next time you’re planning to make chilli con carne, consider using your slow cooker. With the right amount of time and a few simple ingredients, you’ll have a delicious and comforting meal that will leave everyone asking for seconds.
Chilli Con Carne: A Classic Slow Cooker Recipe
Chilli con carne is a popular Mexican dish that typically consists of beef, beans, and various spices. While it can be cooked on the stovetop or in the oven, using a slow cooker is a convenient method that allows the flavors to develop over time. This recipe is perfect for those who prefer a hands-off approach to cooking and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors of a traditional chilli con carne.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 pounds of ground beef
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can of kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can of diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons of ground cumin
- 2 teaspoons of chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon of paprika
- 1 teaspoon of dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium-high heat until it is no longer pink. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the vegetables are tender.
- Transfer the cooked beef and vegetables to a slow cooker.
- Add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, cumin, chilli powder, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. The longer the chilli con carne cooks, the more intense the flavors will become.
- Stir the chilli occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the slow cooker.
- Taste and adjust the seasonings if necessary before serving.
Serve the chilli con carne hot with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapenos. It pairs well with rice, tortillas, or cornbread for a complete and satisfying meal.
This classic slow cooker recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or for entertaining a crowd. The rich and savory flavors of the chilli con carne will keep everyone coming back for more!
The Perfect Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
If you’re looking for a hearty and flavorful dish that can be easily prepared with minimal effort, then you should try cooking chilli con carne in a slow cooker. This classic Mexican dish is packed with rich and bold flavors, and cooking it in a slow cooker allows the flavors to develop and meld together over time, resulting in a deliciously satisfying meal.
Ingredients:
- 500g ground beef
- 1 onion, finely chopped
- 2 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped
- 1 can (400g) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (400g) kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons chilli powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional toppings: grated cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Instructions:
- In a large skillet, brown the ground beef over medium heat. Drain any excess fat.
- Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, and red bell pepper to the skillet. Cook until the vegetables are softened.
- Transfer the beef and vegetable mixture to the slow cooker.
- Add the diced tomatoes, kidney beans, tomato paste, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, dried oregano, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Cover the slow cooker and cook on low heat for 6-8 hours, or on high heat for 3-4 hours.
- Before serving, taste the chilli and adjust the seasoning if needed.
- Serve the chilli con carne hot, topped with grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and chopped cilantro for added flavor.
This slow cooker chilli con carne recipe is perfect for busy weeknights or for entertaining guests. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and intensify, resulting in a hearty and satisfying dish that everyone will love. Serve it with rice, tortilla chips, or warm crusty bread for a complete meal. Enjoy!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Slow cooker chilli con carne is a delicious and comforting dish that is perfect for a cozy night in. Here are the ingredients you will need to make this tasty meal:
Main Ingredients:
| 500g beef mince | 1 onion, diced | 2 garlic cloves, minced | 400g tinned chopped tomatoes |
| 400g tinned kidney beans | 2 tablespoons tomato paste | 2 tablespoons chilli powder | 1 teaspoon ground cumin |
| 1 teaspoon paprika | 1 teaspoon dried oregano | 1 teaspoon sugar | Salt and pepper to taste |
Optional Ingredients:
While the above ingredients are the essentials for a traditional chilli con carne, you can also add some optional ingredients to enhance the flavor:
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeno pepper, seeded and chopped
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
These optional ingredients add extra texture and depth to the dish, but you can choose to omit them if you prefer a simpler version.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Making Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Chilli con carne is a hearty and delicious dish that can be made easily in a slow cooker. With the help of this step-by-step guide, you’ll be able to create a flavourful and spicy chilli con carne that is sure to impress your family and friends.
Ingredients
| Ingredients | Quantity |
| Ground beef | 500g |
| Onion (diced) | 1 |
| Garlic cloves (minced) | 2 |
| Red bell pepper (diced) | 1 |
| Tomato paste | 2 tablespoons |
| Crushed tomatoes | 1 can |
| Red kidney beans (drained and rinsed) | 1 can |
| Beef broth | 1 cup |
| Chilli powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Cumin | 1 tablespoon |
| Paprika | 1 tablespoon |
| Cayenne pepper | 1/2 tablespoon |
| Salt | To taste |
| Pepper | To taste |
Instructions
- In a skillet, brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Transfer the cooked beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the diced onion, minced garlic, and diced red bell pepper until softened. Add them to the slow cooker.
- Add the tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, red kidney beans, beef broth, chilli powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Cook the chilli con carne on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, until the flavours are well blended and the beef is tender.
- Before serving, taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. You can also garnish with shredded cheese, chopped cilantro, or sour cream, if desired.
- Serve the slow cooker chilli con carne hot with rice or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Enjoy your homemade slow cooker chilli con carne!
Tips and Tricks for Cooking Chilli Con Carne in a Slow Cooker
Cooking chili con carne in a slow cooker is a convenient and delicious way to enjoy this classic dish. Here are some tips and tricks to help you achieve the perfect chili con carne every time:
1. Choose the Right Cut of Meat
For the best results, choose a cut of meat that is suitable for slow cooking, such as beef chuck or stewing beef. These cuts are tender and will become meltingly soft after a few hours of slow cooking.
2. Brown the Meat Before Adding it to the Slow Cooker
To add depth of flavor to your chili con carne, it’s essential to brown the meat before adding it to the slow cooker. This step will give the meat a rich, caramelized crust that adds complexity to the final dish.
3. Sauté the Onions and Garlic
Before adding the onions and garlic to the slow cooker, sauté them in a little oil or butter. This step helps to develop their flavors and gives the chili con carne a more robust taste.
4. Use a Variety of Beans
To add texture and flavor to your chili, use a combination of different beans, such as kidney beans, black beans, and pinto beans. This variety will make your chili con carne more interesting and satisfying.
5. Adjust the Seasoning
Taste your chili con carne before serving and adjust the seasoning as needed. If it lacks heat, add some chili powder or cayenne pepper. If it’s too spicy, add a little sugar or honey to balance the flavors.
6. Let it Simmer Slowly
One of the benefits of using a slow cooker is that you can set it and forget it. Let your chili con carne simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld together and creates a rich and hearty dish.
Now that you have these tips and tricks, you can confidently cook chili con carne in your slow cooker. Enjoy this comforting and flavorful dish any time of the year!
Serving and Storing Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Once your slow cooker chilli con carne has finished cooking, it is ready to be served and enjoyed. Follow these tips to ensure the best presentation and taste:
Serving:
– Spoon the chilli con carne into bowls or plates.
– Garnish with a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, chopped green onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
– Serve with warm tortillas, crispy corn chips, or steamed rice as a side dish.
Storing:
– Allow the chilli con carne to cool down before refrigerating or freezing it.
– Store leftovers in airtight containers or freezer bags.
– Refrigerate for up to 3 days or freeze for up to 3 months.
– To reheat, thaw frozen chilli con carne in the refrigerator overnight and then warm it up gently on the stove or in the microwave.
By following these serving and storing tips, you can enjoy your slow cooker chilli con carne for multiple meals and ensure it stays fresh and delicious.
Questions and answers
How long does it take to cook chilli con carne in a slow cooker?
In a slow cooker, it usually takes about 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat to cook chilli con carne. The long cooking time allows the flavors to meld together and the meat to become tender.
Can I cook chilli con carne in a slow cooker for less time?
While it’s recommended to cook chilli con carne for at least 6 to 8 hours on low heat or 3 to 4 hours on high heat in a slow cooker, you can reduce the cooking time if you’re in a hurry. However, the flavors may not be as well-developed and the meat may not be as tender as with a longer cooking time.
