Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Chilli Con Carne is a beloved dish known for its bold flavours and satisfying texture. This Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is an easy and delicious way to make this classic, perfect for busy weeknights or meal prepping. The slow cooker does all the work, allowing the ingredients to meld together while you get on with other things. By simmering the ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices slowly, the flavours develop, resulting in a rich and hearty chilli with just the right amount of spice.

The addition of dark chocolate, a secret ingredient, gives the chilli an unexpected richness, balancing the heat from the spices like chipotle and ancho chilli. The complexity of this dish, with the combination of smoky chipotle, earthy ancho chilli, and aromatic oregano, makes it a perfect meal for those who enjoy a bit of warmth and depth in their dishes. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips, rice, or as a standalone dish, the Chilli Con Carne is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.

Not only is this recipe packed with flavour, but it’s also incredibly easy to make. You can prep the ingredients in just a few minutes, set it to cook in the slow cooker, and let it work its magic. When it’s done, you’ll have a meal that’s both comforting and full of flavour with minimal effort. This recipe can be adapted to suit your taste preferences, making it as spicy or mild as you desire.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

This Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is the ultimate combination of simplicity and flavour. The slow cooking process allows all the ingredients to meld together perfectly, creating a rich and comforting meal that’s ready to enjoy with minimal preparation. The use of high-quality ingredients like lean ground beef, black or kidney beans, and the inclusion of dark chocolate makes this recipe a wholesome option, while the spices ensure it’s full of depth and warmth.

The dark chocolate adds a unique twist, enhancing the flavours without making the dish overly sweet. The beans provide extra protein and fibre, making the meal more filling and satisfying. This recipe is perfect for meal prepping, as it can easily be stored and reheated for lunches or dinners throughout the week.

Another great thing about this recipe is its flexibility. You can customise the toppings to your liking, whether you prefer tortilla chips or rice as a base, and add cheese and fresh coriander for extra flavour. If you love a little heat, adjust the spices to make the dish as spicy as you like. The slow cooker makes it easy to let the flavours develop while you go about your day, and the result is always delicious.

Ingredients

(Serves 2)

• 200g ground beef (7 oz)
  Lean ground beef forms the base of this chilli, providing a rich, meaty texture and flavour.
• 1/2 onion, chopped (Approx. 75g or 2.6 oz)
  Adds sweetness and depth to the chilli. You can use red or white onion based on preference.
• 200g black or kidney beans (7 oz)
  The beans provide protein, fibre, and a nice texture that balances the dish.
• 150g tinned tomatoes (5.3 oz)
  Gives the chilli its base and adds a tangy, slightly sweet flavour.
• 100ml beef stock (3.4 fl oz)
  Enhances the savoury flavour and adds moisture for a perfectly saucy consistency.
• 1 tsp chipotle paste
  Offers a smoky, slightly spicy kick, bringing a deep heat to the dish.
• 1 tsp chopped garlic (Approx. 3g or 0.1 oz)
  Provides aromatic depth and enhances the overall flavour of the chilli.
• 1/2 tsp ancho chilli powder
  Adds an earthy, mild heat to balance out the chipotle.
• 1/2 tsp oregano
  Brings a fragrant, herbal note that pairs well with the other spices.
• 10g 70% cocoa dark chocolate (0.35 oz)
  Dark chocolate adds a rich, slightly bitter flavour that balances the heat and enhances the depth of the chilli.

Base and Toppings:

• Tortilla chips or rice
  Choose your preferred base for the chilli, either crunchy tortilla chips or fluffy rice.
• Grated cheese (Approx. 30g or 1 oz)
  A sprinkle of grated cheese adds creaminess and richness to the dish.
• Coriander (cilantro) (Approx. 5g or 0.2 oz)
  Fresh coriander adds a pop of colour and a refreshing flavour that complements the chilli.

Method

1. Add ingredients to the slow cooker – Place the ground beef, chopped onion, beans, tinned tomatoes, beef stock, chipotle paste, chopped garlic, ancho chilli powder, and oregano into the slow cooker. Stir to combine.
2. Cook – Set the slow cooker to high for 4 hours or low for 6-8 hours. The longer you cook it, the more the flavours will develop.
3. Add the chocolate – Halfway through cooking (about 2 hours on high or 3-4 hours on low), break the dark chocolate into pieces and stir it into the chilli. Let it melt and mix through before covering it again.
4. Serve – Once the chilli is cooked and the flavours have melded, serve it over tortilla chips or rice. Top with grated cheese and fresh coriander.
5. Enjoy – Sit back, relax, and enjoy this hearty, flavour-packed meal! 

Nutrition

This Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is a balanced meal packed with protein, fibre, and healthy fats. Here’s a breakdown of the approximate macros per serving (without toppings):

• Calories: 460 kcal
• Protein: 37g
• Fat: 23g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fibre: 7g
• Sugar: 6g

Note: Nutritional values will vary depending on the exact ingredients used and the size of your servings.

Tips for Making This Recipe

• Choose lean beef – For a healthier version, use lean ground beef to reduce the fat content of the dish.
• Spice adjustments – Feel free to adjust the chipotle paste, ancho chilli, and dark chocolate to suit your heat tolerance. For a milder chilli, reduce the amount of chipotle paste.
• Use quality stock – Homemade beef stock will provide the best flavour, but store-bought stock works too. Just ensure it's low-sodium if you’re watching your salt intake.
• Make it vegetarian – If you prefer a vegetarian version, simply swap the ground beef for extra beans or lentils and add some textured vegetable protein (TVP) for additional texture.
• Stir occasionally – While not strictly necessary, stirring the chilli once or twice during the cooking process ensures it cooks evenly and helps blend the flavours together.
• Try other toppings – Add a dollop of sour cream, diced avocado, or sliced jalapeños for extra flavour and creaminess.
• Meal prep – This chilli stores well and can be made ahead of time. Reheat it for an easy meal during the week.

How to Best Serve This Slow Cooker Chilli con Carne

• Over tortilla chips – For a more indulgent meal, serve the chilli over tortilla chips for a crispy base. Top with cheese, fresh coriander, and a squeeze of lime for a perfect combination.
• With rice – For a more filling option, serve the chilli over a bed of rice. The rice helps soak up the flavours and adds a soft, comforting base to the dish.
• As a topping – Use the chilli as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos, or spoon it over a salad for a lighter option.
• With a side of cornbread – Pair with a slice of warm cornbread for a classic, Southern-inspired meal.

Customise This Recipe

• Add more veggies – Add bell peppers, carrots, or zucchini to the chilli for extra nutrients and texture.
• Make it spicier – If you like your chilli spicy, add extra chipotle paste or some fresh chopped jalapeños.
• Use different beans – Swap the black or kidney beans for pinto beans, chickpeas, or a mix of beans for variety.
• Swap beef for turkey – For a leaner version, substitute ground turkey for the beef. This will create a lighter but equally delicious chilli.

How to Store This Recipe

Once cooked, this Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze the chilli in portions for up to 3 months. When ready to eat, simply defrost and reheat thoroughly before serving.

Conclusion

This Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is a game-changer for anyone looking for a hearty, flavourful, and easy meal. The slow cooker method makes it simple to prepare and allows the flavours to develop slowly, creating a rich and satisfying chilli. The addition of dark chocolate gives it an unexpected depth, while the mix of spices provides the perfect balance of heat and smokiness. Whether served over rice, tortilla chips, or enjoyed on its own, this dish is perfect for a comforting weeknight dinner or a meal prep option for the week ahead.

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