Hearty Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe for Cozy Nights

Crafting a delightful chilli con carne becomes effortless with this slow cooker magic that transforms ordinary ingredients into a hearty meal.

Meat lovers will appreciate how tender beef simmers alongside rich spices and robust beans.

Comfort arrives in every spoonful, creating warmth that hugs your taste buds.

Complex flavors develop naturally during the long, gentle cooking process.

Minimal preparation means maximum enjoyment when dinner time rolls around.

Pantry staples combine to create something extraordinary without complicated techniques.

Curious cooks can confidently serve this crowd-pleasing dish that promises satisfaction in every bite.

Why Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Is So Easy

• Simplify Meal Prep: Toss ingredients into the slow cooker and walk away, letting the magic happen without constant monitoring.
• Packed with Nutrition: Loaded with protein-rich lentils, fiber-filled beans, and a rainbow of vegetables, this chili delivers a wholesome punch.
• Customize Your Comfort: Swap toppings, adjust spice levels, and make it your own unique culinary creation that suits every taste bud.
• Crowd-Pleasing Goodness: Perfect for family dinners, potlucks, or casual gatherings where everyone craves a hearty, satisfying meal.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Lentils: Protein-packed legumes that provide a hearty base for the chili.
• Black Beans: Adds extra protein and texture to the dish.
• Crushed Tomatoes: Creates a rich, tangy sauce for the chili.
• Vegetable Broth: Provides liquid and enhances the overall flavor of the dish.

• Onion, Bell Peppers, Jalapeno, Garlic: Fresh vegetables that build a flavorful foundation for the chili.
• Frozen Corn: Adds sweetness and additional texture to the dish.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Smoked Paprika, Salt, Pepper: Spices that create a deep, complex flavor profile.
• Salsa: Adds extra zest and complexity to the chili.
• Cilantro: Fresh herb that provides a bright, fresh finish to the dish.

How to Make Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Step 1: Prepare Lentils

Thoroughly wash lentils under cool running water and carefully drain using a fine-mesh strainer.

Set aside the cleaned lentils for cooking.

Step 2: Slice and Dice Vegetables

Grab a sharp knife and cutting board.

• Onion
• Bell peppers
• Jalapeno
• Garlic

Step 3: Combine All Ingredients

• Cleaned lentils
• Chopped vegetables
• Black beans
• Crushed tomatoes
• Vegetable broth
• Frozen corn
• Salsa

Step 4: Season The Mixture

• Chili powder
• Cumin
• Oregano
• Smoked paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 5: Slow Cook

Cover the slow cooker and cook on low temperature for 6-8 hours or on high temperature for 3-4 hours.

The lentils should become tender and soft.

Step 6: Add Fresh Herbs

Gently stir chopped fresh cilantro into the chili just before serving.

Step 7: Garnish And Serve

Top the chili with additional jalapeno slices and extra cilantro leaves for added flavor and visual appeal.

Pro Tips for Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Washing lentils removes excess starch and any potential debris, ensuring a cleaner and more consistent texture in your chili.
• Adjust the amount of jalapeno and chili powder to match your heat preference, making the dish mild or fiery hot.
• Add extra protein by including plant-based ground meat alternatives or additional beans like kidney or pinto beans.
• This chili freezes wonderfully for up to 3 months, perfect for quick future meals or batch cooking.
• Experiment with garnishes like vegan sour cream, nutritional yeast, avocado slices, or crushed tortilla chips for added crunch and flavor.

Variations on Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Vegan Protein Powerhouse: Replace lentils with quinoa or textured vegetable protein for added protein and different texture.
• Meat Lover's Adaptation: Swap lentils with ground beef or turkey, maintaining the same vegetable and spice base for a traditional chili.
• Low-Carb Veggie Version: Substitute lentils with cauliflower rice or zucchini chunks to reduce carbohydrate content while keeping the hearty flavor profile.
• Gluten-Free Comfort Bowl: Ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and add extra beans like kidney or pinto beans for volume and nutrition.

Serving Ideas for Chilli Con Carne

• Hearty Bowl Companions: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice for a complete meal that soaks up all the delicious chili flavors.
• Topping Extravaganza: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese, dollop sour cream, add crispy tortilla strips, and fresh chopped green onions for extra texture and zest.
• Bread Pairing Perfection: Warm cornbread, crusty sourdough, or garlic toast make excellent side companions that complement the chili's rich, spicy profile.
• Fresh Side Kick: Create a simple avocado and lime salad or crisp green salad to balance the warm, hearty chili with a refreshing contrast.

Storing Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

• Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days in the refrigerator, keeping the chili fresh and delicious.
• Pour cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-lock bags, removing excess air, and freeze for up to 3 months for later enjoyment.
• Transfer desired portion to a microwave-safe dish, cover with a damp paper towel, and heat in 1-minute intervals, stirring between each interval until thoroughly warmed.
• Warm chili in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of vegetable broth if needed to prevent sticking and maintain moisture.

FAQs

• What makes this chili vegetarian-friendly?

This chili uses lentils and black beans as protein alternatives to traditional meat, creating a hearty and nutritious plant-based meal that’s packed with fiber and nutrients.

• Can I make this recipe spicier?

Yes, you can increase the heat by adding more jalapeno peppers, using a spicier salsa, or including red pepper flakes to customize the spice level to your preference.

• Is this recipe gluten-free?

The ingredients in this chili are naturally gluten-free, making it a safe option for people with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just double-check your salsa and broth labels to confirm.

Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe

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4.8 from 15 reviews

• Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Hearty chilli con carne delivers Mexican-inspired comfort straight to your table, combining rich beef, robust spices, and deep flavor profiles. Slow-cooker magic ensures tender meat and seamless blend of ingredients you’ll crave again and again.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Proteins:

• 1 cup dry green or brown lentils
• 2 cans black beans (15 ounces each), drained and rinsed

Vegetables:

• 1 medium onion (white or yellow)
• 1 green bell pepper
• 1 red bell pepper
• 1 jalapeno pepper
• 3–4 cloves garlic
• 2 cups frozen corn
• 28 ounces (794 grams) canned crushed tomatoes

Seasonings and Liquids:

• 3 cups vegetable broth
• 1 cup salsa
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1.5 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh chopped cilantro

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Instructions

1. Thoroughly wash and drain lentils to remove any impurities, ensuring a clean base for the chili.
2. Finely dice onion, bell peppers, and jalapeno, then mince garlic to create a flavor-packed vegetable medley.
3. Transfer prepared lentils and chopped vegetables into the slow cooker, adding black beans, crushed tomatoes, vegetable broth, frozen corn, and salsa for a robust and hearty foundation.
4. Sprinkle in a blend of chili powder, cumin, oregano, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper to infuse the dish with deep, warming spices.
5. Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the mixture to simmer on low heat for 6-8 hours or on high heat for 3-4 hours, ensuring lentils become perfectly tender and flavors meld together.
6. When cooking is complete, gently fold in freshly chopped cilantro to introduce a bright, herbaceous note.
7. Garnish with additional jalapeno slices and cilantro for an extra layer of heat and freshness before serving.

Notes

• Boost protein content by adding quinoa or textured vegetable protein alongside lentils for extra nutrition and texture.
• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeno quantity or using milder peppers like poblano for sensitive palates.
• Transform into a meal-prep friendly dish by storing portions in airtight containers for up to 5 days in refrigerator.
• Create gluten-free and vegan version by ensuring all ingredients are certified and using plant-based broth.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours (on Low) or 3 hours (on High)
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 193 kcal
• Sugar: 6 g
• Sodium: 310 mg
• Fat: 1.5 g
• Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1.3 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 36 g
• Fiber: 12 g
• Protein: 12 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg