If you are craving a warm, hearty meal that’s packed with flavor and is incredibly easy to prepare, this Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe is going to be your new best friend in the kitchen. This slow-cooked chili recipe takes the classic comfort food to a whole new level with tender ground beef, a medley of beans, rich tomato sauces, and just the right blend of spices, all simmering to perfection in your crockpot. Whether you want to cozy up on a chilly evening or feed a crowd with minimal fuss, this dish delivers that robust, satisfying flavor every single time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in building the perfect balance of taste, texture, and color. From the savory ground beef to the punchy green pepper and the fragrant spices, simple staples come together brilliantly in this slow cooker masterpiece.
- 3 lbs. extra lean ground beef: Provides the rich, meaty base without too much grease.
- 1 medium onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth when cooked down with the beef.
- 1 large green pepper (chopped): Brings a fresh crunch and vibrant color.
- 4 garlic cloves (minced): Infuses the chili with aromatic warmth and subtle heat.
- 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce: Creates a thick, rich chili base that ties all flavors together.
- 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes (drained): Adds chunks of fresh tomato texture and natural acidity.
- 1 10.75 oz. can tomato soup: Provides a creamy, slightly sweet undertone for extra depth.
- 2 14 oz. cans beans in tomato sauce: Contribute hearty fiber and a saucy tang.
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans (rinsed): A chili classic offering bite-sized bursts of flavor.
- 2 tablespoons chili powder: Packs the bold, spicy punch chili lovers crave.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano: Adds a subtle herbal note that balances the spices.
- ½ tablespoon dried basil: Offers a fragrant touch to brighten the dish.
- 1 teaspoon salt: Essential for bringing all the flavors alive.
- Sour cream, grated cheese, sliced green onions for garnish: Optional toppings that elevate each bowl to something special.
How to Make Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe
Step 1: Brown the Ground Beef
Start by heating a large skillet over medium-high heat and then scramble fry the extra lean ground beef for about 5 minutes. The goal here is to get the meat nicely browned, which adds tons of flavor. Make sure you break up the meat so it cooks evenly.
Step 2: Add Aromatics
Once the beef starts to brown, toss in your chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic. Continue cooking and stirring often for another 5 minutes. This step softens the vegetables and lets their flavors mingle perfectly with the beef, creating a savory base for your chili.
Step 3: Transfer to Crockpot
After the beef is cooked through and the veggies are tender, transfer everything into your crockpot. This is where the magic really begins, as slow cooking will fuse all those flavors together beautifully over time.
Step 4: Add Remaining Ingredients
Pour in the tomato sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato soup, beans in tomato sauce, kidney beans, and then sprinkle the chili powder, oregano, basil, and salt over the mixture. Give everything a good stir to combine all the ingredients evenly.
Step 5: Slow Cook to Perfection
Set your crockpot to high and cook for 3 to 4 hours, or if you prefer, on low for 6 to 7 hours. Slow cooking allows the spices to develop fully and the beef to become fall-apart tender. Plus, the beans soak up all that wonderful sauce for the perfect chili texture.
Step 6: Serve and Garnish
When your chili is done, ladle it into warm bowls and finish with your favorite garnishes. The beauty of this Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe is how customizable it is with toppings!
How to Serve Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe
Garnishes
A dollop of sour cream adds creamy coolness that contrasts the chili’s heat, while grated cheese melts slightly into each spoonful offering cheesy goodness. Sliced green onions bring a fresh bite and pop of color that makes every bowl inviting and vibrant.
Side Dishes
Classic cornbread or warm crusty bread are perfect for dipping and balancing the hearty chili. You could also enjoy it alongside a crisp green salad to add freshness or even over a bed of fluffy white rice to soak up that rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a fun twist, serve the chili inside baked potatoes or topped over crispy tortilla chips for a nacho-style chili platter. Another crowd-pleaser is offering a chili bar with various toppings like chopped jalapeños, avocado slices, or even a squeeze of lime for added zest.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, transfer your chili to airtight containers and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors continue to deepen, making leftovers just as delicious, if not better, than the first serving.
Freezing
This Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe freezes beautifully. Portion your chili into freezer-friendly containers or bags, leaving a bit of space for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. It’s a fantastic make-ahead meal for busy weeks.
Reheating
To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm gently on the stove over medium heat, stirring occasionally. You can also microwave individual portions until steaming hot — just add a splash of water if the chili seems too thick.
FAQs
Can I use ground turkey instead of beef?
Absolutely! Ground turkey works well for a leaner chili, though it may have a milder flavor. Just brown it carefully and consider adding a bit more seasoning to boost the taste.
Do I have to drain all the canned tomatoes and beans?
For this recipe, draining the diced tomatoes and rinsing the kidney beans helps control the chili’s thickness and prevents too much excess liquid, ensuring the perfect chunky texture.
Can I adjust the spice level?
Definitely. If you prefer milder chili, reduce the chili powder or omit any spicy garnishes. For more heat, add cayenne pepper or chopped fresh chili peppers.
What if I don’t have a crockpot? Can I make this on the stove?
You can! Brown the meat and veggies as directed, then combine all ingredients in a large pot. Simmer gently on low heat for about 1 to 1.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients used in this Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just be sure to check your canned goods labels for any hidden gluten-containing additives if you have sensitivities.
Final Thoughts
There is something so incredibly comforting about a bowl of chili that’s been slow-cooked to perfection, and this Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe truly hits that mark. Easy to make, versatile, and bursting with flavor, it’s one of those dishes that feels like a warm hug on a plate. Go ahead and give it a try — it might just become your go-to recipe for cozy nights and friendly gatherings!
Print
Crockpot Chili Con Carne Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Total Time: 3 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Crockpot Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful slow-cooked stew featuring extra lean ground beef, beans, and a rich tomato base seasoned with chili powder and classic herbs. Perfect for cozy family meals, it combines tender meat and vegetables cooked to perfection in the crockpot, allowing all the robust flavors to meld together over several hours.
Ingredients
Meat and Vegetables
- 3 lbs. extra lean ground beef
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 1 large green pepper, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
Tomato and Beans
- 1 28 oz. can tomato sauce
- 1 28 oz. can diced tomatoes, drained
- 1 10.75 oz. can tomato soup
- 2 14 oz. cans beans in tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz. can kidney beans, rinsed
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- ½ tablespoon dried basil
- 1 teaspoon salt
Garnishes
- Sour cream
- Grated cheese
- Sliced green onions
Instructions
- Brown the beef: In a large skillet, cook the extra lean ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Stir and fry for about 5 minutes until the beef begins to brown but is not yet fully cooked.
- Add vegetables: Add the chopped onion, green pepper, and minced garlic to the skillet with the beef. Continue cooking and stirring frequently for another 5 minutes until the beef is browned completely and no longer pink, and the vegetables have softened.
- Transfer to crockpot: Once the beef and vegetables are cooked, transfer the entire mixture into the crockpot to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add remaining ingredients: Pour in the tomato sauce, drained diced tomatoes, tomato soup, beans in tomato sauce, rinsed kidney beans, chili powder, dried oregano, dried basil, and salt. Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Cook the chili: Set the crockpot to high and cook the chili for 3 to 4 hours, or alternatively set it to low and cook for 6 to 7 hours. This slow cooking allows flavors to deepen and ingredients to tenderize.
- Serve with garnishes: Once cooked, ladle the chili into bowls and serve topped with your choice of sour cream, grated cheese, and sliced green onions for added creaminess, texture, and flavor.
Notes
- For a thicker chili, remove the lid during the last 30 minutes of cooking to allow some liquid to evaporate.
- You can substitute ground turkey or chicken as a leaner alternative to ground beef.
- Rinse canned beans thoroughly to reduce sodium content if desired.
- Adjust chili powder according to preferred spice level.
- This chili freezes well; store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 3 months.
