Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne (from Scratch)
Serves: 6
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6–8 hours (Low) or 3–4 hours (High)
Ingredients
For the Chili:
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2 tablespoons olive oil
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2 lbs (900 g) ground beef (or a mix of beef and pork)
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2 large onions, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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2 red bell peppers, chopped
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1–2 fresh chilies, chopped (optional for heat)
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2 tablespoons tomato paste
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) chopped tomatoes
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
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1 can (14 oz / 400 g) black beans or pinto beans, drained and rinsed
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1 cup (240 ml) beef stock or water
Seasonings and Spices:
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2 tablespoons chili powder (adjust to taste)
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon smoked paprika
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1 teaspoon ground coriander
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon salt (adjust later to taste)
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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1 teaspoon sugar or honey (balances acidity)
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Optional: 1 tablespoon cocoa powder or a small piece of dark chocolate (adds depth and richness)
Instructions
1. Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended)
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Heat olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat.
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Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon.
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Drain excess fat and transfer beef to the slow cooker.
2. Sauté the Aromatics
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In the same pan, add onions, garlic, and bell peppers.
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Cook for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
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Stir in tomato paste and cook for another 1 minute to deepen flavor.
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Transfer everything to the slow cooker.
3. Add Remaining Ingredients
Add tomatoes, beans, beef stock, spices, sugar, and optional cocoa powder or chocolate.
Stir well to combine.
4. Slow Cook
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LOW: 6–8 hours
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HIGH: 3–4 hours
Stir once or twice during cooking if possible.
5. Adjust and Serve
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Taste and adjust seasoning (add more salt, chili powder, or a pinch of sugar if needed).
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If the chili is too thin, uncover for the last 30 minutes to thicken, or stir in 1 tablespoon cornmeal.
6. Serve With
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Steamed rice or crusty bread
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Sour cream, grated cheese, or sliced jalapeños on top
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Fresh cilantro or green onions for garnish
Tips
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For extra richness, stir in a splash of red wine or beer before cooking.
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Leftovers taste even better the next day — refrigerate or freeze for later.
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To make it spicy, add chipotle peppers in adobo or hot sauce to taste.
Would you like me to include a smoky BBQ-style chili con carne variation or a spicy Mexican version with chorizo and beans next?
