Crockpot Chili Con Carne – Slow-Cooked, Smoky & Hearty Comfort Food

There’s something about a pot of chili bubbling away in the crockpot that brings people together — the anticipation, the rich aroma of spices, and that first comforting spoonful. My inspiration for this Crockpot Chili Con Carne came from my grandmother’s Sunday tradition: a big simmering pot that filled the house with the scent of smoked paprika, cumin, and slow-cooked beef. This slow-cooker version is a hands-free twist on her recipe — hearty, protein-packed, and layered with flavor. Whether you’re prepping for game day or a cozy winter dinner, this chili is your new go-to comfort meal.

How to Make Crockpot Chili Con Carne

Ingredients

• 1 lb (450g) lean ground beef
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 can (14 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (14 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• 1 tsp salt
• ½ tsp black pepper
• ½ cup beef broth or water
• Olive oil for browning
• Fresh cilantro, lime wedges, and sour cream for garnish

Instructions

1. In a skillet, heat olive oil and brown the ground beef until no longer pink. Drain excess fat.
2. Add diced onions and garlic; sauté for 2–3 minutes until fragrant.
3. Transfer the beef mixture to your crockpot.
4. Add bell pepper, beans, tomatoes, tomato paste, spices, and broth. Stir to combine.
5. Cover and cook on Low for 6–8 hours or High for 3–4 hours.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving.
7. Garnish with cilantro, lime wedges, and a spoonful of sour cream.

Tips for Success

• For deeper flavor, toast your spices in the pan before adding them.
• Want it smoky? Add a diced chipotle pepper in adobo sauce.
• For a lighter version, use ground turkey or chicken.
• Freeze leftovers in individual containers for quick weekday meals.
• Add a square of dark chocolate or espresso shot to enrich flavor (a chef’s secret!).

Why This Chili Con Carne Is So Satisfying

This slow-cooker chili con carne is all about balance — high in protein, rich in fiber, and bursting with antioxidants from tomatoes, peppers, and beans. The slow cooking process allows flavors to meld beautifully while tenderizing the beef. Plus, this dish is naturally gluten-free and easily adaptable to low-carb or vegetarian diets. You can even double the batch and enjoy it over baked potatoes, nachos, or rice throughout the week.

Nutrition & Storage Table

Healthy Chili Upgrades

Want to make this chili even more nourishing? Swap half the beef for lentils or quinoa to boost fiber and plant protein. Add extra vegetables like zucchini or corn for color and nutrients. For keto lovers, omit the beans and add more beef and peppers.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Ideas

This Crockpot Chili Con Carne is perfect for batch cooking. It tastes even better the next day as the spices continue to deepen. Store in meal prep containers for quick lunches or freeze for a ready-made dinner on busy nights.

FAQs About Crockpot Chili Con Carne

If you make this Crockpot Chili Con Carne, let me know how it turned out in the comments! I love seeing your slow-cooker creations — every pot of chili tells a story.

Crockpot Chili Con Carne

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• Author: Chef Sofia
• Total Time: 6 hrs 15 mins
• Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Rich, smoky slow-cooked chili con carne with tender beef, beans, and bold spices.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

1 lb lean ground beef

1 onion, diced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1 red bell pepper, diced

1 can kidney beans, drained

1 can black beans, drained

1 can crushed tomatoes

2 tbsp tomato paste

2 tsp cumin

1 tbsp chili powder

1 tsp smoked paprika

½ tsp cayenne pepper

1 tsp salt

½ tsp black pepper

½ cup beef broth

Olive oil

Cilantro, lime, sour cream

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Instructions

1. Brown beef and sauté onion and garlic.

2. Transfer to crockpot with all ingredients.

3. Stir, cover, and cook Low 6–8 hrs or High 3–4 hrs.

4. Adjust seasoning and serve with toppings.

Notes

Freeze in portions up to 3 months.

Use ground turkey for a lighter version.

Add chipotle for smoky heat.

• Prep Time: 15 mins
• Cook Time: 6 hrs
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Slow Cooker
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl
• Calories: 390
• Sugar: 8g
• Sodium: 680mg
• Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Unsaturated Fat: 8g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 9g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 75mg

Final Tip

Chili con carne tastes even better the next day — so make it ahead, refrigerate overnight, and let those smoky spices marry beautifully before serving!