Description
A hearty and flavorful Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne that is easy to prepare and perfect for a comforting family meal. Made with lean mince, aromatic spices, beans, and a hint of chocolate for depth, this recipe simmers slowly to develop rich, comforting flavors with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat and Vegetables
- 1 kg (about 2 lb) lean mince (beef, turkey, or chicken)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 celery stalks, diced (optional carrots or bell peppers)
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Pantry Items
- 1 tin (400 g / 14 oz) chopped tomatoes
- 1 tin (400 g / 14 oz) beans (kidney, black, or borlotti), rinsed and drained
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 cup beef (or vegetable/chicken) stock
- 2 tbsp chilli powder (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder (or 1 square of 70% dark chocolate, or a pinch of cinnamon)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tbsp oil for browning
Instructions
- Brown the mince: Heat oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Add the lean mince and cook until it is no longer pink, breaking it up thoroughly as it cooks.
- Sauté the vegetables: Add diced onions, celery (and any optional carrots or bell peppers), along with minced garlic to the pan. Sauté for about 5 minutes until the onions become translucent and fragrant.
- Transfer to slow cooker: Move the browned mince and sautéed vegetables into the slow cooker bowl to prepare for slow cooking.
- Add remaining ingredients: Stir in chopped tomatoes, rinsed and drained beans, tomato paste, beef or chosen stock, chilli powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and unsweetened cocoa powder or dark chocolate.
- Slow cook: Set the slow cooker to low heat and cook the chilli for 7 to 8 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together and the mixture to thicken.
- Season and adjust: Towards the end of cooking, season with salt and pepper. Adjust the spiciness or richness further by adding extra chilli powder or dark chocolate if desired. Serve hot.
Notes
- You can substitute the mince for turkey or chicken for a leaner option.
- Adding celery is optional, and carrots or bell peppers can be added for extra flavor and texture.
- Adjust the chilli powder to your preferred spice level.
- The cocoa powder or dark chocolate enhances the depth of flavor, but a pinch of cinnamon can be used as an alternative.
- Serve with rice, tortilla chips, or crusty bread for a complete meal.
