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Chili con carne. Ugh, even the words make my stomach rumble a bit. You ever get home after a wildfire-crazy day, open the fridge, and think, “Nope, not happening”? That’s the moment you want comfort, something filling, maybe spicy, but super low effort. Easy crock pot chili con carne is my go-to move on those evenings. So if you’ve got a slow cooker and a bunch of random cans, you, my friend, are about to level up your cozy dinner game.

What is Chili Con Carne?

So, chili con carne is a beef-and-bean stew with roots all over Texas and Northern Mexico. I know folks have wild opinions (my grandma would absolutely fight someone about what goes in), but at its core, it’s humble. “Con carne” just means “with meat.” We’re talking a simple, hearty dish that stretches a pound of beef into basically a whole week’s worth of meals. The crock pot version? It’s pure ease. Toss in your ingredients, and some magic happens while you do, I dunno, laundry or nap.

There are no hard rules. Some folks swear off beans in the “authentic” chili con carne. My answer: use what you like. I keep things classic for flavor but messy enough that no two pots are ever the same. And, fair warning, it’s one of those recipes that gets even better the next day leftovers are solid gold.

What Goes in Chili

Let’s break it down! You want a good balance: protein, beans, spice, and a little veg, but nothing fussy. My (not so) secret? Using basics you probably already have. Lean ground beef, kidney or black beans, some chopped onion, garlic, and bell pepper. Then, the flavor punch: diced canned tomatoes, a squirt of tomato paste, and a heavy hand with homemade chili powder (trust me, it’s better than store-bought).

You can go wild maybe add corn or sweet potato if you’re feeling extra. Salt, pepper, maybe a sugary pinch if you use super-acidic tomatoes. But keep it unfussy! I’ve even chucked in half-empty salsa or random veggies, and it’s still dreamy. This isn’t a five-star restaurant, it’s real-life food, ya know?

And a heads-up: don’t panic if your pantry looks weird just sub in what you have and pretend it’s fancy.

How to Make Chili

Okay, here’s where the easy crock pot chili con carne shines. I like to brown my beef and onions in a skillet first, ’cause, well, it just smells so good and deepens the flavor. But if you’re running late (story of my life), just throw the raw beef directly in the slow cooker. Dump in beans, tomatoes, garlic, peppers, and all those spicy bits.

Lid goes on. Set it on low for 6-8 hours or high for about 4. I almost always forget about it until my house smells like a Texan diner. Give it a stir, taste for salt, and adjust if needed. Done. Let it rest a bit though! The flavors blend even more.

I once forgot mine overnight and, wild as it sounds, the flavor was out of this world (maybe don’t do that intentionally).

Homemade Chili Powder

Store-bought chili powder is fine, but making your own takes the whole easy crock pot chili con carne thing to another level. Grab paprika (smoked or regular), cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne, a dash of oregano, salt, and a pinch of sugar if you want.

Mix it all together in a jar. Shake it up. Use liberally in your chili. I swear this is what shifts your chili from “eh” to “did you get this at a restaurant?” Chill, though, you don’t need to be precise. Just don’t skip the cumin or paprika; that’s the soul.

One time, I ran out of cumin and tried taco seasoning instead; not bad, just don’t tell any food snobs.

How and What to Serve with Chili

Serving suggestions? Buddy, you’ve got options galore.

Spoon it over steamed rice for a satisfying meal with extra bulk.
Top with cheddar, green onions, or a blob of sour cream for creamy, cool contrast.
Crush salty tortilla chips on the side for crunchy bliss.
Make a chili-topped baked potato if you’re feeling carby.

Honestly, toast or cornbread makes it feel like southern hospitality right in your kitchen. I like to set out bowls and let everyone go wild with toppings. Kinda like a nacho-night but less messy.

“I made this for my neighbors when they moved in. They asked for the recipe before the bowls were even empty! Hardest part was not just eating it all myself.” Jesse B.

Common Questions

What’s the best meat for easy crock pot chili con carne?
You cannot go wrong with classic ground beef, but ground turkey works fine. Even chunks of chuck roast if you want to be fancy.

Can I use dried beans instead of canned?
Yes, just make sure you cook them all the way first (no one needs a crunchy bean surprise).

How spicy should it be?
Totally up to you. I keep the chili powder mild and add hot sauce at the end so everyone can dial it in.

How long does chili last in the fridge?
Easy! About 4 days. It also freezes like a champ.

Can I prep it ahead of time?
Yep. Throw the ingredients in the pot the night before and start cooking in the morning for dinner that evening.

Dinner Doesn’t Need to Be Complicated

Don’t overthink it. Easy crock pot chili con carne is one of those forgiving, full-throttle comfort foods. You can go classic or wild, make it mild or fiery, and nothing ever truly goes wrong. If you’ve never tried making your own chili powder, seriously, just do it once. You’ll taste the difference. Hungry for more slow cooker inspiration? Epicurious and Serious Eats’ Chili Guide have heaps of ideas if you feel like tinkering. Let your tastebuds be your guide. Throw that stuff in the pot relax. Dinner is basically already done.

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Hey y’all if slow-cooked comfort food makes your heart happy, you’re in the right place. 💛 Follow Crock Cozy on Pinterest for hearty casseroles, tender roasts, and weeknight dinners that taste like home.

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Lila Morrison
Hi, I’m Lila! Southern home cook raised in Mississippi, now near Nashville. I share cozy, slow-cooked meals inspired by my grandma’s kitchen simple, soulful, and full of love.

Easy Crock Pot Chili Con Carne

What is Chili Con Carne?

What Goes in Chili

How to Make Chili

Homemade Chili Powder

How and What to Serve with Chili