Description

This easy slow cooker chilli con carne is a hearty, comforting dish made with lean mince, beans, tomatoes, and warm spices. Perfect for make-ahead meals, it’s flexible, budget-friendly, and even better the next day.

Ingredients

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

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

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Instructions

Heat oil in a nonstick frying pan over medium heat. Brown the mince until no longer pink, breaking it up as it cooks.
Add onions, celery (and any other veggies), and minced garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes until onions are translucent and fragrant.
Transfer the mixture to the slow cooker.
Stir in chopped tomatoes, beans, tomato paste, stock, chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cocoa powder.
Set the slow cooker to low and cook for 7–8 hours, or until the chilli is thick and flavors are melded.
Season with salt and pepper toward the end; adjust spiciness or richness with extra chilli powder or dark chocolate if needed.

Notes

Use turkey or chicken mince for a lower-fat version.
For a vegetarian option, skip the meat and add extra beans or plant-based mince.
Enhance nutrition with extra vegetables like carrots, sweet corn, or bell peppers.
Adjust spice level to taste with extra chilli powder or red pepper flakes.
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 7–8 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Slow Cooker
Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1.5 cups
Calories: 350
Sugar: 6g
Sodium: 700mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Unsaturated Fat: 9g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 25g
Fiber: 7g
Protein: 28g
Cholesterol: 75mg