chilli con carne slow cooker

Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

If you're looking for the ultimate comforting, high-protein dinner to feed the whole family, this Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne is one you need to add to your weekly rotation!


Made with tender beef mince, black beans, colourful peppers and a rich, smoky tomato sauce, this slow cooker chilli is packed with flavour and couldn't be easier to make.

Simply brown the beef, add everything to the slow cooker and let it do the hard work.


Perfect for cosy autumn evenings, feeding a crowd or batch cooking for the week ahead, this is a hearty, satisfying dinner that everyone will love.

Why you'll love this recipe

  • High in protein – packed with beef mince and fibre-rich black beans.

  • Minimal preparation – just 15 minutes of hands-on prep before the slow cooker takes over.

  • Perfect for feeding a crowd – makes six generous portions.

  • Rich, smoky flavours – chipotle paste, cumin and smoked paprika create a deliciously warming chilli.

  • Great for batch cooking – ideal for making ahead and freezing in individual portions.

  • Easy to customise – adjust the spice level and serve with your favourite toppings.

This is one of those recipes that gets even better as the flavours develop. The beef slowly cooks in a rich tomato sauce with warming spices, red wine and smoky chipotle, while the black beans add extra texture and make the dish even more satisfying.

Slow Cooker Beef Madras

Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

PREP TIME

15 minutes

COOK TIME

4 hours on high or 8 hours on low

SERVINGS

6

METHOD

Slow Cooker

ORIGIN

Mexican

Delicious Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Ingredients

  • 750g beef mince
  • 1 onion, chopped
  • 1 carrot, chopped
  • 1 celery stalk, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers, roughly chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 red chilli, finely sliced (add another for extra heat)
  • 2 tbsp tomato purée
  • 2 bay leaves
  • 2 tsp ground coriander
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 2 tsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 150ml red wine
  • 150ml beef stock
  • 1 tsp olive oil
  • 1 x 400g tin chopped tomatoes
  • 2 x 400g tins black beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 tbsp chipotle paste
  • Salt and black pepper, to season

Garnish

  • ¼ avocado, diced
  • Handful of fresh coriander, chopped
  • 2–4 lime wedges

Instructions


1. Brown the beef

Heat the olive oil in a frying pan over medium heat. Add the beef mince and brown for 5–7 minutes, breaking it up as it cooks. Drain any excess fat if needed.


2. Add to the slow cooker

Transfer the beef to the slow cooker with the onion, carrot, celery, peppers, garlic, chilli, tomato purée, chopped tomatoes, red wine, beef stock, chipotle paste, herbs and spices. Season well and stir.


3. Slow cook

Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.


4. Add the beans

Stir through the drained black beans 30 minutes before serving. Replace the lid and continue cooking until heated through.


5. Garnish and serve

Remove the bay leaves and finish with fresh coriander, diced avocado and a squeeze of lime. Serve with your favourite sides and enjoy!

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THE FULL MACROS READY FOR YOU

CALORIES | 431

UNDER 500 CALORIES PER SERVING 

PROTEIN | 31.7G

OVER 30G PROTEIN PER SERVING

CARBS | 28G

UNDER 30G CARBS PER SERVING

FAT | 20G

UNDER 20G FAT PER SERVING

FIBRE | 10G

OVER 10G FIBRE PER SERVING

It's the perfect recipe for those colder evenings when you want something hearty and comforting without spending hours in the kitchen. Serve it with fluffy rice, a baked potato or tortilla chips and all your favourite toppings.

Why choose this Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne?

HIGH PROTEIN RECIPE

EASY TO COOK IN THE SLOW COOKER

THE PERFECT COMFORT FOOD AFTER A LONG DAY

HIGH IN FIBRE

Swaps & Upgrades

  • Use lean beef mince: Choose 5% fat beef mince for a lighter, high-protein version.

  • Swap the beans: Red kidney beans work just as well as black beans for a more traditional chilli con carne.

  • Make it extra spicy: Add another fresh red chilli or increase the chipotle paste.

  • Add extra vegetables: Mushrooms, courgette or sweetcorn are great additions.

  • Make it alcohol-free: Replace the red wine with additional beef stock.

  • Switch up the toppings: Try Greek yoghurt, grated cheddar, sliced jalapeños or crushed tortilla chips.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this slow cooker chilli con carne ahead of time?

Absolutely! This recipe is ideal for batch cooking and meal prep. The flavours develop beautifully overnight, making it a great option for preparing ahead of a busy week.

Does it freeze well?

Absolutely — freeze for up to 3 months. Defrost overnight and reheat gently.

Can I cook it overnight?

Yes — use low for 8 hours. The flavours develop beautifully.

Can I use kidney beans instead of black beans?

Definitely. Red kidney beans are a classic addition to chilli con carne and work perfectly in this recipe. Use canned, pre-cooked kidney beans and drain and rinse them before adding.

How to thicken the sauce?

Remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or add 1 tsp cornflour mixed with water.

What should I serve with chilli con carne?

Fluffy basmati rice, jacket potatoes, tortilla chips or warm flatbreads all work brilliantly. Finish with avocado, fresh coriander, lime and a spoonful of Greek yoghurt for a delicious, balanced meal.

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Thanks for stopping by Archer Kitchen by Rebecca Archer. Whether you’re here for quick weekday fixes, indulgent weekend treats, or to explore new flavours, we’ve got your back. Hungry for more inspiration? Dive into my collection of recipes and check out my cookbooks for exclusive tips, tricks, and flavour-packed dishes that’ll take your cooking game to the next level. Bookmark us, come back often, and let’s keep cooking up a storm together!

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