Hairy Bikers​ Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe

This rich, hearty Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe is made with lean beef mince and warming spices, ready in eight hours. Slicing through the thick sauce reveals tender meat infused with a subtle hint of dark chocolate. I love letting this simmer away all day for an effortless weekend dinner.

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Why This Classic Works

I used to rush my chilli on the stovetop, resulting in a thin sauce and tough mince. Switching to a slow cooker method allows the spices to properly meld while keeping the beef incredibly tender.

The real surprise here is adding a square of dark chocolate right at the end. It takes away any sharp acidity from the tomatoes and gives the sauce a beautiful glossy finish.

Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe Ingredients

• 500g lean beef mince
• 2 medium onions, finely chopped
• 3 garlic cloves, crushed
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp mild chilli powder
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp ground coriander
• 1 tbsp tomato purée
• 400g tin chopped tomatoes
• 300ml beef stock
• 400g tin kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 small square dark chocolate (minimum 70% cocoa)

How To Make Hairy Bikers Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe

1. Brown The Mince: Heat a splash of oil in a frying pan over a medium-high heat and brown the beef mince for 5 minutes.
2. Soften The Vegetables: Add the chopped onions, garlic, and red pepper to the pan, cooking for another 5 minutes until soft.
3. Toast The Spices: Stir in the chilli powder, cumin, coriander, and tomato purée, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
4. Transfer To Slow Cooker: Tip the beef and vegetable mixture into your slow cooker pot.
5. Add Liquids: Pour in the chopped tomatoes and beef stock, stirring well to combine everything.
6. Cook The Chilli: Place the lid on and cook on low for 6 to 8 hours or on high for 4 hours.
7. Finish The Dish: Stir in the kidney beans and dark chocolate 30 minutes before the end of the cooking time.

Recipe Tips

• Brown the meat well: Taking time to deeply brown the mince adds a rich savoury base note to the final dish.
• Adjust the heat: If you prefer a spicier kick, add a pinch of dried chilli flakes or a diced fresh jalapeno.
• Thicken the sauce: If the chilli looks too liquid, leave the slow cooker lid off for the final hour.

What To Serve With Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne

Fluffy white rice and a generous dollop of soured cream balance the deep spices beautifully. You can also serve it over crispy jacket potatoes or scooped up with crunchy tortilla chips.

How To Store

Let the chilli cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. Keep it in the fridge for up to three days, or freeze for up to three months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat thoroughly on the hob.

FAQs

Can I use raw mince straight in the slow cooker?

Yes, but browning it first locks in flavor and prevents a greasy texture.

Can I make this vegetarian?

Swap the beef mince for a mix of black beans, lentils, and extra vegetables.

Do I need to add extra liquid?

Slow cookers retain moisture, so stick to the listed beef stock to avoid a watery sauce.

Nutrition

• Calories: 385 kcal
• Total Fat: 14g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Cholesterol: 65mg
• Sodium: 450mg
• Total Carbohydrate: 28g
• Protein: 32g

Try More Recipes:

• Hairy Bikers Vegetarian Chilli Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Cullen Skink Recipe
• Hairy Bikers Christmas Pudding Vodka Recipe