The Best Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne I've Ever Made

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork is often less expensive.

kidney beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: pinto beans

Black beans offer more fiber, while pinto beans are usually cheaper.

cheddar cheese

🥗Healthier: nutritional yeast

💰Cheaper: processed cheese

Nutritional yeast is lower in calories, while processed cheese is often less expensive.

sour cream

🥗Healthier: Greek yogurt

💰Cheaper: creme fraiche

Greek yogurt provides a healthier option with similar creaminess.

Chop 1 onion finely.

Chop 6 bacon medallions into small pieces.

Chop 2 celery sticks finely.

In a large pan over medium heat, add a little oil, then add the chopped onion and bacon; fry for about 5 minutes until the onion is translucent and the bacon is crispy.

Add 4 minced garlic cloves to the pan and fry for an additional 30 seconds.

Add 800 grams of lean beef mince to the pan; cook until browned and no red bits remain, about 5-7 minutes. Optionally, cook longer until the beef is crispy.

Transfer the cooked mixture to a slow cooker.

Add the chopped celery to the slow cooker.

Add 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 teaspoon salt, smoked paprika, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, and chili powder to the slow cooker.

Add 400 grams of drained and rinsed kidney beans and passata (or chopped tomatoes) to the slow cooker.

Mix all ingredients well in the slow cooker and cover.

Cook on medium for 4-5 hours or on low for 6-8 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.

Plate the chili and serve with rice or as desired; garnish with cheddar cheese, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: