As the leaves begin to turn and the air gains that familiar crispness, especially here in Ohio, my thoughts invariably drift to warm, satisfying meals. This Chili Con Carne recipe embodies everything I love about autumn cooking. It’s not just a meal; it’s an experience, perfect for warming up after a long day or fueling up before a big game. Forget bland, watery chili; this recipe delivers deep, complex flavors that will have everyone asking for seconds.

If you’re a fan of comforting chili bowls, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite. For those who love variety, I also highly recommend trying this Classic Beef Chili, the quick and easy Instant Pot Beef Chili, or this unique Beef Poblano Black Bean Chili.

What is Chili Con Carne? A Brief History

Many people wonder about the true definition of this iconic dish. At its core, “Chili Con Carne” literally translates to “chili with meat.” It’s a spicy stew traditionally containing chili peppers, tender beef, ripe tomatoes, and hearty kidney beans. While its exact origins are debated, culinary historians generally agree that it emerged from the vibrant food cultures of northern Mexico or southern Texas. Over centuries, it has evolved into countless variations, but the essence remains: a deeply flavored, robust dish centered around meat and a rich chili-infused sauce.

I’m thrilled to be celebrating tailgating season and sharing this incredible recipe in partnership with the Ohio Beef Council. It’s an honor to highlight the dedication and hard work of the over 17,000 Ohio beef farmers who contribute to bringing high-quality beef to our tables, like the delicious chuck roast used in this very chili.

Essential Ingredients for Our Robust Chili Con Carne

Crafting the perfect Chili Con Carne starts with selecting high-quality ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in developing the deep, complex flavors that make this dish so irresistible:

• Chuck Roast: The true hero of this hearty chili. Using a boneless chuck roast (or a good pot roast cut into cubes) is key. When slow-cooked, this cut breaks down beautifully, creating exceptionally tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef that infuses the entire chili with incredible flavor and richness. Its marbling ensures a juicy texture.
• Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic is non-negotiable for the best, most aromatic flavor. Minced garlic cloves release a pungent sweetness when cooked, forming a foundational layer of taste. While garlic powder can work in a pinch, fresh garlic truly elevates the chili’s profile.
• Aromatic Vegetables: We start with sweet onion and vibrant bell pepper, which soften and sweeten as they cook, providing crucial aromatic depth. Diced tomatoes add a tangy, bright base. For extra layers of flavor and nutrition, consider adding other vegetables like earthy poblanos, sharp red onion, sweet carrots, or crisp celery.
• Beans: Our recipe features a classic combination of light and dark kidney beans, offering a satisfying texture and earthy flavor. However, chili is wonderfully versatile! Feel free to experiment with other beans you enjoy, such as creamy chickpeas, firm white beans, hearty black beans, or traditional pinto beans, each bringing a slightly different character to the dish.
• Rich Spices: The soul of any great chili lies in its spice blend. This recipe boasts a generous array of spices that create a profoundly rich, warm, and inviting flavor profile. We combine classic chili powder with smoky chipotle chili powder for depth, earthy cumin, fragrant Mexican oregano, subtle thyme, zesty coriander, a hint of cinnamon for an unexpected complexity, and vibrant paprika. These spices work in harmony to build a luscious, flavorful chili sauce that coats every piece of tender beef. Adjust quantities to suit your preferred level of heat and spice intensity.
• Beef Broth: Beef broth is essential for achieving the perfect consistency and enhancing the savory notes of the beef. While any quality beef broth will work, using a rich, homemade beef bone broth will add unparalleled depth and a boost of nutrients. If beef broth isn’t available, chicken or vegetable broth can be substituted, though the beef flavor will be more pronounced with beef broth.
• Tomato Paste: A crucial ingredient for thickening the chili and adding concentrated tomato flavor. It contributes to the rich, dark color and savory depth of the sauce.
• Sugar: Just a touch of sugar helps to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances the overall sweetness and complexity of the chili, without making it overtly sweet.

How to Make Flavorful Slow Cooker Chili Con Carne

Creating this rich and satisfying Chili Con Carne in a slow cooker is incredibly straightforward, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully with minimal effort. Here’s how you’ll do it:

1. Step 1: Brown the Chuck Roast for Deep Flavor: Begin by heating 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed skillet or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Once shimmering, add your cubed chuck roast and sear all sides until beautifully browned. This crucial step creates a rich, caramelized crust on the beef, known as the Maillard reaction, which locks in moisture and develops a deep, savory flavor that will permeate the entire chili. Do not skip this!
2. Step 2: Combine Ingredients in the Slow Cooker: Once the beef is browned, transfer it to your slow cooker. Then, add all the remaining ingredients from the recipe list into the slow cooker pot. Gently stir to combine everything, ensuring the chuck roast is as submerged in the liquid and vegetables as possible. This allows the beef to cook evenly and absorb all the wonderful flavors.
3. Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection: Cover the slow cooker and let it work its magic. Cook the chili on low heat for 8 to 10 hours. This extended, gentle cooking time is ideal for breaking down the tough fibers of the chuck roast, rendering it incredibly tender and allowing the spices to fully bloom and integrate. If you’re short on time, you can cook it on high heat for 3 to 4 hours, but for the most fall-apart tender beef and deepest flavor, low and slow is always recommended.
4. Step 4: Shred and Serve: Once the cooking time is complete and the beef is fork-tender, carefully remove the chuck roast from the slow cooker. Using two forks, easily shred the beef into bite-sized pieces. Return the shredded beef to the chili, stirring it back into the rich sauce and bean mixture. This ensures every spoonful has delicious, tender beef throughout.
5. Step 5: Garnish and Enjoy: Serve your warm Chili Con Carne immediately. The beauty of chili lies in its versatility with toppings! Garnish generously with fresh cilantro, a dollop of cool sour cream, crunchy corn chips, thinly sliced green onions, and a sprinkle of shredded cheddar cheese. For a complete meal, I love serving it alongside warm flour tortillas or crispy tortilla chips, perhaps with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans.

Recipe Tip for Stovetop Cooking: No slow cooker? No problem! You can easily make this Chili Con Carne in a large Dutch oven on the stove. Simply brown the meat as directed in Step 1. Then, add in the remaining ingredients, bring the mixture to a simmer, and cover. Let it simmer gently on low heat for about 2 hours, or until the beef is incredibly tender, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. The flavors will still be wonderfully rich and delicious!

Customization & Modifications for Your Perfect Chili Con Carne

One of the best things about Chili Con Carne is how easily it can be customized to suit your personal preferences. Don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe truly your own:

• Bean Variety: While kidney beans are classic, feel free to explore! Add a medley of beans such as hearty black beans for a deeper color and flavor, creamy cannellini (white) beans, nutritious chickpeas, or even small navy beans. Each type contributes a unique texture and subtle flavor to the overall dish.
• Tomato Base Adjustments: If you prefer a thinner, more soup-like chili with a pronounced tomato flavor, a small amount of tomato sauce can be added. Conversely, for an even thicker, richer chili, increase the amount of tomato paste or drain some of the liquid from the diced tomatoes before adding them.
• Add Hominy for Texture: For an intriguing textural addition, try incorporating a can of hominy. Its slightly chewy, corn-like texture and subtle flavor complement the robust chili beautifully, adding another dimension to each bite.
• Crank Up the Spice: For those who love a fiery kick, there are many ways to increase the heat. Finely chop an extra jalapeño or two (leaving some seeds for maximum heat!) or introduce other chili peppers like serranos. A dash of your favorite hot sauce or an extra pinch of cayenne pepper will also do the trick.
• Explore Different Peppers: Beyond bell peppers, incorporating other types of fresh peppers can dramatically change the flavor profile. Roasted poblano peppers add a mild, smoky depth, while habaneros bring intense fruitiness and heat. Ancho chiles (dried poblanos) can be rehydrated and puréed for a rich, earthy flavor, and Fresno peppers offer a vibrant red color and medium heat.
• Boost with Extra Veggies: Chili is an excellent vehicle for adding more vegetables. Carrots and celery, finely diced, will melt into the sauce and add sweetness. Additional bell peppers (any color), or even radishes added at the end for a fresh crunch, are wonderful. These additions not only enhance flavor but also boost the nutritional content of your meal.
• The Secret Ingredient: Cocoa Powder: For an unexpected yet delightful depth of flavor, try adding a tablespoon of unsweetened cocoa powder. It won’t make your chili taste like chocolate, but it will enhance the savory notes of the beef and spices, adding a rich, complex undertone and a beautiful dark color.

Storage & Reheating Tips:

Chili Con Carne is an excellent meal prep option, as its flavors often deepen and improve overnight! Here’s how to store it properly:

• Refrigeration: Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored safely in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• Freezing: For longer storage, Chili Con Carne freezes beautifully. Portion the cooled chili into freezer-safe bags or airtight containers, leaving a little headspace for expansion. It can be frozen for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Reheating: Gently reheat chili on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, until it’s piping hot. You can also reheat individual portions in the microwave. If the chili is too thick after storage, add a splash of beef broth or water to achieve your desired consistency.

Why You’ll Love This Chili Con Carne Recipe:

• Unbeatable Flavor: The combination of slow-cooked beef and a rich spice blend creates an incredibly deep and satisfying flavor that is hard to beat.
• Tender Beef: Slow cooking transforms the chuck roast into fall-apart tender pieces, ensuring every bite is succulent.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Perfect for busy weeknights or feeding a crowd, this chili can be made hours or even days in advance.
• Tailgating Favorite: Its robust nature and ability to stay warm in a slow cooker make it an ideal dish for game day gatherings.
• Customizable: Easily adapt the spice level, vegetables, and beans to suit your family’s preferences.
• Wholesome & Filling: Packed with protein and fiber, this chili is a complete meal that will keep you feeling full and satisfied.