An Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Table of Contents
Chilli Con Carne Cooked in a Slow Cooker
Using a slow cooker for a slow cooker chilli con carne recipe is an excellent way to achieve rich, developed flavours with minimal effort. A slow cooker offers numerous benefits for busy families, particularly when preparing meals for little ones. The low and slow cooking method enhances flavours and tenderness, making meals more palatable for babies during the weaning process. Additionally, slow cookers use less energy compared to traditional ovens, making them a more economical choice. They also encourage the use of wholesome ingredients, enabling you to easily create nutritious, homemade meals tailored to your child's tastes and dietary needs.
What To Eat With Chilli Con Carne
When introducing chilli con carne to a baby, it’s best to serve it alongside soft and mild accompaniments to balance the flavours and textures. Opt for well-cooked rice or mashed potatoes, which can help to neutralise the mild spices.
You might also consider adding a side of steamed vegetables, such as carrots or sweetcorn, that are cut into small, manageable pieces. A dollop of plain Greek yogurt can provide a cooling effect and enhance the dish's creaminess, making it more palatable for young taste buds. Great for fussy eaters too.
Chilli Con Carne Seasoning Mix
Chilli con carne seasoning mix formulated for babies with sensitive palates combines flavours that are gentle yet intriguing.
This blend features a subtle hint of paprika and smoked paprika, providing warmth without overwhelming their taste buds. Oregano adds an earthy, herbal note, while a touch of cinnamon introduces a mild sweetness, making the seasoning more appealing to younger diners.
Onion granules contribute a delicate depth of flavour, rounding out this carefully crafted mixture that encourages early culinary exploration without compromising on gentleness.
Can You Freeze Chilli Con Carne
Yes, you can freeze chilli con carne for babies. This dish is not only nutritious but can also be conveniently prepared in advance, great for batch cooking. With this recipe, you can portion the chilli into smaller, airtight containers and freeze it for up to three months, making it an ideal option for easy homemade dinners.
Simply thaw the portions as needed (see below), ensuring that each serving is heated thoroughly before serving. This method allows you to provide your little one with wholesome meals without the stress of daily cooking.
Ingredient information
Beef - I have used a 10% fat minced beef (ground beef) in this slow cooker chilli recipe, but you could use chicken mince instead. It is up to you.
Onion - I have used a red onion, but you could use a white onion or a couple of shallots. I find red onions sweeter and love to use them in recipes.
Garlic - I have used fresh garlic but you could use garlic powder or garlic granules instead if you did not have fresh garlic.
Peppers - I have used a small yellow and red pepper, but you could use 1 large red, yellow or green pepper.
Paprika/smoked paprika - I love these 2 spices they are so delicious and great used in so many recipes and marinades such as a Quesadilla. You could add in a mild chilli powder if you wish too.
Oregano - A great earthy allrounder! This is a great store cupboard staple that I always have in the cupboard as it can be used in so many recipes such as a pasta dish such as a spaghetti bolognaise.
Cinnamon - I have used a sweet cinnamon but you can use regular cinnamon, adds a little sweetness.
Onion granules - I have used onion granules for extra flavour, but you could leave this step out if you prefer or use onion powder.
Stock cube - I have used a zero salt beef stock cube, you could use a zero salt chicken stock cube or a low salt alternative. Or you can use fresh beef broth too.
Tinned tomatoes - I have used peeled plum tomatoes, and I cut these these myself using scissors as I feel there is more flavour this way. You could use chopped tomatoes too if you prefer.
Tomato purée/tomato paste - I have used tomato purée to add a depth of flavour to the chilli.
Kidney beans - I have used white kidney beans but you can use the purple kidney beans too or any canned beans such as black beans or cannellini beans.
Cornflour - I have add a little cornflour to thicken the chilli if needed.
Serving suggestion
The chili con carne would be perfect served with rice, sweetcorn, refried beans and cheddar cheese. Mashed avocado would be tasty too.
You could serve with jacket potatoes or baked sweet potatoes or simply serve on its own with a dollop of plain Greek yogurt or sour cream.
Other slow cooker recipes you may like: Chicken risotto, Chicken curry or Beef stew.
Storage instructions
The slow cooker chilli con carne can be kept in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 3 days. Or you can store in airtight containers in the freezer for up to 3 months. Its best to label the freezer bag and airtight container with the item and the date.
To defrost the slow cooker chilli con carne, thaw in the fridge overnight, once fully defrosted, you can reheat the chilli.
To reheat the chilli, preheat your oven to 180C/350F and reheat for up to 20-25 minutes. You can also re heat on the hob on a medium heat until piping hot.
Once thawed and reheated you will not be able to refreeze and store again.
Equipment used to help with this recipe
Slow cooker liners - Food safe liners, disposable and BPA free - these are a great idea for lining the slow cooker pot.
Airtight container - I much prefer the click-shut lids on these containers compared to others. They are also dishwasher and freezer safe and BPA free, so very suitable for food use.
Recipe | An Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
An Easy Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne Recipe
Ingredients
Instructions
- Start by lining your slow cooker (if using).
- Pop all the ingredients into the slow cooker apart from the cornflour and water.
- Add 250ml of hot water and break up the mince as much as you can and give everything a good stir.
- Set the slow cooker to either 3 hours on a high heat or 6 hours on a low heat.
- Once cooked, take a look at the chilli, I mix the cornflour and water together and add to the chilli to thicken the sauce. If you like the consistency, you do not need to do this step, it is personal preference.
- Leave to cool before serving to your baby. Serve with lime wedges and fresh coriander if you wish.
Notes
This kids chilli con carne recipe is a classic dish that is also a great one for the whole family too of course is perfect for those weekday meals. We all need an easy slow cooker recipe.
You can use chicken mince for this chilli con carne recipe as an alternative to make this a chicken chilli con carne which works so well too.
Add in extra vegetables if you wish such as grated carrot, grated courgette and butternut squash. A great recipe to hide the veggies.
This recipe is a gluten free chilli con carne which is great, serve with mash instead of rice.
©The Petit Spoon
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