I know, sometimes we want a cozy and delicious meal without spending hours in the kitchen chopping many ingredients, etc. So if you are like that, then you should try making a chilli Con Carne slow cooker using Packet Mix recipe.
It is the easiest way to enjoy rich, flavorful beefy chillies, and they taste like they have simmered all day.
Now, if you are thinking of using Packet Mix, will the recipe taste homemade? , then I’d say yes.
But you have to do a few add-ons and some tweaks.
So, in this post, I will show you how you can make this recipe your slow cooker by using any store-bought mix like Schwarz, Old El Paso, Or even Supermarket Brands.
I will also tell you how you will make your recipe more flavorful with simple ingredients that I have used for mine.
How to stretch leftovers, how you can give them different textures and flavors like spicy, chunky, vegan, extra cheesy, etc.
Why Make Chilli Con Carne Using a Packet Mix?
Traditional chilli recipes are delicious. But they are also time-consuming.
You have to toss the spices, measure too many ingredients, and keep testing them until they become perfect and ready to eat.
However, when you are tired, hungry, or just don’t want to feel like you should cook, then a packet mix would be a perfect choice.
Because it already has the best flavor, like spices, seasoning, herbs, etc.
You just have to bring the meat and veggies, and that’s it.
Put that all in a slow cooker, and everything will get cooked slowly.
The meat will get super tender. It will soak all the spices and flavors and become very delicious. I have tried it.
Also read: Easy Chili with Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon Recipe
Ingredients You’ll Need
Now, here are all the ingredients that you’re going to need to make a basic chilli con carne slow using packet mix.
And I’m sure that most of these ingredients will be available in your pantry.
However, if not, I would also give you some substitutes and optional ingredients.
Core Ingredients
- 1 packet of chilli con carne mix: You can consider using any brand you like. I personally use Schwartz, while Old El Paso, or Knorr are also good. If you’re in the US, McCormick chilli Mix works great, too.
- 500g ground beef (mince): I use 80/20 to balance flavor and juiciness. You can use lean if you want less fat; every person has a different choice; my brother likes lean meat.
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (400g) chopped tomatoes: Use fire-roasted for a deeper flavor if possible.
- 1 can (400g) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tbsp tomato puree (optional but good for extra richness)
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp oil (for browning meat)
Optional Add-ins
- 1 red bell pepper, chopped: It will add sweetness and crunch.
- 1 tsp cocoa powder or dark chocolate: This is important to make your recipe more flavorful.
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin or paprika: It is to boost packet mix spice levels. Usually, they’re not too spicy, btw, but I also eat extra spicy, so maybe a store-bought version would be perfect for you.
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey: It will help in balancing the acidity of tomatoes.
- 1 chopped chilli or chilli flakes: If you like heat.
Also read: White Chocolate Shrimp Alfredo Recipe
How to Make Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne with Packet Mix
Here’s your exact step-by-step to make this Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne with Packet Mix.
Step 1: Brown the Meat (Optional but Recommended)
You want to heat a pan with 1 tbsp of oil, then add your ground beef and chopped onion. And brown for about 5–7 minutes until the beef is cooked and your chopped onions are soft.
Then, toss in garlic at the end and cook for another minute.
Note: This step is to add depth, but if you’re short on time, you can skip it and just toss everything raw into the slow cooker; it’ll still work well.
Step 2: Mix the Packet
Take a small bowl and then mix your packet seasoning with about 1/2 cup of water or broth (You can use the brands that I have recommended above for this). But make sure to read your packet instructions.
If you’re using tomato paste or puree, mix that in, too.
Step 3: Add Everything to the Slow Cooker
Now dump everything into the slow cooker:
- Cooked beef + onion + garlic
- Chopped tomatoes
- Drained kidney beans
- Chopped pepper (if using)
- Packet mix (with or without added water)
- Optional cocoa powder, chilli flakes, brown sugar
You have to stir it all.
Step 4: Let It Cook Low and Slow
Cover the slow cooker and let it do its work done:
- On low: 6 to 8 hours
- On high: 3 to 4 hours
Remember one thing about this chilli con carne slow cooker recipe, that the longer you let it cook, the richer and deeper the flavor you will get.
However, during the last hour, you want to taste and adjust.
If it’s too thick, you can add some broth or water. If it’s too thin, leave the lid slightly open to reduce.
Pro Tips to Make Packet Mix Chilli Taste Homemade
- Always sauté onions and garlic: It will build flavor that packet mixes don’t.
- Add a bit of chocolate or cocoa powder: This is important. It will bring mole-style depth to your chilli.
- Throw in some cumin, paprika, or cinnamon. Just a tiny pinch of spice will bring your mix to life. But think about it, you should like it.
- A touch of sugar balances everything: You want to use it, especially if your tomatoes are acidic.
- Let it sit before serving: Like mole, chilli always tastes better after it rests a bit.
Also read: White Chocolate Alfredo Recipe – Easy Sweet & Savory Twist
Ingredient Swaps & Customizations
This recipe is highly customizable.
You can easily change up ingredients based on what is available in the kitchen or what your preferences are.
- No beef? You can try ground turkey, chicken, or even plant-based mince.
- Vegan version? You want to use lentils, black beans, and veggie mince. Just swap beef broth with veg stock.
- Gluten-free? Most packet mixes are GF, but you should always check the label.
- Low-carb? You can skip beans and use chopped mushrooms or diced zucchini.
- No slow cooker? You can simmer this in a pot on the stovetop for about 45–60 minutes, covered.
What to Serve with Chilli Con Carne
You can serve too many different things with it, depending on whether you’re feeding a crowd, having a cozy dinner, or saving leftovers.
However, here are some options:
Cozy Comfort Pairings
- Steamed rice: It is the classic pairing that will soak up the sauce.
- Buttered baked potatoes: Cut it open and load the chilli inside.
- Soft flour tortillas: You have to WRAP it like a burrito or just scoop it like a dip.
Fun Add-Ons
- Sour cream or Greek yogurt: It will add cooling creaminess.
- Grated cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack also melts perfectly.
- Avocado or guac: it’s good to add creaminess and freshness to your chilli con carne slow cooker using a packet mix recipe.
- Tortilla chips: Crunchy side to balance the richness.
- Fresh coriander, spring onions, jalapeños: Use it for the final garnish layer.
Smart Leftover Ideas
- Chilli-stuffed bell peppers: You want to bake them for 15 minutes.
- Chilli mac: Mix leftovers with pasta and cheese.
- Chilli nachos: You can layer over chips, melt cheese, and bake.
Variations You Can Try with Packet-Mix Chilli
Here are a few ways I’ve experimented, and some I didn’t, but I’m recommending you:
Tex-Mex Style
You will have to add corn, black beans, and jalapeños and serve with lime wedges and sour cream.
Sweet Heat Version
Consider tossing in chopped sweet potato or butternut squash + a pinch of cinnamon and cayenne.
BBQ Chilli
You should use BBQ sauce with the packet mix, swap tomatoes with crushed fire-roasted ones, and then top with smoked cheddar.
Breakfast Chilli
You can use this leftover on eggs, toast, or even in breakfast burritos.
Also read: Sugar Free Hot Chocolate Recipe with Cocoa Powder
Approximate Nutrition (Per Serving – Based on 4 servings)
- Calories: 350–400 kcal
- Protein: 25–30g
- Fat: 15–18g
- Carbs: 20–25g
- Fiber: 6–8g
- Sugar: 5–6g
Note: This might not be the exact nutritional value in your case, as it also depends on what you have mixed, meat, and toppings you use.
Plus adding, like if you’re adding cheese or sour cream, then your recipe will have more calories.
Conclusion
This is my own Chilli Con Carne Slow Cooker using Packet Mix recipe; it is easy, cozy, flavorful, and totally customizable.
And the reason why I like this so much is because you get a proper comfort meal without too much effort.
You don’t have to roast spices or stand for hours in the kitchen. You just want to dump, stir, and let your slow cooker do its job.
Plus, you can make it in your own style, like you can add chocolate, extra spice, veggies, or anything you like.
Btw, I noticed one thing: It gets even better the next day, so don’t forget to store leftovers properly and reuse them.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are a few important questions and answers about this chilli con carne slow cooker using packet mix recipe.
Can I use packet mix without browning the beef first?
Of course, you can use that, especially when you are in a rush.
But I want you to remember one thing: you should consider browning the beef and onion before adding them to the slow cooker.
It will make your recipe more flavorful and will give your chilli a little smoky and caramelized taste.
Which packet mix brand is best for slow cooker chilli con carne?
I personally love using Schwartz Slow Cookers Chilli Mix, but besides this, Old El Paso Chilli Mix is also good.
Because both of them will give your recipe a nice spice balance and flavor.
In the US, McCormick Chilli Seasoning Mix is also a popular option, But I have noticed any mix works if you add your own twist.
Can I freeze leftover chilli con carne?
Yep, you can do that without any hesitation.
You just want to cool down your slow-cooked chilli con carne and then put it in an airtight container or freezer bag, and then you can store it in the freezer for up to 2 months.
But I personally don’t like keeping my recipes for that long; for me, fresh is always better.
However, you can do that if you wish to.
But when you want to eat, you have to keep it overnight in the fridge and then reheat it on the stove or microwave. And it will be ready to eat.
Chilli Con Carne Slow Cooker Using Packet Mix Recipe
Ingredients
Core Ingredients
- 1 packet chilli con carne mix
- 500 g ground beef
- 1 onion chopped
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 can 400 g chopped tomatoes
- 1 can 400 g kidney beans, drained
- 1 tbsp tomato puree optional
- 1/2 cup beef broth or water
- 1 tbsp oil
Optional Add-ins
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 tsp cocoa powder or dark chocolate
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin or paprika
- 1 tsp brown sugar or honey
- 1 chopped chilli or chilli flakes
Instructions
- Brown the meat and onions in 1 tbsp oil for 5–7 minutes, then add garlic for 1 more minute. (Optional, but adds flavor)
- Mix the packet seasoning with 1/2 cup water or broth (plus tomato puree if using).
- Add everything to the slow cooker: browned beef, onions, garlic, tomatoes, beans, seasoning mix, and any optional add-ins. Stir to combine.
Slow cook:
- On low for 6–8 hours
- On high for 3–4 hours
- Taste and adjust seasoning during the last hour. Add broth if too thick or leave the lid open to reduce if too thin.
- Serve hot, with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or tortilla chips.
Notes
As a passionate home cook and food enthusiast, I’m specialize in recreating popular café and restaurant-style chocolate recipes at home. I have experience in testing and customizing various chocolate-based dishes, I focus on using fresh, high-quality ingredients to make preservative-free, delicious treats. My goal is to help chocolate lovers enjoy their favorite recipes with a homemade touch and personalized twists.
