This high-protein slow cooker chilli con carne recipe is rich, smoky, and deeply satisfying. Made with lean beef mince, kidney beans, and warming spices, it’s an easy healthy chilli con carne option perfect for batch cooking, family dinners, or meal prep. Minimal effort, maximum flavour, and seriously impressive macros.
If you’re looking for the best slow cooker chilli con carne, this is the one to bookmark. It’s rich, hearty, and packed with flavour, while still keeping the calories sensible and protein high.
This slow cooker chilli recipe uses lean steak mince and smoky bacon for depth, slowly simmered with passata, beans, and spices until thick and comforting. The result is a proper healthy chilli con carne that doesn’t taste like “diet food”.
Each serving contains approximately 38g protein and 276 calories, making it ideal for fat loss, muscle building, or simply staying full between meals.
Whether you call it chilli con carne slow cooker style or simply your new weekly meal prep hero, this recipe ticks every box: simple ingredients, family-friendly flavour, and leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Cook it once, enjoy it all week.
Why You’ll Love This High-Protein Recipe
Around 38g protein per serving, helping keep hunger under control.
One of the best slow cooker chilli con carne recipes for batch cooking.
A proper healthy chilli con carne that still tastes indulgent.
Freezer-friendly and perfect for busy weeks.
Simple ingredients you can find in any UK supermarket.
Great if you’re tracking calories in chilli con carne but still want flavour.
Key Ingredients
Lean beef mince (5% fat). High in protein and lower in fat, making this a healthier chilli con carne without sacrificing flavour.
Smoked bacon medallions. Adds richness and subtle smokiness that gives this slow cooker chilli recipe serious depth.
Kidney beans. Boost fibre and protein while giving chilli its classic texture.
Passata. Smooth tomato base that allows the spices to shine.
Celery. Builds flavour in the background. You won’t taste it, but you’d notice if it wasn’t there.
Chilli powder. Provides warmth and spice. Adjust depending on preference.
Smoked paprika. Key to achieving that signature slow cooked flavour.
Worcestershire sauce. Adds savoury depth and umami richness.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chilli Con Carne
Heat a frying pan over medium heat and cook the bacon, onion, and celery for 4–5 minutes until softened and lightly golden. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant.
This step creates the deep savoury base that makes this slow cooker chilli taste like it’s been simmering all day (because it has).
Add the lean steak mince to the same pan and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks. Browning the meat properly adds huge flavour and stops the chilli tasting flat.
Transfer the cooked mince mixture to the slow cooker. Add the kidney beans, passata, tomato puree, chilli powder, cumin, smoked paprika, salt, and Worcestershire sauce. Stir everything together so the spices are evenly distributed.
Cook on low for 6–8 hours (or high for 3–4 hours) until the sauce becomes thick, rich, and deeply flavoured. Give it a stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Serving & storage
To Store
Store your slow cooker chilli con carne in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. The flavour deepens over time.
To Reheat
Reheat in the microwave or on the hob until piping hot. Add a splash of water if needed to loosen the sauce.
To Freeze
This slow cooker chilli con carne recipe freezes perfectly for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
Serve with rice, baked potatoes, tortilla chips, or roasted sweet potatoes. Add Greek yoghurt or reduced-fat cheese for extra protein.
Variations & tips
Add extra beans to increase fibre and protein.
Stir through Greek yoghurt for a creamy high-protein finish.
Swap beef mince for turkey mince for a leaner chilli con carne.
Add dark chocolate for deeper flavour (sounds odd, works brilliantly).
Brown the mince well before slow cooking for maximum flavour.
Add extra chilli powder if you prefer a spicy slow cooker chilli recipe.
FAQ
Is chilli con carne healthy?
Yes — especially when made with lean mince like this recipe. It’s high in protein, filling, and relatively low in calories compared to many comfort foods.
How spicy is this recipe?
It's medium-spicy. Adjust the chilli powder to your preference—more for heat lovers, less if you prefer a gentle tingle.
Scott is the owner and founder of Food For Fitness. He is a fat loss coach, speaker and fitness writer with a masters (MSc) degree in Applied Sports Nutrition.
I'm a Nutritionist and Sunday Times Bestselling recipe book author who makes high-protein recipes for busy families, fitness enthusiasts or people just trying to eat healthier!
I bought the high protein handbook 6 and it has been a great slow cooker recipe book that the whole family has enjoyed. The recipes always come out well with a good consistency for the sauce and taste delicious. I have now purchased the remaining books and can’t wait to try new recipes! Thanks
Scott
At Food For Fitness we help families lose weight the simple way - with high-protein recipes, realistic nutrition advice, and no fads. Find easy meals, expert guidance, and tools that make healthy eating effortless.
Get in touch with us via our contact form or via email info@foodforfitness.co.uk for more information about Food For Fitness and how to get started with a nutrition plan designed for your lifestyle.
I will try this tonight, I always look forward to seeing your recipes.
Thanks David for the kind words. I hope this recipe was a hit.
Scott in your main picture you show chilli flakes then you go on to say use chilli powder???
Hi Michael, you can use either or.