How Long Should I Slow Cook Chili

Is there such a thing as slow cooking chili for too long?

I was planning on letting some chili cook overnight but wasn't sure if there was such a thing as letting chili slow cook (on low) for too long? I'd definitely make sure that there's enough liquid but outside of that, is there anything I should be concerned about? Thanks!

level 1

you can overcook the beans, and the tomatoes will become tomato sauce. If you don't mind it having a very chunk-less consistency, no problem. I would personally cook it for a few hours, refrigerate it quickly, and then a few more hours the next day. Chili is always best the second day anyway.

level 1

You can burn chili for sure, but I think 12-14 plus hours it would take. My brother did it once it was awful lol. The meat constancy was grainy and the color was very dark.

level 2

I have had that once. I agree, awful 0/10 would not try again.

level 1

If you're using stew meat rather than ground beef, then definitely. I saw an article that I can't find just now that compared beef after four (?) different periods of slow-cooking. The results showed that after 3-4 hours, the meat became drier than the sahara while that sweet-spot of 3-4 hours left the meat tender, but not dry. They explained it technically, but since I can't find the article, I won't attempt to explain it.

level 1

I cook my chili the same way you describe. Set my crockpot on low before bed and throw it all together then wake up and it's usually perfect after 8 hours. I've even had times I took a batch to a potluck and it was in the pot for a total of about 9-10 hours and was still fine.

level 1

I'm chuckling because it reminds me of an episode of American Dad wherein Steve gets a slowcooker. They decide if slowcooked pork is good, then even longer cooked slowcooked pork would be better...Leading to disastrous results.

I know it's not the answer you're looking for, but it's a good watch.

level 2

That's like half the posts on this sub: slowcooking applied where it makes no sense. Slowcooked Macaroni and Cheese?! WHYYYYYY?!?!

level 1

Yeah I burned a chili once as I was late home. It was still edible but a few shades darker than normal and the beans were mush. I lost about 20% of it stick to the crock. May have been fine with more liquid though. It was on for about 13 hours.

level 1

If you're doing beans in it don't add those until an hour or so before you eat it