If you plan on making chili con carne for the whole family, get at least a pound of good-quality beef from the butcher's section of your grocery store. From there, it's just a matter of tossing the ingredients into your slow-cooker and letting them simmer all day long. Everyone will be hungry the minute they set foot in the house, and it'll be all ready to devour.
On the other hand, if you're cooking for one, just make a single serving with 1 or 2 frozen beef patties and canned beans. Break them up in a pan, stir in the necessary spices and other preferred touches, and dinner is served.