Description
Hearty Slow Cooker Texas Style Chili delivers robust southwestern flavors with tender beef simmered in rich, smoky spices. Comfort meets tradition in this classic one-pot meal that warms hearts and satisfies hungry diners from first savory bite to last.
Ingredients
Scale
Meat:
- 2.5 pounds (1.13 kilograms) beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
Spices and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped onions
- Cheddar cheese
- Jalapeno slices
- Sour cream
- Cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by seasoning with salt and pepper, then sear in a hot skillet until a rich, caramelized crust develops on all sides, working in small batches to ensure even browning.
- In the same skillet, gently sweat the onions until translucent and fragrant, then add minced garlic and cook briefly to release its aromatic oils.
- Transfer the seared meat and sautéed aromatics to the slow cooker, creating a robust flavor foundation.
- Sprinkle a vibrant blend of chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne over the meat, ensuring each cube is generously coated with the spice mixture.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices and create a rich, deep-colored liquid base.
- Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer on low heat for 6-7 hours, or on high heat for 4-5 hours, letting the meat become meltingly tender and the flavors meld together.
- Once the beef is fork-tender and the sauce has thickened, taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Serve in warm bowls, garnishing with shredded cheese, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of cool sour cream, accompanied by warm cornbread or soft tortillas.
Notes
- Browning the beef creates a deep, rich flavor called the Maillard reaction, which adds complexity to the chili’s taste profile.
- Use chuck roast or beef chuck for maximum tenderness and marbling, ensuring the meat remains juicy during slow cooking.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity or adding fresh chopped jalapeños for extra spiciness.
- Make it gluten-free by using certified gluten-free beef broth and checking spice blend ingredients for potential wheat contamination.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 67 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Texan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 550
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 28 g
- Saturated Fat: 24 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 70 g
- Fiber: 5 g
- Protein: 8 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg