Description
Hearty Slow Cooker Texas Style Chili delivers bold southwestern flavors with tender beef and rich spices that simmer into a deeply satisfying meal. Robust ingredients meld together, creating a soulful dish perfect for gathering around and enjoying with friends and family.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2.5 lbs (1.13 kg) beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 2 tbsps tomato paste
- 1 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped onions
- Cheddar cheese
- Jalapeño slices
- Sour cream
- Cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Searing Protein: Ignite a large skillet over medium-high heat with a drizzle of oil. Generously season beef cubes with salt and pepper. Methodically brown meat in batches, ensuring each piece develops a rich, caramelized exterior (approximately 5-6 minutes). Transfer seared cubes directly into the slow cooker.
- Flavor Foundation: Within the same skillet, sauté diced onions until translucent and slightly golden. Introduce minced garlic, stirring vigorously for an additional minute to release aromatic compounds. Transfer this fragrant mixture into the slow cooker.
- Spice Integration: Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne directly over the meat and onion blend. Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Thoroughly combine all ingredients, ensuring even distribution of spices and liquids.
- Slow Transformation: Secure the slow cooker lid and allow the chili to simmer. Select Low setting for 6-7 hours or High setting for 4-5 hours. The prolonged cooking process will tenderize the meat and meld complex flavor profiles.
- Culinary Presentation: Once cooking is complete, ladle the robust chili into serving bowls. Embellish with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or a dollop of cool sour cream. Accompany with warm cornbread or soft tortillas for a complete Texas-inspired dining experience.
Notes
- Sear beef cubes before slow cooking to develop a rich, deep caramelized exterior that locks in intense meaty flavors and creates a more complex taste profile.
- Adjust cayenne pepper carefully – start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to match your heat tolerance without overwhelming the dish’s balanced flavor.
- Pat beef dry before browning to ensure proper searing and avoid excess moisture, which can make the chili soupy instead of thick and hearty.
- Let chili rest for 30 minutes after cooking to allow spices and ingredients to meld together, creating a more harmonious and rich taste experience.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: Texan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 7
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 6 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 20 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 25 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 25 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg