Introduction
When it comes to hearty, comforting meals, few dishes can compare to a bowl of Texas-style chili. This recipe takes advantage of a slow cooker to meld flavors beautifully, resulting in tender beef and a rich, savory sauce. Perfect for gatherings or cozy nights in, this chili is sure to please everyone at the table.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
1–2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into 3-inch cubes
2 1/2 teaspoons salt (1 teaspoon per pound of meat, more to taste)
1 yellow onion, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1/4 cup chili powder
Two 4.5-ounce cans green chiles
One 14-ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
Prep Time
30 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 4 hours on high or 8 hours on low
Total Time: 4.5 to 8.5 hours
Yield: Serves 6-8
Instructions
1. Prep everything: Chop, measure, and set up all ingredients.
2. Brown the beef: Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Toss beef chunks with salt. Add beef to the pot and cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until browned. Work in batches if necessary. Transfer browned beef to the slow cooker.
3. Sauté onions and garlic: In the same pot, add onions and garlic (add more oil if needed); sauté until golden and softened, scraping up browned bits from the bottom.
4. Add spices: Stir in brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder; sauté for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
5. Add tomatoes and chiles: Add green chiles and crushed tomatoes; simmer for 3-5 minutes until bubbly.
6. Cook low and slow: Pour the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker; gently stir to combine. Cook on high for approximately 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
7. Serve: Shred the beef into large tender chunks directly in the slow cooker. Season with additional salt to taste. Serve with desired toppings such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cornbread.
Detailed Directions and Instructions
Prep everything
Chop, measure, and set up all ingredients. This includes trimming the beef chuck roast and cutting it into 3-inch cubes. Finely dice the yellow onion and mince the garlic cloves.
Brown the beef
Heat 1-2 tablespoons of avocado or vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Toss the beef chunks with salt, applying about 1 teaspoon per pound of meat. Add the beef to the pot and cook undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until browned. If necessary, work in batches to avoid overcrowding the pot. Once browned, transfer the beef to the slow cooker.
Sauté onions and garlic
In the same pot used for browning the beef, add the diced onions and minced garlic. If needed, add a little more oil to facilitate sautéing. Sauté until the onions are golden and softened, scraping up the browned bits from the bottom of the pot as you cook.
Add spices
Stir in 1 tablespoon of brown sugar, 1 tablespoon of cumin, and 1/4 cup of chili powder. Sauté the mixture for 3-5 minutes until it becomes fragrant.
Add tomatoes and chiles
Add two 4.5-ounce cans of green chiles and one 14-ounce can of crushed fire roasted tomatoes to the pot. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is bubbly.
Cook low and slow
Pour the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Gently stir to combine all ingredients. Cook on high for approximately 4 hours or on low for 8 hours.
Serve
After cooking, shred the beef into large tender chunks directly in the slow cooker. Taste and season with additional salt as needed. Serve the chili with desired toppings such as sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cornbread.
Notes
Choosing the beef
Select a well-marbled beef chuck roast for the best flavor and tenderness in your chili.
Adjusting spice levels
Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder and cumin based on your spice tolerance. You can also add some diced jalapeños for extra heat.
Storage
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, or frozen for up to 3 months.
Serving suggestions
This chili pairs well with toppings such as avocado, diced tomatoes, or jalapeño slices for added freshness and flavor.
Cook techniques
Preparation
Prep all ingredients beforehand by chopping, measuring, and organizing them for easy access during cooking.
Browning Meat
Heat oil in a large pot over high heat; season the beef with salt and cook undisturbed until browned on all sides, working in batches if needed. This enhances the flavor and texture of the meat.
Sautéing Aromatics
In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sautéing until golden and softened while scraping up the browned bits for added flavor.
Adding Spices
Incorporate brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder into the sautéed mixture and cook for 3-5 minutes to release their aromas, enhancing the overall taste of the dish.
Simmering
After adding green chiles and crushed tomatoes, let the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes until bubbly, which helps meld the flavors together.
Slow Cooking
Transfer the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker, mixing gently, and cook on high for approximately 4 hours or low for 8 hours for tender meat and developed flavors.
Serving
Shred the beef into chunks in the slow cooker, taste, and season with more salt if desired, then serve with chosen toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and bread.
FAQ
Can I use a different cut of beef?
Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or ground beef, but cooking times may vary.
What can I substitute for chili powder?
You can create a blend using paprika, cayenne pepper, and cumin if you don’t have chili powder.
Can I make this chili vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the beef with a mix of beans or lentils and use vegetable broth for a vegetarian version.
How do I store leftovers?
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days or freeze for longer storage.
What are some good toppings for chili?
Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions, jalapeños, and cornbread or tortilla chips.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Texas Style Chili is a comforting and hearty dish that brings warm flavors and satisfying textures to any meal. With tender beef, rich spices, and delicious toppings, it’s perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in. The slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a dish that is both robust and incredibly flavorful.
Chili Mac
Combine the Texas Style Chili with cooked macaroni and cheese for a delicious twist on a classic comfort food.
Chili Nachos
Layer tortilla chips with Texas Style Chili, cheddar cheese, jalapeños, and sour cream for a tasty appetizer or snack.
Chili Stuffed Peppers
Stuff bell peppers with the Texas Style Chili and bake until the peppers are tender for a nutritious and flavorful meal.
Shepherd’s Pie
Use the Texas Style Chili as the base for a shepherd’s pie topped with creamy mashed potatoes and baked until golden.
Chili Quesadillas
Spread Texas Style Chili between tortillas along with cheese, then grill until crispy for a delicious quesadilla.
Chili Soup
Thin out the chili with beef broth, add extra vegetables, and serve as a hearty soup option.
Chili Burritos
Wrap Texas Style Chili in large tortillas with rice and beans for a filling burrito.
Chili Pizza
Top a pizza crust with Texas Style Chili, cheese, and your favorite toppings for a unique pizza experience.
