Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili

This Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili is the definition of comfort food! With tender chunks of slow-cooked beef, a smoky, spice-rich sauce, and deep, bold flavors, it’s a dish that brings warmth to any table. The fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles add a hint of zest, while the combination of chili powder, cumin, and brown sugar creates a perfectly balanced flavor. Served with a side of cornbread, topped with melty cheddar cheese, and finished with a dollop of sour cream, this dish is a must-try. Whether you’re making it for a cozy family dinner or serving it at a game-day gathering, this Texas-style chili is guaranteed to impress. Set your slow cooker, let the flavors meld together, and enjoy the heartiness of this classic dish.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 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

Toppings:

  • Green onions
  • Sour cream
  • Cheddar cheese
  • Chips or cornbread

Directions:

  1. Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Toss the beef chunks with salt and sear them until browned on all sides. Transfer to a slow cooker.
  2. In the same pan, sauté the onion and garlic until softened and golden.
  3. Stir in brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder, cooking for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
  4. Add green chiles and crushed fire-roasted tomatoes, letting the mixture simmer for 3-5 minutes.
  5. Transfer everything into the slow cooker, covering the beef with the sauce. Cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours.
  6. Shred the beef in the slow cooker, stirring it into the sauce. Adjust salt to taste.
  7. Serve with toppings like sour cream, cheddar cheese, green onions, and cornbread.

Prep Time: 15 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes

Kcal: 350 kcal | Servings: 6 servings

What Makes Texas-Style Chili Different?

Many people associate chili with ground beef, kidney beans, and a tomato-based sauce. However, Texas-style chili is unique because:

  1. No Beans: Traditional Texas chili contains no beans, as many Texans argue that real chili is all about the meat and spices.
  2. Chunks of Beef, Not Ground Beef: Instead of ground beef, this chili uses cubed beef chuck roast, which becomes incredibly tender after hours of slow cooking.
  3. Rich, Bold Flavor: The combination of chili powder, cumin, garlic, and fire-roasted tomatoes creates a deep, smoky, and slightly sweet flavor profile.
  4. Slow-Cooked for Maximum Tenderness: Unlike quick stovetop chili, Texas chili is cooked low and slow, allowing all the flavors to meld together while ensuring the beef becomes fork-tender.

The Magic of Slow Cooking

Using a slow cooker for this Texas chili has several advantages:

  • Enhanced Flavor Development: The long cooking time allows the spices to penetrate deep into the beef, creating a well-rounded taste.
  • Effortless Cooking: Once the ingredients are prepped and placed in the slow cooker, you can set it and forget it. This makes it a great option for busy days.
  • Perfectly Tender Meat: Slow cooking breaks down the connective tissues in the beef, resulting in juicy, fall-apart chunks that absorb the rich chili sauce.
  • Ideal for Meal Prep: This chili stores well in the fridge or freezer, making it a fantastic make-ahead meal.

Toppings and Side Dishes

One of the best things about Texas-style chili is the endless possibilities for toppings and sides. Here are a few ways to elevate your bowl of chili:

Popular Toppings

  • Cheddar Cheese: The sharpness of shredded cheddar balances the rich, smoky chili flavors.
  • Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a creamy, tangy contrast to the heat.
  • Green Onions: Freshly chopped green onions provide a mild crunch and a pop of color.
  • Pickled Jalapeños: If you love heat, adding pickled jalapeños enhances the spiciness.
  • Crushed Tortilla Chips or Cornbread Crumbs: These add a satisfying crunch and texture.

Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili

  • Cornbread: The slightly sweet flavor of cornbread complements the deep, smoky notes of the chili.
  • White or Mexican Rice: Serving chili over rice makes for a hearty, filling meal.
  • Baked Potatoes: Pour the chili over a baked potato and top with cheese for a delicious twist.
  • Warm Flour Tortillas: Use tortillas to scoop up the chili or wrap them around the meat for a chili taco experience.

Ways to Customize Your Chili

One of the best things about chili is its versatility. While this slow cooker Texas chili is already delicious, you can customize it to suit your taste preferences:

  • Make It Spicier: If you love heat, add chopped fresh jalapeños, chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, or a dash of cayenne pepper.
  • Smokier Flavor: Use smoked paprika or swap out regular chili powder for ancho chili powder to enhance the smokiness.
  • Sweeter Notes: A small amount of dark chocolate or cocoa powder can add complexity and balance the heat.
  • Add a Beer Base: Some versions of Texas chili use a dark beer like a stout or porter to deepen the flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Texas chili is incredibly versatile and can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. Here are some creative serving ideas:

  1. Classic Bowl of Chili: Served in a bowl with toppings and a side of cornbread.
  2. Chili Cheese Fries: Pour the chili over crispy fries and top with melted cheese.
  3. Chili Dogs: Serve on a hot dog bun with shredded cheddar and diced onions.
  4. Chili Mac: Stir the chili into cooked macaroni for a Tex-Mex version of mac and cheese.
  5. Stuffed Chili Baked Potatoes: Top a baked potato with a hearty serving of chili and cheese.

The History of Texas Chili

Chili has been a staple in Texas for hundreds of years, with its origins dating back to Mexican and Spanish influences. Cowboys and settlers relied on chili as a nutritious, high-protein meal that could be cooked over an open flame. Over time, Texas chili evolved into the bean-free, meat-focused dish we know today, often referred to as “bowl o’ red.”

In fact, Texas takes chili so seriously that in 1977, the Texas Legislature officially declared chili the state dish of Texas. The state’s passion for chili is evident in the many chili cook-offs held throughout the year, where competitors showcase their unique spice blends and slow-cooked techniques.

Storing and Reheating

This slow cooker Texas chili tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop overnight. Here’s how to store and reheat it properly:

  • Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
  • Freezing: Chili freezes well for up to 3 months. Place it in freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion.
  • Reheating: Warm it on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave until heated through. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge before warming.

Conclusion:

Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili is more than just a meal it’s an experience. Its bold flavors, tender beef, and rich, smoky spices make it an absolute crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner, meal prepping for the week, or bringing a dish to a potluck, this chili is guaranteed to impress.

The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility. While the base recipe stays true to traditional Texas chili, there’s plenty of room to experiment with spices, heat levels, and toppings to make it your own.

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