Ultimate Crock Pot Beef Chili - No Beans
Dive into a rich, savory bowl of Ultimate Crock Pot Beef Chili, crafted for those who relish a hearty meat-centric dish. This chili features tender stewing beef slow-cooked to perfection, combined with a medley of flavorful ingredients that meld beautifully over time. Each bite is a comforting blend of tomatoes, spices, and just the right amount of heat from fresh jalapeños, making it an ideal dish for gatherings or a cozy night in. Serve it hot with your favorite toppings, and perhaps alongside some warm cornbread or fresh tortillas to soak up every bit of this delightful chili. Your guests will be coming back for seconds!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
18
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil
as needed (for browning meat and sautéing vegetables)
salt
to taste (for seasoning)
pepper
to taste (for seasoning)
stewing beef
2 lbs (cut into bite-sized cubes)
yellow onions
2 (diced)
garlic cloves
3 (minced)
jalapenos
2 (diced)
diced tomatoes
14 1/2 ounces (canned)
tomato sauce
15 ounces (canned)
tomato paste
6 ounces (canned)
diced green chilies
7 ounces (canned)
chili powder
2 tablespoons
cumin
2 tablespoons
cajun seasoning
1 tablespoon (see Cajun Seasoning Mix by Mirj2338)
unsweetened cocoa powder
1 teaspoon
salt
1 teaspoon
smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon (standard paprika can be substituted)
water
1 cup
Instructions
1
In a medium skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium-high heat and brown the stewing beef in batches. Season with salt and pepper to taste while cooking. Once browned, transfer the meat to the crock pot.
2
In the same skillet, add a bit more olive oil if needed, and sauté the diced onions and minced garlic over medium heat until they are translucent and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Transfer to the crock pot.
3
Stir in the diced jalapenos, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, tomato paste, diced green chilies, chili powder, cumin, cajun seasoning, unsweetened cocoa powder, salt, smoked paprika, and water into the crock pot. Mix well to ensure all ingredients are combined.
4
Cover the crock pot and set it to cook for 4 hours on high or 7-8 hours on low, until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded beautifully.
5
If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to incorporate additional jalapenos or substitute them with a hotter chili variety. Adjust the spice levels according to your taste.
6
Once done, serve hot with toppings like grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and finely chopped green onions. Don’t hesitate to spice it up further with your favorite hot sauce, like Melinda's Naga Jolokia, but use it sparingly!
7
Pair your chili with cornbread, flour tortillas, or your choice of bread, and enjoy it the best way possible—with your favorite beer on the side.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this chili unique compared to traditional recipes?
This Ultimate Crock Pot Beef Chili is specifically crafted as a hearty, meat-centric dish that contains no beans, focusing instead on tender stewing beef and a rich blend of spices and cocoa powder.
What type of meat is used in this no-bean chili?
The recipe calls for 2 lbs of stewing beef cut into bite-sized cubes.
How long should I cook the chili in a slow cooker?
You can cook the chili for 4 hours on high or between 7 to 8 hours on the low setting until the beef is tender.
Should the beef be browned before adding it to the crock pot?
Yes, for the best flavor, you should brown the stewing beef in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper before transferring it to the slow cooker.
Are the vegetables added raw to the crock pot?
No, it is recommended to sauté the diced yellow onions and minced garlic in a skillet until translucent and fragrant before adding them to the crock pot.
Why does the recipe include unsweetened cocoa powder?
One teaspoon of unsweetened cocoa powder is added to provide a deep, savory richness to the chili base.
How many jalapenos are included in the standard recipe?
The recipe uses 2 diced jalapenos to provide a moderate level of heat.
What can I do if I want a spicier chili?
You can incorporate additional jalapenos, substitute them with a hotter chili variety, or add a spicy hot sauce like Melinda's Naga Jolokia.
What types of tomato products are required?
The recipe requires a combination of canned diced tomatoes (14.5 oz), tomato sauce (15 oz), and tomato paste (6 oz).
Is there a substitute for smoked paprika?
Yes, if you do not have smoked paprika, standard paprika can be used as a substitute.
Which spices are used to season the beef chili?
The seasoning blend includes chili powder, cumin, cajun seasoning, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
Popular toppings include grated cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and finely chopped green onions.
What sides pair well with this beef chili?
This chili pairs perfectly with warm cornbread, fresh flour tortillas, or your choice of crusty bread.
Does this recipe include green chilies?
Yes, it uses 7 ounces of canned diced green chilies.
How much water is added to the crock pot?
You should add 1 cup of water to the mixture to ensure the ingredients have enough liquid to meld properly.
What type of onions work best?
The recipe calls for 2 diced yellow onions.
Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
Yes, its hearty nature and slow-cooker method make it ideal for gatherings or cozy nights in.
How much garlic is needed?
The recipe requires 3 minced garlic cloves.
What is the primary protein source?
The primary protein is beef; this specific version does not use any beans or legumes.
Can I use ground beef instead of stewing beef?
While this specific recipe is designed for tender stewing beef chunks, ground beef could be substituted, though the texture and cooking time would vary.
What kind of cajun seasoning is recommended?
The recipe suggests using 1 tablespoon of Cajun Seasoning Mix, specifically referencing a blend like the one by Mirj2338.
Is olive oil used for anything other than the meat?
Olive oil is used for both browning the beef and sautéing the onions and garlic.
Should the canned tomatoes be drained?
The instructions do not specify draining, so you should include the liquid from the canned tomatoes for additional flavor and moisture.
How much chili powder and cumin are used?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of chili powder and 2 tablespoons of cumin.
What beverage is recommended with this meal?
The recipe suggests enjoying the chili with your favorite beer on the side.
Can I make this on the stovetop instead?
While designed for a crock pot, you could simmer this on low heat on a stovetop, though you would need to monitor the liquid levels more closely.
How do I know when the chili is done?
The chili is ready when the beef is tender and all the flavors have thoroughly melded together.
Are there any specific hot sauce recommendations?
Melinda's Naga Jolokia is mentioned as a potential addition for those seeking extra heat, though it should be used sparingly.
What is the first step of the recipe?
The first step is browning the stewing beef in a skillet with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are a total of 18 ingredients used in this chili recipe.