Ultimate Texas-Style Slow Cooker Chili
Indulge in the rich and savory flavors of this Ultimate Texas-Style Slow Cooker Chili, inspired by traditional Texan recipes. This hearty chili features tender beef chunks slowly simmered in a robust mix of spices, green chilies, and tomatoes, all while being bean-free for authenticity. Perfect for chilly nights or game days, this crowd-pleaser pairs beautifully with toppings like fresh cilantro, green onions, and a dollop of sour cream, making it a dish sure to impress family and friends alike. Enjoy the comforting warmth and depth of flavor that comes with every bowl!
6
Servings
400
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
beef chuck
2 1/2 lbs (cut into 2-inch cubes)
light brown sugar
2 tablespoons (packed)
vegetable oil
2 tablespoons
onion
1 small (finely chopped)
garlic cloves
5 (smashed)
chopped green chilies
2 (4 1/2 ounce) cans (drained)
ground cumin
1 tablespoon
chili powder
3/4 cup
diced tomatoes with green chilies
1 (14 ounce) can
green hot sauce
1-2 tablespoons (optional)
sliced green onion
to taste (for serving)
fresh cilantro
to taste (for serving)
sour cream
to taste (for serving)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine beef cubes with 1 tablespoon of light brown sugar and a generous pinch of salt. Toss to coat the meat evenly.
2
Heat vegetable oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, add the seasoned beef to the skillet and sear until browned on all sides, approximately 4 to 5 minutes per batch. Once browned, transfer the beef to a 5 to 6-quart slow cooker.
3
Lower the skillet's heat to medium and add finely chopped onions. Cook until they are soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
4
Stir in smashed garlic, drained chopped green chilies, ground cumin, and chili powder. Continue to sauté for about 3 minutes to release the flavors.
5
Pour in 1 ½ cups of water and the can of diced tomatoes with green chilies. Scrape the bottom of the skillet to loosen any browned bits, and let simmer for an additional 3 minutes.
6
Transfer the tomato and spice mixture into the slow cooker with the beef. Stir well to combine, cover, and cook on low for 7 hours, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
7
About 30 minutes before serving, stir in the remaining tablespoon of brown sugar and adjust the spice level with green hot sauce, if desired. Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary.
8
Serve warm, topping each bowl with sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a spoonful of sour cream for added richness.
Nutrition Information
20
Fat
22
Carbs
36.67
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What defines a Texas-style chili?
Texas-style chili is traditionally known for being 'bean-free' and focusing on tender chunks of beef simmered in a robust, spice-heavy sauce.
Does this recipe contain beans?
No, this Ultimate Texas-Style Slow Cooker Chili is authentic to the Texan style and contains no beans.
What cut of meat is best for this chili?
The recipe calls for 2 1/2 lbs of beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes, which becomes incredibly tender during the slow cooking process.
How long should I cook this in the slow cooker?
The chili should be cooked on the low setting for 7 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
What size slow cooker is recommended?
A 5 to 6-quart slow cooker is the ideal size for this recipe.
Do I need to sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
Yes, searing the beef cubes in vegetable oil for 4 to 5 minutes per batch is a crucial step to lock in flavor and achieve a better texture.
What is the purpose of brown sugar in this recipe?
Brown sugar is used to coat the meat initially and added again at the end to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and the heat of the spices.
How much chili powder is used?
This recipe uses a robust amount of chili powder, specifically 3/4 of a cup.
What kind of tomatoes are used in this chili?
The recipe uses one 14-ounce can of diced tomatoes with green chilies.
Should the chopped green chilies be drained?
Yes, the two 4 1/2 ounce cans of chopped green chilies should be drained before being added to the skillet.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
What are the recommended toppings?
Commonly suggested toppings include sliced green onions, fresh cilantro, and a dollop of sour cream.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 400 calories.
How much protein is in this dish?
This chili is high in protein, providing 36.67g per serving.
Can I make this chili spicier?
Yes, you can adjust the heat by adding 1-2 tablespoons of green hot sauce about 30 minutes before serving.
How much water is added to the mixture?
1 1/2 cups of water are poured into the skillet to help deglaze the pan and create the sauce base.
What type of onion should I use?
One small onion, finely chopped, is required for the base of the chili.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe calls for 5 smashed garlic cloves to provide a deep aromatic flavor.
Is there ground cumin in this recipe?
Yes, 1 tablespoon of ground cumin is included to provide an earthy flavor profile.
When should I adjust the seasonings?
You should taste and adjust the seasoning about 30 minutes before the end of the 7-hour cooking time.
What is the total fat content per serving?
There are 20 grams of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in each bowl?
There are 22 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Is the beef seasoned before searing?
Yes, the beef cubes are tossed with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar and a pinch of salt before they are seared in the skillet.
What kind of oil is used for searing?
Vegetable oil is used to sear the beef cubes.
Do I cook the onions with the beef?
The onions are cooked in the skillet after the beef has been removed and transferred to the slow cooker.
How long should I sauté the spices?
The garlic, green chilies, cumin, and chili powder should be sautéed for about 3 minutes to release their flavors.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 13 total ingredients listed, including optional garnishes.
Is this a good recipe for game day?
Absolutely, it is a crowd-pleaser and hearty meal perfect for game days or cold nights.
Does the recipe require deglazing the pan?
Yes, adding the water and tomatoes to the skillet allows you to scrape the bottom to loosen the flavorful browned bits (fond) from the beef.
Is there any fiber or cholesterol data available?
The provided data does not specify fiber, cholesterol, or sodium amounts.