Indulge in the ultimate comfort food with this incredibly rich and satisfying Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili. Featuring a unique blend of two different types of beef, this recipe guarantees a depth of flavor and a heartiness that transforms a simple meal into an extraordinary experience. Perfect for chilly evenings, gatherings, or simply a cozy night in, this chili is designed to be thick, flavorful, and remarkably easy to prepare.
THE UNRIVALED APPEAL OF A SLOW-COOKED HEARTY MEAL
There’s an undeniable magic to a well-made bowl of chili. It’s more than just a meal; it’s an embrace in a bowl, a warming antidote to the cold outside, and a symbol of comfort and togetherness. This Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili takes that comforting experience to an entirely new level. We’ve meticulously crafted this recipe to be intensely flavorful and supremely hearty, distinguishing it from countless other chili recipes you might encounter. The secret lies not only in the carefully selected spices and robust ingredients but also in the ingenious combination of two distinct cuts of beef: tender stew meat and savory ground beef. This dual-meat approach ensures an unparalleled texture and a complex flavor profile that will have everyone asking for seconds.
The beauty of using a slow cooker for this ultimate chili cannot be overstated. Imagine the aroma filling your home throughout the day, building anticipation for a meal that requires minimal effort on your part. You simply combine the ingredients, set the timer, and let your slow cooker do all the heavy lifting. This hands-off cooking method is perfect for busy weeknights, lazy weekends, or when you’re hosting a crowd. The prolonged, gentle simmering allows all the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a chili that tastes like it’s been simmering for days. If you’re searching for a deliciously rich, incredibly simple, and profoundly satisfying chili that truly lives up to its “ultimate” name, then this Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili recipe is an absolute must-try. It promises to be a cherished addition to your family’s rotation, delivering warmth and flavor with every spoonful.
THE SECRET TO ULTIMATE FLAVOR AND TEXTURE
What truly sets this Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili apart is its strategic use of two different beef cuts. While many chili recipes call for just ground beef, we elevate the experience by incorporating stew beef. Ground beef provides the classic chili texture and readily absorbs the spices, contributing a foundational savory flavor. However, the addition of stew beef is a game-changer. These larger, tougher cuts, when slow-cooked over several hours, break down beautifully, becoming incredibly tender and melt-in-your-mouth soft. This not only adds another layer of texture to the chili – contrasting with the finer ground beef – but also infuses the entire dish with a deeper, more robust beefy flavor that only comes from slow-simmered chunks of meat. The result is a chili that is both wonderfully chunky and intensely rich, making it incredibly satisfying and truly “ultimate” in every sense.
WHY THE SLOW COOKER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND FOR CHILI
The slow cooker is an indispensable tool for crafting exceptional chili, and it truly shines in this recipe. Its consistent, low heat allows ingredients to simmer gently for hours, facilitating a magical transformation of flavors and textures. As the chili slowly cooks, the spices fully bloom, the tomatoes and beans break down just enough to thicken the sauce, and the beef becomes incredibly tender without drying out. This prolonged cooking time ensures that every ingredient contributes its full potential, creating a harmonious and complex flavor profile that’s difficult to achieve with faster cooking methods. Furthermore, the slow cooker offers unparalleled convenience. It frees you from constant stirring and monitoring, making it ideal for busy individuals or families. You can set it in the morning and return home to a perfectly cooked, piping hot meal, ready to serve with minimal fuss. It’s the ultimate set-it-and-forget-it appliance, making delicious, hearty meals like this beef chili an effortless reality.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: YOUR CHILI QUERIES ANSWERED
While stew meat is highly recommended for its significant contribution to the chili’s hearty texture and deep, slow-cooked flavor, it is not strictly mandatory. Its fibrous nature allows it to tenderize beautifully over hours, adding a delightful chew and richness that ground beef alone can’t quite replicate. However, if you prefer, you can certainly substitute the stew meat with an equal amount of additional ground beef. This will still yield a delicious chili, though the texture will be more uniform. Alternatively, for a slightly different take, you could use cubed chuck roast.
Absolutely! Fresh vegetables can be used in place of frozen ones. Frozen mixed peppers and onions are primarily suggested for convenience, as they come pre-chopped and ready to use, saving you valuable prep time. Moreover, frozen vegetables are typically picked and flash-frozen at their peak freshness, locking in nutrients and flavor, making them an excellent choice. If you opt for fresh, simply chop 2 cups of your preferred bell peppers and onions (a mix of colors works well) and add them at the same step as you would the frozen variety. Both options will result in a flavorful chili.
The cooking time for this Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili will vary slightly depending on your slow cooker’s settings and your desired tenderness for the stew meat. For a faster cook, set your slow cooker to HIGH and allow it to cook for 4-6 hours. If you have more time and prefer a longer, slower simmer for maximum flavor development and extra tender meat, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. Always ensure the stew meat is fork-tender before serving, as this is the best indicator that your chili is perfectly cooked.
Chili toppings are where you can truly customize your bowl and add a burst of fresh flavor and texture. Some of our absolute favorite chili toppings that complement this Ultimate Beef Chili beautifully include a dollop of cool sour cream or Greek yogurt, a generous sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, thinly sliced green onions for a mild oniony crunch, fresh cilantro for a bright, herbaceous note, and sliced jalapeños for those who enjoy a bit of heat. For added crunch, consider crushed tortilla chips or corn chips, and for a creamy element, diced avocado is fantastic. Don’t forget a side of warm cornbread or saltine crackers!
Storing leftover chili properly is key to enjoying it for days to come. Once the chili has cooled completely to room temperature – this is crucial for food safety – transfer it to an airtight container. It will keep wonderfully in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Chili also freezes exceptionally well, making it a fantastic meal prep option. To freeze, divide the cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags (removing as much air as possible). It will maintain its quality in the freezer for up to 6 months. To defrost, simply transfer the frozen chili to the refrigerator overnight. Once thawed, reheat it gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until it is heated through completely, ensuring it reaches a safe internal temperature.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED: (SEE RECIPE CARD BELOW FOR THE FULL RECIPE)
Crafting the perfect Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili begins with a selection of high-quality ingredients that build layers of flavor. Here’s a quick overview of what you’ll need to gather:
- Stew beef: Essential for that incredible tender texture and deep beefy flavor that distinguishes this chili.
- Ground beef: Forms the classic chili base and adds to the overall heartiness.
- Tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel): Provides a zesty kick and a foundational tomato base.
- Tomato sauce: Contributes to the rich, savory liquid base of the chili.
- Dark red kidney beans: A classic chili staple, offering a creamy texture and earthy flavor.
- Chili beans (like Bush’s Chili Beans or Great Value): These come in a flavorful chili sauce, adding another layer of seasoning and texture.
- Frozen mixed peppers and onions: A convenient way to add fresh vegetable flavor without extra chopping.
- Taco seasoning: A pre-mixed blend of spices that provides a quick and easy flavor boost.
- Chili powder: The cornerstone spice for any chili, offering warmth and a distinctive taste.
- Paprika: Adds a beautiful color and a mild, sweet, or smoky flavor depending on the type.
- Granulated sugar: A small amount helps balance the acidity of the tomatoes and enhances overall flavor.
HOW TO MAKE SLOW COOKER ULTIMATE BEEF CHILI: STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE
Preparing this Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili is incredibly straightforward, making it accessible even for novice cooks. The slow cooker does most of the work, allowing you to enjoy a delicious, homemade meal with minimal fuss.
First, begin by browning your ground beef in a medium skillet over medium-high heat. As it cooks, use a wooden spoon to break it apart into crumbles. This step is essential not just for cooking the beef but also for rendering out excess fat and developing a rich, savory base for your chili. Once the ground beef is fully browned and no longer pink, carefully drain off any accumulated fat. This prevents your chili from becoming greasy and ensures a cleaner, more flavorful finish.
Once the ground beef is prepared, transfer it to your slow cooker. Then, add the remaining ingredients: the raw stew beef, canned tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, rinsed and drained dark red kidney beans, chili beans in sauce (undrained to preserve their flavorful liquid), frozen mixed peppers and onions, taco seasoning, chili powder, paprika, and the touch of granulated sugar. The magic of the slow cooker truly begins here, as all these components will slowly meld into a harmonious symphony of flavors.
Now, give everything a good stir to ensure all the ingredients are well combined and evenly distributed in the slow cooker. Once mixed, secure the lid and set your slow cooker. You have two options for cooking: for a quicker meal, cook on HIGH for 4-6 hours; for a longer, more gradual simmer that truly allows flavors to deepen, cook on LOW for 6-8 hours. The key is to let it cook until the stew beef is wonderfully tender and easily pulls apart with a fork.
When the cooking time is complete and the stew beef has reached peak tenderness, your Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili is ready to be enjoyed. Ladle generous portions into bowls and invite everyone to customize their chili with an array of their favorite toppings. The hearty, flavorful broth and tender chunks of beef make every bite a delight. Get ready for a comforting meal that will quickly become a household favorite!
WANT MORE DELICIOUS RECIPES?
If you loved the rich flavors and effortless preparation of this Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili, you’re in luck! There’s a whole world of delicious and comforting recipes waiting for you. Dive into more hearty options that are perfect for any occasion. Explore these fantastic chili variations and other comforting slow cooker meals to expand your culinary repertoire:
- The Best Crock Pot Chili
- Cafeteria Chili
- Crock Pot White Chicken Chili
- Crock Pot Dr Pepper Chili
- Crock Pot Turkey Chili
- Frito Chili Pie
- Copycat Wendy’s Chili
- Cincinnati Chili
Slow Cooker Ultimate Beef Chili
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Ingredients
- 1 pound stew beef
- 1 pound ground beef
- 10 ounce can tomatoes with green chiles (like Rotel)
- 30 ounce can tomato sauce
- 15 ounce can dark red kidney beans, rinsed and drained
- 15 ounce can chili beans in sauce not drained
- 2 cups frozen mixed peppers and onions
- 1 ounce packet taco seasoning
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
Instructions
- In a medium skillet, brown and crumble the ground beef over medium-high heat. Cook until no pink remains, then carefully drain off any excess grease to ensure a rich, non-greasy chili base.
- Add the cooked and drained ground beef along with all the remaining ingredients (stew beef, canned tomatoes with green chiles, tomato sauce, rinsed and drained dark red kidney beans, undrained chili beans in sauce, frozen mixed peppers and onions, taco seasoning, chili powder, paprika, and granulated sugar) into a 5-quart slow cooker.
- Stir everything thoroughly to combine all the ingredients. Cover the slow cooker with its lid and cook on the HIGH setting for 4-6 hours, or on the LOW setting for 6-8 hours, until the stew beef is exceptionally tender.
- Once the stew beef is fork-tender, your ultimate chili is ready! Serve hot, garnished generously with your favorite chili toppings, and enjoy the rich, hearty flavors.
Video
Notes
- Stew Meat Alternative: If you don’t have stew meat or prefer a chili with a more uniform texture, you can substitute the 1 pound of stew beef with an additional 1 pound of ground beef. The chili will still be delicious and hearty.
- Fresh vs. Frozen Vegetables: While frozen mixed peppers and onions offer convenience, you are welcome to use fresh. Simply chop about 2 cups of your preferred bell peppers and onions and add them at the same step.
- Freezing Instructions: This chili is excellent for meal prep and freezing. After it has completely cooled, transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It will keep well in the freezer for up to 6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
- Tomato Varieties: For a slightly different flavor profile, you can swap the tomatoes with green chiles for regular petite diced tomatoes or fire-roasted diced tomatoes. Adjust spices as needed if you remove the chile component.
- Chili Beans Explained: Chili beans are typically pinto beans already cooked in a seasoned chili sauce. Popular brands include Bush’s Chili Beans or Great Value. If you cannot find chili beans, a can of plain pinto beans (undrained) can be used as a substitute, though you might want to add a pinch more chili powder or cumin for extra flavor.
- Spice Level Adjustment: Feel free to adjust the amount of chili powder, or add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce if you prefer a spicier chili. For a milder version, you can slightly reduce the chili powder.
- Serving Suggestions: Beyond the fantastic toppings mentioned in the FAQ, this chili pairs wonderfully with warm cornbread, a simple green salad, rice, or even served over baked potatoes or hot dogs for a complete meal.
Nutrition
Nutritional Disclaimer
“The Country Cook” is not a dietician or nutritionist, and any nutritional information shared is an estimate. If calorie count and other nutritional values are important to you, we recommend running the ingredients through whichever online nutritional calculator you prefer. Calories and other nutritional values can vary quite a bit depending on which brands were used.