When you’re searching for a hearty and comforting dish to warm your soul, look no further than Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili. This delightful recipe combines tender beef chuck with a symphony of spices, beans, and tomatoes to create a flavorful chili that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare. With the magic of slow cooking, your kitchen will fill with an irresistible aroma, making it the perfect meal for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili Recipe
This Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience. Every bite offers a perfect balance of flavors, from the rich beef to the spicy kick of jalapeños. Preparing chili in a crock pot means you can set it and forget it; you don’t have to hover over the stove, constantly stirring or monitoring the heat. Instead, you can go about your day, and by the time dinner rolls around, you have a delightful dish ready to serve. It’s the ultimate in convenience without losing flavor or quality. Plus, whether you prefer it mild or spicy, you can easily customize the heat level to fit your taste.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
To prepare this delicious Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili, you will need the following ingredients:
- 3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 2 teaspoons black pepper
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 diced onion
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 (15 oz) cans chili beans or red kidney beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup ancho chili powder
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 cup beef broth
- Additional salt and pepper, to taste
How to Make Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili Directions
Making this Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is straightforward and satisfying. Start by preparing your seasoning mix. Combine the ancho chili powder, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and allspice in a bowl and mix well. This blend brings depth and warmth to your chili.
Next, season your beef chunks generously with salt and black pepper. You want to ensure that each piece is flavorful. In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Once hot, add your beef chunks to the skillet. Sear them until they are nicely browned on all sides. This step enhances the flavor and adds richness to your dish.
After browning the beef, transfer it to your crock pot. Don’t forget to scrape up any brown bits left in the skillet; they add fantastic flavor too. Now it’s time to add all the remaining ingredients: diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained beans, Worcestershire sauce, and the beef broth. Give everything a good stir to combine.
Once all the ingredients are in, cover your crock pot and set it on low for 7 to 8 hours or on high for 4 to 5 hours. Slow cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully while making the beef incredibly tender. You’ll know it’s ready when the beef is fork-tender and the chili is bubbling.
When your cooking time is up, taste your chili. You might want to adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper according to your preference. Now it’s time to serve this hearty chili!
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
Serving your Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili allows you to get creative with toppings and sides. A classic option is cornbread, which pairs beautifully with the richness of the chili. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for that extra crunch.
When it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit! Consider adding shredded cheese, fresh cilantro, diced green onions, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños for an added kick. If you enjoy a bit of extra heat, a drizzle of hot sauce can take your chili to the next level. Present your delicious creation in bowls, garnished with your favorite toppings, and watch everyone enjoy every last bite.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
For the best Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili, keep these expert tips in mind. First, don’t skip the searing step; it’s essential for building flavor. Searing beef creates a caramelized crust that enhances the overall taste of your chili.
Second, let your chili rest for a few minutes after cooking before serving. This allows the flavors to settle. If you’re not serving it right away, it can also be kept warm in the crock pot on the warm setting for a short period.
You can adjust the spice level as well. If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of jalapeños or opt for a milder variety of chili powder. Conversely, if you like it hot, feel free to add more jalapeños or even some diced hot peppers to the mix.
Additionally, consider preparing the chili a day ahead of time. Like many stews, chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to develop. Simply reheat on the stove or in the crock pot before serving.
How to Store Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
Storing your Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is easy. If you have leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
For longer-term storage, you can freeze the chili. Portion it out into freezer-safe containers and label them with the date. It can last in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
While this Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili recipe is fantastic on its own, you can easily make variations to keep things interesting. For added texture, you can incorporate chopped carrots or diced bell peppers. These vegetables not only add nutrients but also enhance the taste and color of your chili.
If you’d like to switch up the protein, consider using ground beef instead of chuck roast. Ground beef cooks faster and still packs a great flavor punch. For a healthier twist, try substituting the beef with turkey or chicken thigh, both leaner options that don’t sacrifice taste.
Vegetarians can enjoy their own version by omitting the beef and adding more beans, lentils, or vegetables. Black beans, chickpeas, and a variety of vegetables can create a nutritious and hearty plant-based chili.
Everyone loves customization, so feel free to get creative with your spices! Experiment with adding different chili powders or spices to find your perfect flavor profile.
FAQ
What is the best cut of beef for chili?
The best cut of beef for chili is beef chuck roast. It’s well-marbled and becomes tender when slow-cooked, perfect for chili.
Can I make Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili spicy?
Absolutely! You can increase the amount of diced jalapeños, add hotter chili powders, or add extra hot sauce to suit your spice preferences.
How long does it take to cook chili in a crock pot on high?
When cooking chili in a crock pot on high, it typically takes about 4 to 5 hours until the beef is tender and the flavors have melded together.
Can I freeze leftovers of Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili?
Yes, you can freeze leftovers. Just ensure they are in airtight containers, and they can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months.
What toppings can I add to my chili?
You can top your chili with shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, sliced green onions, or fresh cilantro for a flavorful finish.
Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces
- 1 tablespoon salt for seasoning beef
- 2 teaspoons black pepper for seasoning beef
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil for searing beef
- 1 large diced onion
- 1 large diced bell pepper
- 1 tablespoon diced jalapeños adjust according to spice preference
- 1 tablespoon minced garlic
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 15 oz cans chili beans or red kidney beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- ⅓ cup ancho chili powder
- 2 tablespoons light brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons onion powder
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 1 teaspoon allspice
- 1 cup beef broth
- to taste salt and pepper Additional salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the ancho chili powder, brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and allspice in a bowl and mix well.
- Season the beef chunks generously with salt and black pepper.
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Once hot, add the beef chunks and sear until browned on all sides.
- Transfer the browned beef to the crock pot, scraping any brown bits into the pot.
Cooking
- Add the diced onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, minced garlic, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained beans, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth to the crock pot.
- Stir all ingredients to combine.
- Cover and set the crock pot on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Once done, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
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