Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is a hearty, comforting dish perfect for any occasion. It’s easy to prepare and allows you to enjoy a flavorful meal with minimal effort. Simply throw your ingredients into the slow cooker, let it simmer, and come back to a delicious bowl of chili that warms the soul. Great for family gatherings or a cozy night in, this recipe showcases tender pieces of beef paired with a medley of spices and vegetables, making it a must-try.
Why We Love This Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a good bowl of chili, and this Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili delivers on every front. You’ll fall in love with the deep, rich flavors that develop as it cooks slowly. Each ingredient plays a vital role in enhancing the chili’s complexity, from the beef’s robust flavor to the warmth of the spices. Plus, the hands-off cooking method means you can spend time doing what you love while your chili cooks away. Whether it’s game day or a weeknight dinner, this recipe is sure to impress friends and family.
Ingredients about Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
Here’s what you’ll need to prepare your flavorful Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili:
- 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 your Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is easier than you might think! To start, combine the ancho chili powder, light brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and allspice in a bowl. This will be your seasoning mix, essential for adding depth to your chili. Now, take your beef pieces and season them generously with salt and black pepper.
In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Sear the beef pieces until they’re browning nicely on all sides. This step locks in flavor and gives your chili that often-missed depth. Once the beef is seared, transfer it into your crock pot, ensuring you scrape up any brown bits left in the skillet for added flavor.
Next, add in your chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and minced garlic. These fresh ingredients will contribute to the overall taste and texture. Then, toss in the crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained chili beans, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth. Stir everything together well to combine.
Cover your crock pot with its lid and set it to cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours. The goal here is to let the beef become incredibly tender, so it shreds easily and the flavors meld beautifully. Near the end of cooking, taste your chili and adjust seasoning with extra salt and pepper as needed.
How to Serve Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
Serving your Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is where the fun really begins! You can enjoy it straight from the bowl, but don’t forget about toppings. For added flavor and texture, consider garnishing your chili with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or slices of fresh jalapeños. Other popular accompaniments include fresh cilantro or diced green onions for an extra burst of freshness.
Pair your chili with cornbread for a classic southern touch or tortilla chips for that crunchy contrast. You might even want to set up a chili bar for guests, allowing them to mix and match toppings to their liking. This makes serving both interactive and enjoyable, and everyone can customize their chili experience to fit their preferences.
Expert Tips: Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
To make the most of your Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili, here are some expert tips to keep in mind:
- Choose the right cut of beef: Beef chuck roast is ideal for this recipe due to its fat content, which keeps the meat juicy and tender as it cooks.
- Sear the beef: Don’t skip the searing step! This adds extra flavor to the final dish by creating caramelization on the meat.
- Customize your spice level: If you enjoy a spicier chili, add more jalapeños or even toss in some crushed red pepper flakes.
- Let it cool before storing: If you have leftovers, let the chili cool at room temperature before refrigerating to prevent bacteria growth.
- Be patient: The longer you allow the chili to cook, the better the flavors will develop. If you can, opt for the low setting.
How to Store Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
Storing your Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is straightforward and ensures you can enjoy this yummy dish later. Allow the chili to cool completely at room temperature. Once cooled, transfer it into airtight containers. You can store it in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.
When reheating, ensure the chili is heated all the way through. If frozen, it’s best to thaw it overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. You can reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave until hot.
Variation of Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
The beauty of Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili lies in its versatility. You can easily adjust the recipe to suit your tastes or dietary needs. For instance, if you prefer a different type of bean, black beans or pinto beans can be substituted for the chili beans. Alternatively, if you’re looking for a lighter version, consider using ground turkey.
For a fresher take, you might toss in some corn or zucchini for added veggies. You can also experiment with different spice blends to create unique flavor profiles; for example, try adding smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky finish.
Finally, if you’re eager for an even thicker chili, consider adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with a small amount of water in the last hour of cooking.
FAQ
What makes Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili so special?
Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili is special because of the combination of tender beef, vibrant spices, and cooked-down vegetables, all melded together for hours. This slow cooking process unlocks deep flavors that make each bowl irresistibly satisfying.
Can I make this chili recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare your ingredients ahead of time or even cook the chili a day in advance. It often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.
Is it necessary to brown the beef before slow cooking?
While it’s not strictly necessary, browning the beef before slow cooking enhances the overall flavor and adds a rich depth to your chili.
How do I adjust the spice level in my chili?
To adjust the spice level, simply add more jalapeños or spices like cayenne pepper for heat. Conversely, you can reduce spicy ingredients to tone down the flavor if desired.
Can I freeze leftovers of Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili?
Absolutely! Allow the chili to cool completely, then transfer it to airtight containers. It can be frozen for up to 3 months, making for a delightful meal to enjoy later.
Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili
Ingredients
Meat and Beans
- 3 lb beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch pieces Ideal cut for this recipe due to fat content
- 2 15 oz cans chili beans or red kidney beans, drained Alternative options can be used
Spices and Seasonings
- 1 tbsp salt Adjust according to taste
- 2 tsp black pepper Adjust according to taste
- ⅓ cup ancho chili powder Adds depth of flavor
- 2 tbsp light brown sugar Balances spiciness
- 2 tbsp onion powder
- 1 tbsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp allspice
Vegetables and Liquids
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil For searing the beef
- 1 diced onion
- 1 diced bell pepper
- 1 tbsp diced jalapeños Add more for heat
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 1 28 oz can crushed tomatoes
- 1 14.5 oz can diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 cup beef broth For added depth
- Additional seasoning salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Preparation
- Combine the ancho chili powder, light brown sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, Italian seasoning, cumin, and allspice in a bowl.
- Season the beef pieces generously with salt and black pepper.
Searing
- In a large skillet, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef pieces until brown on all sides, then transfer to the crock pot.
Cooking
- Add chopped onion, bell pepper, jalapeños, and minced garlic into the crock pot.
- Stir in crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, drained chili beans, Worcestershire sauce, and beef broth.
- Cover and cook on low for 7 to 8 hours or high for 4 to 5 hours.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed before serving.
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