Pin This A hearty, hands-off winter warmer featuring tender beef, sweet shallots, and a rich blend of spices, all simmered to perfection in a slow cooker for deep, comforting flavors.
This recipe has become a family favorite during the cold months, as it fills our home with the most inviting aroma and requires minimal effort.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck: 2 lbs (900 g), cut into 1-inch cubes
- Shallots: 8 large, peeled and quartered
- Red bell pepper: 1, diced
- Jalapeño: 1, seeded and finely chopped (optional for heat)
- Garlic: 4 cloves, minced
- Crushed tomatoes: 1 (28 oz / 800 g) can
- Kidney beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Black beans: 1 (15 oz / 425 g) can, drained and rinsed
- Chili powder: 2 tbsp
- Ground cumin: 2 tsp
- Smoked paprika: 1 tsp
- Ground cinnamon: 1/2 tsp
- Dried oregano: 1/2 tsp
- Salt: 1 tsp
- Black pepper: 1/2 tsp
- Beef broth: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Tomato paste: 2 tbsp
- Worcestershire sauce: 1 tbsp
- Fresh cilantro: chopped (optional garnish)
- Sour cream: optional garnish
- Shredded cheddar cheese: optional garnish
Instructions
- Step 1:
- Add the beef cubes to the bottom of a large slow cooker.
- Step 2:
- Layer the shallots, bell pepper, jalapeño, and garlic over the beef.
- Step 3:
- Add the crushed tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cinnamon, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Step 4:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the beef broth, tomato paste, and Worcestershire sauce. Pour over the ingredients in the slow cooker.
- Step 5:
- Stir gently to combine, ensuring beef is mostly submerged in liquid.
- Step 6:
- Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours until beef is tender and flavors are well developed.
- Step 7:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Step 8:
- Serve hot, topped with cilantro, sour cream, and shredded cheddar if desired.
Pin This This chili brings the family together on chilly evenings, sparking warmth, conversations, and full happy bellies.
Notes
For a spicier chili add extra jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Serve with rice cornbread or tortilla chips.
Required Tools
Large slow cooker (5–6 quart) chefs knife cutting board can opener small mixing bowl measuring spoons and cups
Allergen Information
Contains Worcestershire sauce which may contain anchovies fish allergen dairy if garnished with sour cream or cheese Beans are naturally gluten-free but check labels for cross-contamination Always verify ingredient labels if you have allergies
Pin This Enjoy this hearty chili as a comforting meal that gets better the next day.
Recipe Q&A
- → What cut of beef is best for slow cooking?
Beef chuck is ideal for slow cooking due to its marbling, which becomes tender and flavorful over long cooking times.
- → Can I adjust the spice level in this dish?
Yes, adding jalapeño or cayenne pepper boosts heat, while reducing chili powder will mellow the spice.
- → How should I prepare the beans before cooking?
Drain and rinse canned beans to reduce sodium and prevent cloudiness, then add them directly to the slow cooker.
- → Is browning the beef necessary before slow cooking?
Browning beef adds extra depth and caramelized flavor but can be skipped for a simpler approach.
- → What are good serving suggestions for this dish?
Serve alongside rice, cornbread, or tortilla chips to complement the rich and hearty flavors.