There’s something deeply comforting about digging into a bowl of hearty chili, especially when the weather turns chilly outside. I found myself craving that warmth after a long, busy day, and that’s when this Hearty Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili entered my kitchen life. The mere thought of tender beef simmering away, soaking up rich flavors, filled me with anticipation.
What I love most? It’s completely a set-it-and-forget-it meal. Just think: with minimal effort, you can fill your home with the warm, inviting aroma of chili powder and cumin while the slow cooker works its magic. This dish not only serves up a satisfying dinner for the family but also offers a generous helping of nostalgia, reminding us of cozy gatherings and shared laughter over bowls of comfort food. Let’s dive into getting those ingredients prepped and embrace the magic of slow cooking!
Why is Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili a Must-Try?
Comforting Simplicity: This Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili is a hassle-free dish, letting you focus on your day while it cooks to perfection.
Rich, Layered Flavors: With a delightful combination of spices and tender beef, each bite is a warm hug on a chilly evening.
Nostalgic Appeal: It evokes memories of family dinners and cozy nights, making it perfect for any gathering.
Crowd-Pleasing Dish: Hearty and filling, this chili is sure to satisfy everyone at the table, turning even the pickiest eater into a fan.
Versatile Variations: The recipe allows for easy adaptations; swap in different beans or proteins to match your tastes.
Ready to experience more comfort food? Check out our other recipes for easy weeknight dinners that the whole family will love!
Ingredients for Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili
For the Chili Base
• Beef Stew Meat – This tender meat adds heartiness, so opt for 1-inch cubes of chuck or round cuts for even cooking.
• Chili Powder – A key ingredient that imparts warmth and depth; essential for achieving that classic chili taste.
• Ground Cumin – This spice enhances the overall warmth of the chili and is vital for authentic flavor.
• All-Purpose Flour – Helps create a rich, thick sauce; don’t skip this step for the best texture!
• Vegetable Oil – Used for browning the meat to deepen flavor; can be substituted with canola oil.
For the Vegetables
• Diced Tomatoes (28 oz) – Forms the flavorful base of the chili; San Marzano tomatoes are especially recommended.
• Garlic Cloves (2, minced) – Adds aromatic depth to the dish.
• Onion (1 large, diced) – Provides a foundational flavor; yellow or white onions work best.
• Bell Pepper (1, small, diced) – Adds sweetness and color; feel free to swap for any color you prefer.
For the Beans
• Kidney Beans (16 oz, drained and rinsed) – Provides protein and texture; can substitute with other beans like pinto if desired.
• Black Beans (16 oz, drained and rinsed) – Enhances heartiness and flavor; navy beans are a suitable substitute if preferred.
For the Liquid Seasoning
• Beef Broth (1.75 cups, low-sodium) – Provides rich flavor while allowing for better control over sodium levels.
• Barbecue Sauce (2 tbsp) – Adds a touch of smokiness; opt for a mild variant for balanced flavors.
• Brown Sugar (1.5 tbsp) – Helps to balance the spice and acidity; feel free to omit for a lower-sugar option.
• Salt (0.75 tsp) – Essential for enhancing all the flavors in your Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili.
With these ingredients in hand, you’re on your way to creating a warming, delicious bowl of chili that the whole family will love!
How to Make Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili
Brown the Meat: Heat vegetable oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the beef cubes for 3-5 minutes until they are golden brown on all sides, which enhances the overall flavor.
Toast Spices: Stir in the chili powder and ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute. This step releases their essential oils and intensifies their flavor for your chili.
Make Roux: Dust the beef with all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for 1 minute. This helps thicken the chili, creating a rich and satisfying sauce.
Transfer to Slow Cooker: Move the browned meat to the slow cooker, making sure to scrape in any delicious brown bits from the pan for added flavor.
Add Vegetables & Liquids: Stir in the diced tomatoes, minced garlic, diced onion, bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Combine well for an even mixture.
Cook: Cover and set the slow cooker to low heat; let it cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender and wonderfully infused with flavor.
Final Adjustments: Before serving, check the consistency of the chili. If it’s too thick, add more beef broth until you reach your desired thickness.
Serve: Ladle the slow cooker stew meat chili into bowls. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired for an added touch of freshness.
Optional: Add a dollop of sour cream or shredded cheese on top for extra creaminess.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Storage Tips for Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili
Fridge: Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days, ensuring every bite remains fresh and flavorful.
Freezer: This Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into airtight containers and store for up to 3 months.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over medium heat or in the microwave; add broth or water to reach your preferred consistency as it heats.
Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili Variations & Substitutions
Feel free to get creative with this recipe, as customizing your chili can enhance its flavor and make it even more special for your family!
Protein Swap: Use ground turkey or chicken for a lighter, leaner option that still delivers on flavor.
Bean Variety: Substitute kidney and black beans with chickpeas or cannellini beans for a delightful twist, adding unique textures and tastes.
Heat Level: Spice things up with jalapeños or a sprinkle of cayenne pepper, perfect for those who relish a little kick in their chili.
Vegetarian Option: Replace beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils, simmering until all the flavors meld beautifully.
Smoky Flavor: Add in some smoked paprika or use a smoky barbecue sauce to bring an extra layer of complexity to your chili.
Creamy Addition: Stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving to introduce a creaminess that balances the spices wonderfully.
Herb Blend: Fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley can brighten the dish; sprinkle them on just before serving for a fresh touch.
Sweet Twist: Incorporate a spoonful of honey or maple syrup instead of brown sugar for a unique sweetness that complements the spice beautifully.
Let your culinary imagination run wild and enjoy every comforting spoonful of your tailored Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili!
Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili
Don’t Rush Browning: Always brown the meat first to enhance the flavor. Skipping this step can lead to a less flavorful chili.
Watch the Broth: Add only half the beef broth at first to prevent a watery chili. You can always adjust as needed!
Keep the Lid Closed: Avoid lifting the lid while cooking. This helps maintain heat and moisture, ensuring tender meat.
Taste Before Serving: Always taste and adjust seasoning just before serving. It makes a world of difference in your Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili.
Get Creative with Beans: Feel free to swap or mix different beans based on your preference; it adds variety and richness to your chili.
Make Ahead Options
These Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili preparations are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can chop the vegetables (onions, bell peppers, and garlic) and store them in the refrigerator up to 3 days in advance, ensuring that they stay fresh and ready to go. Additionally, you can brown the beef and mix in the spices, then refrigerate that mixture for up to 24 hours. For the final cook, transfer everything into your slow cooker and add the diced tomatoes, beans, broth, barbecue sauce, and brown sugar. Simply set it to cook for 6-8 hours, and you’ll enjoy a delicious, hearty meal with minimal last-minute effort!
What to Serve with Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili?
There’s something magical about creating a full meal that complements the cozy flavors of this hearty chili!
Cornbread: This warm, buttery bread digs into the chili’s richness and adds a delightful texture contrast.
Warm Tortillas: Soft tortillas are perfect for scooping up chili, making each bite an inviting experience that warms the heart.
Fresh Salad: A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette adds brightness and balances the richness of the chili.
Savor the sweetness of classic cornbread, feel the warmth of tortillas enveloping that hearty chili, or indulge in a fresh, green salad to awaken your palate. Each option brings its own charm, creating a balanced and heartwarming meal that everyone will adore.
Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado adds richness and a cooling contrast to the spiced flavors of the chili.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream serves as a perfect creamy topping, enhancing flavors while adding a delightful tang.
Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded cheese melts into the chili, introducing an extra layer of gooey deliciousness.
Beer or Cider: Pair your meal with a refreshing craft beer or a crisp apple cider to round off your dining experience perfectly.
With these delightful pairings, you’ll create a meal that embraces comfort and nostalgia while pleasing every tastebud at the table!
Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili Recipe FAQs
What type of beef stew meat should I choose?
Absolutely! For the best results, look for 1-inch cubes of chuck or round cuts. These selections provide both tenderness and flavor, crucial for making a hearty Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili.
How long can I store the chili in the fridge?
You can refrigerate your Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili for up to 4 days in an airtight container. Just make sure it is cooled down before sealing to maintain freshness!
Can I freeze the chili? If so, how?
Yes, you can freeze your chili! Portion it into airtight containers or freezer bags, leaving some space for expansion. It will keep well for up to 3 months. Just label each container with the date so you can keep track.
What should I do if my chili is too thick?
No worries! If your chili ends up too thick once it’s done cooking, simply add a bit more beef broth or water until you reach the desired consistency. Stir well and let it heat through for a few minutes.
Are there any dietary considerations I should be aware of?
Definitely! This recipe contains beef and beans, so it’s not suitable for those on a vegetarian or vegan diet. Additionally, if anyone has allergies, be cautious with the barbecue sauce and any added spices—always check the labels!
Savory Slow Cooker Stew Meat Chili That Wows Every Family Dinner
Equipment
- - Slow cooker
- - Skillet
- - Cutting board
- - Knife
Ingredients
For the Chili Base
- 2 lbs Beef Stew Meat 1-inch cubes of chuck or round cuts
- 2 tbsp Chili Powder Key ingredient for classic chili taste
- 2 tsp Ground Cumin Essential for authentic flavor
- 0.25 cup All-Purpose Flour Helps thicken the chili
- 2 tbsp Vegetable Oil
For the Vegetables
- 28 oz Diced Tomatoes San Marzano recommended
- 2 cloves Garlic Minced
- 1 large Onion Diced, yellow or white
- 1 small Bell Pepper Diced, any color
For the Beans
- 16 oz Kidney Beans Drained and rinsed
- 16 oz Black Beans Drained and rinsed
For the Liquid Seasoning
- 1.75 cups Beef Broth Low-sodium
- 2 tbsp Barbecue Sauce Opt for mild
- 1.5 tbsp Brown Sugar Optional for lower-sugar option
- 0.75 tsp Salt
Instructions
Cooking Instructions
- Brown the meat by searing the beef cubes in heated vegetable oil for 3-5 minutes until golden brown.
- Toast the spices by stirring in chili powder and ground cumin, cooking for 1 minute to release their oils.
- Make roux by dusting the beef with all-purpose flour, stirring continuously for 1 minute.
- Transfer the browned meat to the slow cooker, scraping in any brown bits from the pan.
- Add diced tomatoes, minced garlic, diced onion, bell pepper, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, barbecue sauce, brown sugar, and salt. Stir to combine.
- Cover and set slow cooker to low heat; cook for 6-8 hours until the beef is fork-tender.
- Before serving, check chili consistency and add more beef broth if it's too thick.
- Serve the chili in bowls, garnished with chopped parsley if desired.