Texas Chili Recipe: A Flavorful Slow Cooker Delight
Why you’ll love it: This slow cooker Texas chili is
packed with rich, warm flavors, making it a guaranteed favorite. The
tender beef chunks melt in your mouth!
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 6 hours in the slow cooker
Equipment Needed: Large skillet, slow cooker
Servings: 8
Looking for a hearty and delicious meal? You’ve found it! This slow cooker
Texas chili is a recipe I make again and again. While I’m not originally
from Texas, I’m confident that this chili recipe earns its name. It’s
absolutely delicious!
Authentic Texas chili is known for its thick, meaty texture and, importantly,
the absence of beans. And you won’t find any beans in this recipe! This is
my kind of chili, and I know you’ll love it too. Let’s get cooking!
The Best Beef Chili for Any Gathering
I make this Texas chili every year for our annual harvest party. Along with
another big batch of a turkey and beef chili. My mom always makes a white
chicken chili recipe. But lately she’s been threatening to make a vegetarian
chili instead. I think she’s going to have to make both because it’s hard
to choose between the two!
I usually make a *gigantic* batch of this Texas chili. We’re talking about
15 pounds of meat. It goes in my big electric roaster, and it always
disappears! This chili goes *way* faster than the other options (sorry, Mom!)
and people always rave about it.
Try it yourself and see! I think you’re gonna love it!
Barry Said:
“Just made this, it’s awesome! I had to stop myself from eating the whole
pot! I wouldn’t change anything on this recipe!”
Making the Best Slow Cooker Texas Chili
This slow cooker Texas chili recipe is broken down into easy steps for maximum
flavor.
Seared Beef: Browning the meat is key to a rich flavor
profile and beautiful color. Although this Texas chili cooks in a slow
cooker, don’t skip this step of browning the meat and sautéing the
vegetables.
Toasted Spices: Sauté the vegetables until soft, then add
the spice mixture to the skillet and toast briefly. This brings out the
flavors of the spices.
Long Slow Cooking: Once everything is combined in the slow
cooker, the magic happens. The result is melt-in-your-mouth tender meat and
flavorful chili that everyone will love.
Serving Suggestions: What to Pair with Your Chili
Chili is always great served with healthy cornbread, or cornbread muffins.
Tortilla chips or Fritos are an easy side (*why* is chili soooo good with
Fritos?!). Try seasoned oyster crackers, too! Texas toast garlic bread is
another delicious option.
Don’t forget plenty of fresh cilantro, guacamole, chopped onions or scallions,
pickled red onions, and sour cream or plain Greek yogurt.
I also like to have dips and salsas on hand. My Mexicali dip is pretty
irresistible, and everyone loves a 7-layer dip. I love homemade chipotle
salsa and my restaurant-style salsa is the best (and it’s easy to make!).
Make homemade pico de gallo if that’s more your thing. Be sure you have
plenty of tortilla chips on hand if you’re hosting a chili party!
Customizing Your Chili: Easy Recipe Variations
Everyone has their own unique take on chili. Consider this recipe a
starting point and feel free to customize it to your liking. Here are a
few suggestions:
-
Add beans if you like. There are no rules! Pinto beans,
kidney beans, or black beans would all work well. -
Adjust the seasoning. Make it spicier or milder by
adjusting the spices. Add more or less garlic, etc. -
Try a different meat. Venison would be great if you’re a
hunter. Or use ground beef or turkey. It’s your chili, so make it your
own!
Storage
Storage
This recipe makes a big batch, but it’s great leftover and freezes well.
Refrigerate/Freeze: Store leftover chili promptly in
covered containers. It will keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days and
in the freezer for 4-6 months.
Reheat: Thaw frozen chili overnight in the fridge before
reheating. Reheat the thawed chili in a saucepan or skillet, or use the
Reheat setting on your microwave.