Hearty Slow Cooker Beef Chili: A Flavorful and Nutritious Meal
There's nothing quite like coming home to the warm, inviting aroma of a slow-cooked meal, especially when it's a rich and savory chili. This recipe for slow cooker beef chili is not only incredibly easy to prepare, but it's also packed with nutrients and flavor. Forget about complicated recipes with endless ingredients—this one uses just a handful of simple components to create a truly satisfying dish.
Why This Chili is a Must-Try
This chili is all about simplicity without sacrificing taste. It features tender, shredded beef, perfectly seasoned with warming spices, and a touch of sweetness. What sets this recipe apart is its rich, saucy base, thanks to the fire-roasted tomatoes and green chiles. It's a great way to get a hearty dose of protein, and the slow cooking process ensures that every bite is bursting with flavor. This version is mild enough for the whole family to enjoy, and it can be easily customized with your favorite toppings.
Health Benefits
This slow cooker beef chili is a wonderful option for health-conscious individuals.
- Protein-Packed: The beef provides a substantial amount of protein, essential for building and repairing tissues.
- Rich in Nutrients: The fire roasted tomatoes are a good source of vitamins and antioxidants.
- Slow Cooked Goodness: Slow cooking helps retain the natural flavors and nutrients of the ingredients, making it a healthier option compared to fast cooking methods.
- Customizable: You can easily add more vegetables, such as bell peppers or zucchini, to boost the nutritional content.
How To Make This Delicious Chili
Ingredients
- 1-2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
- 2.5-3 pounds beef chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into 3-inch cubes
- 2.5 teaspoons salt (1 teaspoon per pound of meat, more to taste)
- 1 yellow onion, finely diced
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon cumin
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- Two 4.5-ounce cans green chiles
- One 14-ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
Instructions
- Prep: Chop, measure, and get everything ready.
- Sear the beef: Heat the oil in a large skillet or Dutch oven over high heat. Toss the beef with salt and sear on all sides until nicely browned. Transfer the beef to a slow cooker.
- Sauté Aromatics: In the same pot, add onions and garlic, sautéing until golden and softened, lifting the browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Add Spices: Stir in the brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder. Cook for 3-5 minutes until fragrant.
- Incorporate the Rest: Add green chiles and crushed tomatoes, simmering for another 3-5 minutes.
- Combine: Pour the tomato mixture over the beef in the slow cooker. Gently move beef to coat with the sauce.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-7 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the beef is tender and shreds easily.
- Shred: Use two forks to shred the beef into big, tender chunks directly in the slow cooker. Season with more salt to taste.
Serving
Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings, such as:
- Sour cream
- Cheddar cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Cornbread or tortilla chips
Nutritional Notes
Remember to adjust the serving size to match your dietary needs. This chili is designed to be a hearty meal that can be enjoyed by everyone, making it a great choice for family dinners or meal prepping.
Enjoy Your Chili
With just a few simple steps, you can enjoy a delicious and nutritious meal that will warm you from the inside out. This slow cooker beef chili is a testament to how simple cooking can yield the most flavorful results.
Enjoy your meal!