Description
Hearty Lone Star State Chili simmers with robust beef and deep, smoky spices that tell stories of Texas tradition. Slow-cooked perfection brings comfort straight from southwestern kitchens to you.
Ingredients
Scale
Meats:
- 2 ½ pounds (1.1 kilograms) beef chuck roast, cut into 1 ½-inch cubes
Spices and Seasonings:
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Cooking Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon vegetable oil
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 (14.5 ounces/411 grams) can diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
Optional Toppings:
- Chopped onions
- Cheddar cheese
- Jalapeno slices
- Sour cream
- Cornbread on the side
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by searing each cube in a hot skillet with oil, ensuring a deep golden-brown crust develops on all surfaces. This caramelization will enhance the chili’s rich flavor profile.
- In the same skillet, gently sweat the onions until they become translucent and fragrant, releasing their natural sweetness. Add minced garlic and briefly toast to unlock its aromatic essence.
- Transfer the seared meat and softened aromatics to the slow cooker, creating a robust foundation for the chili.
- Sprinkle a harmonious blend of spices across the ingredients – chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne – creating a complex layer of warmth and depth.
- Pour in diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth, stirring thoroughly to distribute the spices and ensure every morsel is coated with the vibrant sauce.
- Allow the slow cooker to transform the ingredients, gently simmering on low heat for several hours until the beef becomes incredibly tender and the flavors meld into a cohesive, hearty dish.
- Once cooking is complete, ladle the chili into warm bowls and garnish with optional toppings like sharp cheddar cheese, crisp diced onions, sliced jalapeños, or a cooling dollop of sour cream.
- Serve immediately alongside warm cornbread or soft tortillas to complete this quintessential Texas-style comfort meal.
Notes
- Boost meat flavor by thoroughly patting beef dry before searing to ensure proper browning and develop deeper caramelization.
- Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity – start with less and gradually increase for personalized spice tolerance.
- Consider using chuck roast instead of standard stew meat for more tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture and richer beef flavor.
- Make this recipe gluten-free by verifying broth ingredients and using certified gluten-free spices, ensuring no cross-contamination during preparation.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 6-7 hours
- Category: Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 8
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 18 g
- Saturated Fat: 7 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 30 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg