Description
This hearty Crock Pot Beef Chuck Chili features tender, slow-cooked beef chunks simmered with a robust blend of beans, tomatoes, and spices. Perfect for a comforting meal, this chili combines smoky, spicy, and savory flavors balanced with fresh lime and optional toppings like sour cream and shredded cheese.
Ingredients
Scale
Beef and Oil
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Vegetables and Aromatics
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
Beans and Tomatoes
- 2 (15 oz) cans kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 (15 oz) cans black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 4 tablespoons tomato paste
Spices and Seasonings
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Liquids and Extras
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 cup corn (optional)
- 1 lime, juiced (for serving)
Garnishes (Optional)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped
- Sour cream
- Shredded cheese
Instructions
- Sear the Beef: Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Brown the beef chuck cubes in batches, about 5 minutes per batch, until browned on all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Sauté Vegetables: In the same skillet, add chopped onion, red bell pepper, and green bell pepper. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened. Add minced garlic and sauté another 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
- Combine Ingredients in Crock Pot: In the crock pot, add the browned beef, sautéed vegetables, kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne, salt, pepper, beef broth, and corn if using.
- Mix and Cook: Stir all ingredients to combine well and cover with the crock pot lid.
- Slow Cook: Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 4-6 hours until beef is tender and flavors meld.
- Adjust Seasonings and Lime Juice: Taste the chili, adjust seasoning if needed, and stir in lime juice just before serving.
- Serve: Serve hot garnished with fresh cilantro, and optionally top with sour cream and shredded cheese.
Notes
- Searing the beef before adding it to the crock pot develops deeper flavor and improves texture.
- Adjust cayenne pepper according to desired spice level.
- Adding corn is optional and adds sweetness and texture contrast.
- For thicker chili, cook longer or reduce liquid slightly.
- Leftovers reheat well and flavors improve after a day.
