Slow-Cooker Steak Chili
I’ve made a fair number of chili recipes (jalapeño popper, quinoa, and white chicken all come to mind) over the years, but I didn’t have a go-to classic chili recipe until now.
When I first made this one, it was fairly bland, but I played around with the spices until I had a chili I absolutely loved. I was going for flavorful without it being spicy because . . . my children think everything is spicy.
The first time I made this last year, Ella, who is definitely the pickiest eater in the family, took one bite and said, “Um, I think you should only make this for the rest of our lives.” I wouldn’t go that far, but this steak chili is absolutely delicious.
We topped ours with Fritos (the knock-off kind of course), shredded cheddar cheese, and sour cream, but it doesn’t need any of those to be mind-bogglingly delicious.
Also, because this cooks in the slow cooker, you can go with a super cheap cut of steak – it’ll have plenty of time to get tender.
(P.S. I know that some Texans don’t like any beans in their chili, but since I only lived in Texas for six years, I feel just fine about throwing pinto beans in there. I love how inexpensive they are, plus they add some nice texture).
slow cooker steak chili
Slow-Cooker Steak Chili
Easy crockpot steak chili. The best chili I've ever made!
Ingredients
- 1 cup dry pinto beans sorted and rinsed
- 1/2 pound steak
- 1 14- ounce can whole peeled tomatoes, with juice
- 2 cups broth any kind
- 1/2 yellow onion diced
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 Tablespoon chili powder
- 1 Tablespoon ancho chile powder
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened cocoa powder
- 1/2 teaspoon chipotle chile powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
Instructions
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Toss everything in the slow-cooker and cook on low for about 8 hours. Serve with the toppings of your choice!
Some Texans don't like beans in their chili? Who are these people and how can they call themselves Texans?!
I am ridiculously pleased that you put cocoa powder in your chili.
Yum! This looks super tasty! I always love trying new chili recipes, and any excuse to make our cheap grocery store steak taste better is a win in my book… also my mind is kind of blown by the cocoa powder.
If it doesn't have beans in it, it's Not chili!
My husband absolutely refuses to eat anything bean related and I don't care to make it for my daughter and me. looks so tasty!
At what point do you cut or shread the steak? Before or after cooking?
After!