This Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili brings all the bold, smoky flavor of a true Southern classic right to your kitchen—no babysitting the stove required. Made with tender chunks of beef chuck, a rich blend of spices, and slow-simmered to perfection, this chili is the epitome of hearty comfort food.
Whether you’re preparing for a game day crowd, weeknight family dinner, or just want something cozy and satisfying to reheat throughout the week, this chili delivers. Customize your toppings with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, jalapeños, or chopped cilantro for the ultimate bowl. It’s bold, flavorful, and comforting with every spoonful.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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1 large onion, finely chopped
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4 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon tomato paste
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1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
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1 cup beef broth
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2 tablespoons chili powder
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1 tablespoon smoked paprika
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2 teaspoons ground cumin
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1 teaspoon dried oregano
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1 teaspoon salt
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½ teaspoon black pepper
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½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
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1 tablespoon masa harina (optional, for thickening)
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Chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños, shredded cheese, and sour cream for serving
Directions:
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In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
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In the same skillet, add chopped onion and garlic; sauté until softened, about 3–4 minutes. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1 minute.
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Transfer onion mixture to the slow cooker. Add crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne (if using). Stir to combine.
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Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender and flavors are melded.
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If you prefer a thicker chili, stir in the masa harina during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
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Serve hot, topped with your favorite garnishes like cilantro, jalapeños, shredded cheese, and a dollop of sour cream.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 8 hours | Total Time: 8 hours 20 minutes
Kcal: 410 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili: A True Comfort Classic
The Heart and Soul of Texas Cuisine
When it comes to hearty, stick-to-your-ribs comfort food, few dishes embody the spirit of Texas more than a robust bowl of Texas-style chili. This isn’t your average chili—it’s a meat-forward, spice-rich, no-beans kind of stew that showcases the bold flavors of the Lone Star State. Texas-style chili traces its origins back to cattle ranches and cowboy chuckwagons, where beef was plentiful and dishes needed to be simple, filling, and made with pantry staples. Over time, it has evolved from a trail food into a signature meal that now takes center stage in cook-offs, Sunday suppers, and cozy winter meals across the country.
Why Use a Slow Cooker?
One of the biggest advantages of using a slow cooker is the ability to develop deep, layered flavors with minimal effort. When beef is cooked low and slow over several hours, it becomes tender enough to fall apart with a fork. The spices have time to meld and infuse the dish with complexity, and the result is a chili that tastes like it’s been simmering on a stovetop all day—but without the constant attention. For busy home cooks, this recipe is a dream: quick prep in the morning, and by evening you’ve got a rich, flavorful dinner waiting for you.
The Beef Makes the Dish
Unlike other types of chili that might use ground beef, this version leans into chunks of beef chuck—marbled with just enough fat to become luxuriously tender as it cooks. Beef chuck is ideal for long, slow cooking because it doesn’t dry out. Instead, it softens beautifully, absorbing the deep flavors of the broth, tomatoes, and spices. The result is a rich and meaty chili that feels like a true meal rather than just a side dish.
Flavor Profile: Smoky, Spicy, and Bold
This chili stands out thanks to its layered spice profile. Chili powder lays the foundation, while smoked paprika adds depth and a hint of fire-roasted flavor. Ground cumin brings earthiness, and optional cayenne pepper introduces heat for those who like a bit of a kick. A small amount of masa harina (a finely ground corn flour used in tamales) can be added at the end to thicken the chili and give it a slightly creamy texture with a subtle hint of corn—an authentic touch often found in Texas kitchens.
The No-Beans Debate
In Texas, chili with beans is practically sacrilege. The purist approach is all about the beef and spices, without the filler. This gives the chili a denser, stew-like consistency and allows the focus to remain on the high-quality meat and complex spice blend. That said, home cooks are always welcome to adapt—those who love beans can easily add kidney or black beans in the final hour of cooking. But if you’re looking for true Texas authenticity, leave the beans out.
Versatility for Every Occasion
One of the best things about slow cooker chili is how versatile it is. Serve it on its own with a slice of warm cornbread or buttery biscuits, or spoon it over baked potatoes or rice for a heartier twist. It’s also perfect for chili dogs, nachos, or even as a topping for fries. Hosting a game day party? Keep the slow cooker on warm and let guests serve themselves throughout the day. Want to prep meals for the week? This chili holds up beautifully in the fridge for several days and freezes well for future dinners.
Customizing Your Chili
Although this recipe leans traditional, there are plenty of ways to personalize your pot of chili. For extra richness, consider adding a small square of dark chocolate or a splash of strong coffee or beer—both amplify the meatiness and give the broth a deeper, almost smoky flavor. Want to brighten it up? A squeeze of lime juice or a handful of chopped fresh cilantro just before serving adds a fresh finish. Craving more vegetables? While it’s not traditional, chopped bell peppers, zucchini, or corn can stretch the dish and add texture.
Toppings Make All the Difference
What really takes this chili over the top are the toppings. Think shredded sharp cheddar cheese, creamy sour cream, diced red onions, sliced jalapeños, or crushed tortilla chips. Each person can create their perfect bowl. Whether you like your chili creamy, crunchy, spicy, or tangy, these garnishes add both texture and contrast to the rich, savory base.
Meal Prep and Storage Tips
Slow cooker chili is a champion when it comes to meal prepping. Make a big batch on Sunday and portion it out into airtight containers. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4–5 days and freezes for up to three months. When reheating, you might need to add a splash of broth or water to loosen the consistency. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights, packed lunches, or even camping trips where you just need to reheat and eat.
Health and Nutrition Notes
Despite its hearty appearance, Texas-style chili can be surprisingly wholesome. With no beans, sugar, or thickeners (unless you choose to add masa), it’s a naturally low-carb, high-protein dish. For those following gluten-free diets, it’s a safe option as long as your beef broth and masa harina are certified gluten-free. Plus, the combination of lean beef and spices can support satiety and keep you full for hours—ideal for those trying to reduce snacking or manage blood sugar levels.
Perfect for Every Season
While chili is often considered a cold-weather comfort food, this version works year-round. In cooler months, it warms you from the inside out, but it’s also a hit at summer cookouts, tailgates, and outdoor gatherings. It holds its heat well in a slow cooker or insulated pot, making it great for events where food needs to stay warm over time.
A Dish That Brings People Together
More than just a meal, Texas-style chili is a dish rooted in tradition and community. It’s made to be shared—whether that’s with family around the dinner table, with friends during football season, or at a local chili cook-off where every cook has their own signature touch. Preparing it in a slow cooker makes it even more accessible, inviting cooks of all skill levels to try their hand at this beloved dish without fear of failure.
Conclusion: Why You Should Try This Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili
There’s something undeniably satisfying about making a big pot of chili, especially when it fills your kitchen with mouthwatering aromas as it simmers away. This Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili isn’t just a recipe—it’s a celebration of bold flavors, slow-cooked comfort, and southern heritage. It’s incredibly easy to prepare, endlessly customizable, and sure to become a go-to in your meal rotation. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, meal prepping for the week, or simply want something soul-warming for dinner, this chili delivers on every front.
So go ahead—dust off that slow cooker, gather your spices, and let your kitchen become a little slice of Texas. Once you’ve tasted the deep, smoky, spicy richness of this chili, you’ll understand why it’s been cherished for generations.