Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

While you can use ground beef in a pinch, chuck roast cut into cubes gives you that authentic Texas chili texture and flavor. The meat becomes tender and develops a much richer flavor during the long cooking process. If you do use ground beef, reduce the cooking time to 4-6 hours on low.

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level that most people find enjoyable. The green chiles add flavor more than heat. If you're sensitive to spice, you can reduce the chili powder. For heat lovers, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the temperature.

Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For stovetop cooking, follow the same instructions but simmer in a heavy Dutch oven on low heat for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. For oven cooking, bring everything to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover and place in a 325°F oven for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is tender.

Why isn't there any garlic in this recipe?

There actually is garlic in the form of garlic powder, which distributes evenly throughout the chili. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can add 3-4 minced cloves when you add the vegetables. Both options provide that essential garlic flavor that makes chili so delicious.

Slow Cooker Texas Chili Recipe

This hearty Slow Cooker Texas Chili is the ultimate comfort food that practically makes itself! Tender chunks of beef simmer with bold spices and fresh vegetables in your crockpot, creating a rich, deeply flavorful meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or weekend family gatherings. Just a little morning prep rewards you with an incredible dinner that tastes like you’ve been cooking all day!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Hands-Off Cooking: Once you’ve done the quick prep work, your slow cooker does all the heavy lifting while you go about your day.
Rich, Complex Flavors: The long, slow cooking process allows the spices to bloom and the beef to become incredibly tender, creating layers of flavor that simply can’t be rushed.
Customizable Heat Level: Easily adjust the spiciness to suit your family’s preferences without compromising on flavor.
Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for preparing ahead and enjoying throughout the week.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Beef chuck roast: The star of authentic Texas chili, these cubes break down during slow cooking to create melt-in-your-mouth texture. Don’t substitute ground beef here – the chunks make all the difference!
Onion, bell peppers, carrots, and celery: This flavor base (similar to mirepoix) adds depth and nutrition to your chili. Feel free to dice them to your preferred size.
Worcestershire sauce: Adds that umami depth that makes people wonder what your secret ingredient is.
Beef broth: Forms the foundation of your chili liquid. Use low-sodium if you’re watching salt intake.
Diced tomatoes and green chiles: Provides acidity, brightness, and a touch of heat. The juice from the cans adds important moisture.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and helps thicken the chili naturally.
Spices (chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder): The backbone of great chili flavor. Make sure your spices are fresh for the best flavor impact.
Cornstarch: Creates a slurry that thickens the chili to that perfect consistency – not too soupy, not too thick.
Lime juice: Added at the end, this brightens all the flavors and cuts through the richness. Don’t skip this seemingly small but mighty ingredient!
Toppings: Cheese, sour cream, and cilantro aren’t just garnishes – they’re the perfect complement to the rich chili.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Want to make this recipe your own? Here are some delicious ways to customize:

Bean Lover’s Version: While traditional Texas chili doesn’t contain beans, you can add a can of drained and rinsed pinto or kidney beans during the last hour of cooking if that’s your preference.
Heat Seeker’s Delight: Add a diced jalapeño or two with the vegetables, or stir in some cayenne pepper with the other spices for extra kick.
Smoky Twist: Substitute one tablespoon of the chili powder with chipotle powder or add a tablespoon of adobo sauce from canned chipotles for a delicious smoky flavor.
Beer-Infused: Replace half the beef broth with a dark beer for added complexity and depth of flavor.

How to Make Slow Cooker Texas Chili

Step 1: Sear the Beef

Heat a large skillet over high heat until it’s really hot. Quickly sear the beef cubes on all sides until they develop a nice brown crust. This step builds incredible flavor and is absolutely worth the extra few minutes. Transfer the browned beef directly to your slow cooker.

Step 2: Add Vegetables and Liquids

Add the diced onion, red bell peppers, carrots, and celery to the slow cooker. Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, beef broth, diced tomatoes with their juices, green chiles, and tomato paste. Give everything a good stir to combine.

Step 3: Season the Mixture

Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and salt. Stir well to ensure the seasonings are evenly distributed throughout the mixture. This creates a consistent flavor profile in every bite.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours. This long, slow cooking process is what transforms tough beef into tender morsels and allows the flavors to meld beautifully.

Step 5: Thicken the Chili

About 30 minutes before serving, remove a small amount of liquid from the slow cooker and whisk it with cornstarch in a separate bowl until smooth. Pour this slurry back into the chili and stir well. Continue cooking for the remaining time to allow the chili to thicken to that perfect consistency.

Step 6: Finish and Serve

Just before serving, stir in the fresh lime juice to brighten all the flavors. Ladle the chili into bowls and let everyone customize their serving with their preferred toppings.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Don’t Skip the Sear: Browning the beef creates a rich flavor foundation that’s worth the extra step.
Uniform Cutting: Try to cut your beef cubes and vegetables in similar sizes for even cooking.
Low and Slow: Resist the temptation to cook on high. The low setting gives the meat time to become tender without drying out.
Season Twice: Taste and adjust seasonings before serving. Flavors mellow during slow cooking, so you might want to add a bit more salt or spice at the end.
Rest Before Serving: If you have time, let the finished chili sit with the heat off for 15 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to settle and deepen.

How to Serve

This hearty Texas chili stands perfectly on its own, but here are some fantastic serving suggestions:

Perfect Pairings:

Serve over rice or alongside freshly baked cornbread for soaking up all that delicious sauce
Add a simple side salad with a vinaigrette dressing to cut through the richness
Warm flour tortillas make great dippers and can even be used to make chili tacos

Topping Bar:

Set up a topping station with shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, sliced jalapeños, chopped onions, lime wedges, and fresh cilantro so everyone can customize their bowl.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store cooled chili in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. The flavors actually improve after a day or two as they continue to meld.

Freezing

This chili freezes beautifully! Portion it into freezer-safe containers, leaving about an inch of headspace, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with the date so you know when to use it.

Reheating

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen. Reheat on the stovetop over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally and adding a splash of beef broth if needed to reach desired consistency. You can also microwave in 2-minute intervals, stirring between each, until heated through.

FAQs

Can I use ground beef instead of chuck roast?

While you can use ground beef in a pinch, chuck roast cut into cubes gives you that authentic Texas chili texture and flavor. The meat becomes tender and develops a much richer flavor during the long cooking process. If you do use ground beef, reduce the cooking time to 4-6 hours on low.
Is this chili spicy?

This recipe has a mild to medium heat level that most people find enjoyable. The green chiles add flavor more than heat. If you’re sensitive to spice, you can reduce the chili powder. For heat lovers, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper to turn up the temperature.
Can I make this without a slow cooker?

Absolutely! For stovetop cooking, follow the same instructions but simmer in a heavy Dutch oven on low heat for about 3 hours, stirring occasionally. For oven cooking, bring everything to a simmer on the stovetop, then cover and place in a 325°F oven for 2.5-3 hours until the meat is tender.
Why isn’t there any garlic in this recipe?

There actually is garlic in the form of garlic powder, which distributes evenly throughout the chili. If you prefer fresh garlic, you can add 3-4 minced cloves when you add the vegetables. Both options provide that essential garlic flavor that makes chili so delicious.

Final Thoughts

This Slow Cooker Texas Chili brings together the best of comfort food with incredibly little effort. The rich, deeply seasoned sauce and tender beef chunks create a memorable meal that’s perfect for family dinners, game days, or anytime you need warming from the inside out. Give your future self the gift of coming home to this amazing aroma and a dinner that’s already waiting for you!