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Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili

Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili - recipe card
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This hearty slow cooker chili features tender beef chuck simmered in a rich, smoky tomato sauce with chipotle peppers, warm spices, and beans. The low-and-slow cooking method deepens the flavors, resulting in a thick, chunky chili that’s both satisfying and deeply comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 lb beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 tsp kosher salt, divided
  • 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 medium yellow onion, finely diced (about 1 cup)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced (plus 1 tbsp adobo sauce)
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp smoked paprika
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 can (14.5 oz) fire-roasted diced tomatoes, undrained
  • 1 can (15 oz) dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tbsp masa harina (optional, for thickening)
  • Optional garnishes: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, sliced jalapeños

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Pat the beef cubes dry with paper towels, then season with half of the kosher salt and the black pepper. Working in batches to avoid crowding, sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned on all sides. Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker insert as you work.
  2. Reduce the skillet heat to medium. Add the diced onion and remaining salt; cook for 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently, until the onion is translucent and starting to soften. Add the minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn the garlic.
  3. Stir the tomato paste into the onion mixture and cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly, until darkened and slightly caramelized. This step deepens the umami flavor of the chili.
  4. Add the minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, cumin, smoked paprika, and oregano to the skillet. Stir to combine and cook for 1 minute until spices are fragrant. This bloom step releases their essential oils and enhances the chili’s complexity.
  5. Pour the fire-roasted tomatoes into the skillet and scrape up any browned bits from the bottom with a wooden spoon. This deglazing captures all the flavor stuck to the pan, ensuring nothing goes to waste.
  6. Transfer the skillet mixture into the slow cooker over the seared beef. Add the drained kidney beans, beef broth, and bay leaf. Stir everything thoroughly to combine, ensuring the beef is submerged in the liquid.
  7. Cover the slow cooker and cook on low for 8 hours or on high for 4-5 hours. The chili is done when the beef is fork-tender and easily shreds apart. For best flavor, choose low and slow cooking.
  8. If the chili appears too thin after cooking, create a slurry by whisking 1 tablespoon of masa harina with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth. Stir the slurry into the chili and let it cook uncovered on high for an additional 15-20 minutes until thickened.
  9. Remove the bay leaf and discard. Taste the chili and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chipotle for extra heat. The level of spice can be tailored to your preference.
  10. Serve hot in bowls, topped with your choice of shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, fresh cilantro, or sliced jalapeños. The chili thickens upon cooling, and leftovers taste even better the next day.

Notes

Storage: Cool chili completely and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freezing: Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator. Reheating: Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, or in the microwave at 50% power in 1-minute intervals, stirring between, until heated through (165°F / 74°C). If reheating from frozen, cook on low in a saucepan with a splash of broth or water to loosen.

Nutrition

Keywords: slow cooker chili, chipotle beef chili, beef chili, chipotle chili, Pioneer Woman chili, crockpot chili, chili con carne, spicy chili, smoky chili, weekend dinner, game day chili, comfort food

Find it online: https://inspiredbypioneerwoman.com/pioneer-woman-slow-cooker-chipotle-beef-chili/