Prepare to embark on a mouthwatering culinary journey that will transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary feast! Our Slow Cooked Chilli Beef recipe is the ultimate comfort food that promises to tantalize your taste buds and fill your home with an irresistible aroma. Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef infused with rich, bold spices that will have your family and friends begging for seconds. This Mexican-inspired dish is not just a meal – it's a flavor explosion that combines the perfect balance of hearty beef, aromatic spices, and comforting slow-cooked goodness.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 15 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into cubes
- 1 onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans diced tomatoes
- 1 can kidney beans, drained
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by trimming any excess fat and cutting chuck into 1-inch uniform cubes. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper browning.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, chili powder, and cumin. Ensure each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a small amount of oil and brown the beef cubes in batches, creating a rich caramelized exterior. Transfer browned meat to slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté chopped onions and minced garlic until softened and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water to capture all the flavorful browned bits.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef. Pour in diced tomatoes and drained kidney beans.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 7-8 hours until the beef is extremely tender and can be easily shredded with a fork.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or chili powder as needed before serving.
- Serve hot with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips
- Pat the beef dry before browning to ensure a perfect caramelized exterior that locks in maximum flavor.
- Brown the meat in batches to avoid overcrowding the pan, which can prevent proper caramelization.
- Don't skip the deglazing step – those browned bits at the bottom of the skillet are packed with incredible flavor.
- Use chuck beef for the most tender and flavorful results, as its marbling breaks down beautifully during slow cooking.
- For an extra depth of flavor, toast your spices in the pan for 30 seconds before adding to the meat.
- If you like a thicker chili, you can remove the lid during the last hour of cooking to reduce the sauce.
- This dish tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance.
- Experiment with garnishes like fresh cilantro, a dollop of sour cream, or a sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese to customize your dish.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 420kcal
Carbohydrates: 15g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 22g
Saturated Fat: 8g
Cholesterol: 120mg
