If you are looking for a hearty, flavorful meal that practically cooks itself, the Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe is a game changer. This dish combines tender, juicy chunks of chuck roast simmered to perfection with a rich blend of spices, beans, and tomato goodness. It’s comfort food at its finest, delivering layers of smoky heat and savory warmth with every bite. Whether you’re cooking for family or friends, this recipe promises an effortless way to indulge in a robust chili that’s sure to become a new favorite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe lies in its straightforward, wholesome ingredients that each play a vital role in bringing depth, texture, and color to the chili. From the hearty chuck roast to the spicy chipotle peppers, every item contributes to that unforgettable taste you’re craving.
- Chuck roast (2½ to 3 pounds): Choose a well-marbled cut for maximum tenderness and flavor after slow cooking.
- White onions (2, diced): Add natural sweetness and texture that balance the spice.
- Dark kidney beans (2 15oz cans, drained): Provide hearty substance and that classic chili mouthfeel.
- Tomato sauce (15oz can): Offers a rich, smooth base that ties the chili together.
- Tomato paste (6oz can): Intensifies the tomato flavor and adds thickness.
- Chopped green chilies (4.5oz can): Bring a mild or spicy pop depending on your preference.
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (2, chopped): Infuse the chili with smoky heat and complexity.
- Chili powder (2 tablespoons): The essential spice mix for warmth and depth.
- Ground cumin (1 tablespoon): Adds earthiness and subtle spice.
- Dried oregano (1 teaspoon): Introduces herbal notes to round out the flavor.
- Kosher salt (1 teaspoon): Enhances all the natural flavors in the chili.
- Worcestershire sauce (2 tablespoons): Gives umami richness and a slight tang.
- Brown sugar (1 tablespoon): Balances acidity with a light sweetness.
- Bay leaf (1): Adds subtle herbal undertones during cooking.
- Garlic (5 cloves, minced): Imparts aromatic warmth and savory depth.
How to Make Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chuck Roast
Start by cutting your chuck roast into roughly 3-inch cubes. This size ensures that as it cooks low and slow, the meat becomes tender but still holds together beautifully. Place these sizable chunks directly into your slow cooker to begin building the flavor foundation.
Step 2: Add the Flavorful Ingredients
Now it’s time to gather all the vibrant ingredients that make this chili unforgettable. Add the diced white onions, drained dark kidney beans, tomato sauce, and tomato paste to the slow cooker. Toss in the chopped green chilies and chipotle peppers for a smoky kick. Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, kosher salt, and a bay leaf to layer the spices evenly. Don’t forget the Worcestershire sauce and brown sugar — these two ingredients bring a beautiful balance of savory depth and just a touch of sweetness. Finally, stir in the minced garlic to round out the robust flavor profile.
Step 3: Slow Cook to Perfection
Cover your slow cooker and set it to low for 6 to 7 hours. This slow simmer allows the chuck roast to become incredibly tender while the spices meld together beautifully. The long cooking time enriches the chili’s texture and flavor, making it hearty and satisfying.
Step 4: Shred the Meat
When cooking is complete, carefully remove the chunks of chuck roast from the pot. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks, then stir it back into the chili. This step ensures every spoonful has tender, flavorful meat soaked in the spicy sauce.
Step 5: Get Ready to Serve
Your Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe is now ready to enjoy. Ladle it into bowls and prepare your favorite toppings for a personalized touch and added texture.
How to Serve Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe
Garnishes
Toppings are what take this chili from delicious to unforgettable. Think shredded sharp cheddar cheese, a dollop of cool sour cream, and diced green onions for freshness. For some added crunch and heat, sprinkle crushed tortilla chips or sliced jalapeños. Each garnish adds a delightful contrast to the rich, slow-cooked chili.
Side Dishes
To round out your meal, serve your chili with classic sides like cornbread or warm flour tortillas. A fresh green salad with a tangy vinaigrette can provide a refreshing counterpoint, balancing the richness and spice of the chili perfectly.
Creative Ways to Present
Thinking beyond the bowl? Use the chili as a filling for stuffed baked potatoes or as a topping on nachos for a fun twist. It’s also amazing over rice or even spooned into crispy taco shells for a quick chili taco night that everyone will love.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover chili keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. As the flavors meld further, your Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe actually tastes even better the next day!
Freezing
This chili freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags and freeze for up to 3 months. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the chili gently in a saucepan over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking. Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe dish, covering loosely and heating in 1-2 minute intervals until hot throughout.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this chili?
Absolutely! While chuck roast is ideal for its rich marbling and tenderness after slow cooking, you can experiment with brisket or even stew meat. Just keep in mind that cooking times and texture might vary slightly.
How spicy is this chili?
The heat level depends largely on the chipotle peppers and chopped green chilies you use. For a milder chili, choose mild green chilies and reduce the amount of chipotles or even omit them. To ramp up the spice, add more chipotle or fresh chilies.
Can I make this Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe in an Instant Pot?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for an Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the meat (optional), then pressure cooking on high for about 45 minutes, followed by a natural release. The results are similar, though the flavors develop a bit differently compared to slow cooking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free. Just make sure your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free as some brands contain wheat.
What toppings do you recommend for this chili?
Classic toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, and green onions are fantastic. For extra texture, add crushed tortilla chips or diced avocado. You can get creative with whatever you love on your chili!
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about pulling together a Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe that fills your home with inviting aromas and ends with a bowl full of rich, meaty goodness. It’s perfect for busy days when you want comfort without fuss, and the flavor makes it worth every easy step. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and see how it becomes your go-to chili recipe for gatherings or cozy nights in.
Print
Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 7 hours
- Total Time: 7 hours 10 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooking
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Slow Cooker Chuck Roast Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for cozy meals. Tender chuck roast is slow-cooked with kidney beans, tomatoes, chilies, and a blend of spices to create a rich and satisfying chili that’s easy to prepare and sure to please a crowd.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2½ to 3 pound chuck roast
- 2 white onions, diced
- 2 (15 oz) cans dark kidney beans, drained
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can tomato paste
- 4.5 oz chopped green chilies, mild or hot
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 bay leaf
- 5 cloves garlic, minced
Instructions
- Prepare the Chuck Roast: Cut the chuck roast into approximately 3-inch cubes, yielding about 6 pieces. Place the pieces into the slow cooker.
- Add the Remaining Ingredients: Add the diced onions, drained kidney beans, tomato sauce, tomato paste, chopped green chilies, chopped chipotle peppers, chili powder, cumin, oregano, salt, Worcestershire sauce, brown sugar, bay leaf, and minced garlic on top of the chuck roast in the slow cooker. Mix gently to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on the low setting for 6 to 7 hours, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
- Shred the Meat: Before serving, remove the chuck roast pieces from the chili. Shred the meat into bite-sized pieces using two forks. Return the shredded meat to the slow cooker and stir it back into the chili for even distribution.
- Serve: Serve the chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped onions, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- You can adjust the level of heat by choosing mild or hot green chilies and by adding more or fewer chipotle peppers.
- For a thicker chili, cook uncovered for the last 30 minutes to reduce excess liquid.
- This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors continue to develop.
- Serve with cornbread or over rice for a complete meal.
- Leftovers can be refrigerated for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months.
