Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Chili is a timeless comfort food, and when prepared in a slow cooker, it becomes even more flavorful and effortless. This slow cooker chipotle beef chili takes the classic recipe to bold new heights with smoky chipotle peppers, tender slow-cooked beef, and a medley of beans and spices. The result is a hearty, satisfying dish with layers of heat and smokiness that build as the ingredients simmer for hours. Ideal for busy days, the slow cooker does all the work while you enjoy the incredible aroma filling your kitchen. Perfect for game day gatherings, cozy family dinners, or meal prep for the week, this chili is versatile and customizable. Whether enjoyed with cornbread, rice, or simply a sprinkle of cheese on top, this dish is guaranteed to become a favorite that delivers comfort and flavor in every spoonful.
Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili – Smoky, Hearty, and Flavor-Packed
- Total Time: 8 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Diet: Halal
Description
Smoky, spicy, and hearty slow cooker chipotle beef chili made with tender beef, beans, tomatoes, and bold seasonings — a perfect set-and-forget comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef chuck roast, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce (from chipotle can)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 teaspoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes until browned on all sides. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Add onion, bell pepper, and garlic to the skillet; cook until softened, about 5 minutes. Transfer to slow cooker.
- Stir in beans, diced tomatoes, tomato paste, chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, beef broth, and seasonings.
- Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or on high for 4–5 hours, until beef is tender.
- Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro.
Notes
- For extra heat, add an additional chipotle pepper or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- This chili tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
- Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or avocado for extra richness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-American
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
Ground Beef
Ground beef forms the hearty base of the chili. Its richness complements the smoky chipotle peppers and ensures a satisfying, protein-packed meal.
Chipotle Peppers in Adobo Sauce
These peppers provide the signature smoky heat of the chili. They infuse the dish with depth, complexity, and a touch of spiciness.
Onion
Onions add sweetness and aromatic depth, forming the foundation of the chili’s flavor profile.
Garlic
Garlic enhances the savory notes and balances the smokiness of the chipotle peppers.
Kidney Beans
Kidney beans contribute bulk and a creamy texture. Their mild flavor absorbs the spices beautifully.
Black Beans
Black beans add contrast in both texture and color, making the chili heartier and more satisfying.
Diced Tomatoes
Diced tomatoes bring brightness and acidity, cutting through the richness of the beef and beans.
Tomato Paste
Tomato paste deepens the tomato flavor, adding body and richness to the sauce.
Beef Broth
Beef broth ensures a luscious base while enhancing the meaty flavor of the chili.
Chili Powder
Chili powder provides warmth and classic chili flavor, harmonizing with the chipotle smokiness.
Cumin
Cumin adds earthy, nutty undertones that elevate the dish’s spice blend.
Paprika
Paprika introduces mild sweetness and enhances the chili’s color and depth.
Olive Oil
Olive oil is used to sauté the aromatics before slow cooking, boosting flavor.
Salt and Black Pepper
These essential seasonings balance and highlight all the flavors in the chili.
Directions
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the ground beef, cooking until browned and crumbly. Transfer the beef to the slow cooker, leaving behind excess fat if necessary.
In the same skillet, sauté onions until softened, then add garlic and cook briefly until fragrant. Stir in tomato paste and cook for 1–2 minutes to deepen its flavor. Transfer the onion mixture to the slow cooker.
Add kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chipotle peppers, beef broth, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or on high for 3–4 hours, allowing the flavors to meld together. Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.
Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or avocado slices. Pair with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips for a complete meal.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes about 6 servings, ideal for family meals or small gatherings. The total cooking time is 6–8 hours on low or 3–4 hours on high, with about 15 minutes of preparation time.
Storage/reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze in individual portions for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave until hot. Add a splash of broth or water if the chili thickens too much upon reheating.
Variations and Customizations
This slow cooker chili is incredibly versatile. For a leaner option, substitute ground beef with ground turkey or chicken. If you prefer more heat, add extra chipotle peppers or a dash of cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the number of chipotle peppers and balance with additional diced tomatoes.
Vegetarian chili lovers can replace beef with lentils or extra beans while using vegetable broth instead of beef broth. For added texture and nutrition, include vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, or corn.
If you enjoy a smoky twist, stir in a teaspoon of smoked paprika or a splash of liquid smoke. For an extra creamy finish, add a dollop of cream cheese or stir in shredded cheddar during the last 15 minutes of cooking.
Experimenting with toppings can also elevate the dish—try jalapeños, pickled onions, or crushed tortilla chips for crunch and added flavor. With its adaptability, this chipotle beef chili is a dish you can tailor to suit every palate.
FAQs
Can I make this chili without beans?
Yes, simply omit the beans and increase the amount of beef or vegetables for a bean-free version.
Can I use fresh chipotle peppers instead of canned?
Canned chipotle peppers in adobo are recommended for their smoky depth, but fresh peppers can be used if desired.
Can I prepare this recipe on the stovetop?
Yes, simmer the chili in a large pot for about 1–1.5 hours, stirring occasionally.
Is this chili spicy?
It has moderate heat from the chipotle peppers, but you can adjust spice levels to taste.
Can I freeze chipotle peppers I don’t use?
Yes, store leftover peppers and sauce in a freezer-safe container for future recipes.
What toppings go well with chipotle chili?
Shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, avocado, and tortilla chips are excellent choices.
How do I thicken the chili if it’s too watery?
Simmer uncovered for 15–20 minutes or stir in a slurry of cornstarch and water.
Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, chili tastes even better the next day after the flavors meld together.
What type of beef works best?
Ground beef with a little fat content (such as 80/20) adds richness, but lean beef also works.
Can I double this recipe for a crowd?
Yes, just ensure your slow cooker has enough capacity to hold the larger batch.
Conclusion
Slow cooker chipotle beef chili is a bold and flavorful twist on a classic comfort dish. With its smoky undertones, hearty beef, and tender beans, it’s a meal that satisfies on every level. The slow cooker makes it nearly effortless while ensuring that the flavors develop beautifully over time. Perfect for weeknight dinners, meal prepping, or feeding a crowd, this recipe is adaptable to suit all tastes. Serve it with your favorite toppings and sides, and enjoy a comforting, warming bowl that will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.
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