Slow Cooker Detroit-Style Chili with Smoked Beef
A hearty slow-cooked chili inspired by Detroit’s robust meat culture, combining smoked beef, beans, and a rich tomato base for deep flavor. This American-inspired slow-cooker recipe, ready in about 375 minutes, pairs smoked beef brisket, diced, kidney beans, drained and rinsed, black beans, drained and rinsed for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lbs smoked beef brisket, diced
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 medium yellow onion, diced
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 medium green bell pepper, diced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
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Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion, 4 minced garlic cloves, and 1 medium diced green bell pepper; sauté for 5 minutes until softened and aromatic.
- Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs diced smoked beef brisket to the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the edges start to brown.
- Step 3: Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker and add 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) drained black beans, 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 2 tbsp tomato paste, 2 cups beef broth, 2 tbsp chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper.
- Step 4: Stir everything together until well combined. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the chili thickens and the flavors meld.
- Step 5: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili powder if desired.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Detroit-Style Chili with Smoked Beef take to make?
Total time is about 375 minutes (15 min prep + 360 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Slow Cooker Detroit-Style Chili with Smoked Beef?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep smoked beef brisket, diced from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Detroit-Style Chili with Smoked Beef?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Slow Cooker Detroit-Style Chili with Smoked Beef for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Slow Cooker Detroit-Style Chili with Smoked Beef?
American slow cooker like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
