Slow Cooker Texas-Style Beef Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A rich and hearty beef chili slow-cooked with bold Texan spices, perfect for a comforting dinner or game day feast. This american-inspired beef ready in about 375 minutes pairs ground beef, medium, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 480 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 360 min Serves 6 American cuisine 480 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 medium diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 3-4 minutes until fragrant and translucent.
  2. Step 2: Add 1.5 lbs ground beef and 1 small finely chopped jalapeño (if using) to the skillet. Cook, breaking up the beef with a spoon, until browned and no longer pink, about 7-8 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Transfer the beef mixture to a slow cooker. Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes, 1 can (8 oz) tomato sauce, 1 cup beef broth, 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, 1 can (15 oz) black beans, 3 tbsp chili powder, 2 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Stir well to combine all ingredients, cover, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until flavors meld and chili thickens.
  5. Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving with your favorite toppings such as shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Slow Cooker Texas-Style Beef Chili 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili?

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 ground beef from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Texas-Style Beef Chili?

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 Texas-Style Beef Chili 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 Texas-Style Beef Chili?

American beef 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.

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