Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili with Smoked Beef Brisket
A hearty, slow-cooked chili infused with smoked beef brisket and bold Texas spices, perfect for a comforting meal. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 375 minutes pairs large, diced yellow onion, minced garlic cloves, ounces canned diced tomatoes for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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 pounds, cut into 1-inch cubes smoked beef brisket
- 1 large, diced yellow onion
- 4, minced garlic cloves
- 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes
- 15 ounces, drained and rinsed kidney beans
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small, seeded and diced jalapeño
Instructions
- Step 1: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sautéing for 4-5 minutes until translucent and fragrant.
- Step 2: Transfer the sautéed onion and garlic to a slow cooker along with 1.5 pounds of smoked beef brisket cut into 1-inch cubes, 14 ounces canned diced tomatoes, 15 ounces drained kidney beans, and 1 diced small jalapeño.
- Step 3: Add 2 cups beef broth, 2 tablespoons chili powder, 1 tablespoon ground cumin, 1 teaspoon smoked paprika, 1 teaspoon dried oregano, 1 teaspoon salt, and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper to the slow cooker. Stir well to combine.
- Step 4: Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours, or on high for 3-4 hours, until the brisket is tender and flavors meld together.
- Step 5: Before serving, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt or chili powder if desired. Serve hot with cornbread or tortilla chips.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili with Smoked Beef Brisket 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 Chili with Smoked Beef Brisket?
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 large, diced yellow onion from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Slow Cooker Texas-Style Chili with Smoked Beef Brisket?
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 Chili with Smoked Beef Brisket 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 Chili with Smoked Beef Brisket?
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.
