Texas-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Chili

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

A hearty, smoky chili with tender beef, kidney beans, and a kick of cayenne, perfect for cold nights. This american-inspired slow cooker ready in about 70 minutes pairs ground beef, onion, garlic for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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.

★ 4.2 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 50 min Serves 6 American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Brown 1 lb ground beef in a large pot over medium heat, breaking it into crumbles, then add 1 chopped medium onion and 3 minced garlic cloves; cook for 5 minutes until onion is translucent.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 14.5 oz diced tomatoes, 15 oz kidney beans (drained), 1 cup beef broth, 1 tbsp cumin, 1/2 tsp cayenne, and 2 tbsp chili powder; bring to a simmer.
  3. Step 3: Reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  4. Step 4: Mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 2 tbsp cold water, then stir into chili; cook uncovered for 5 minutes until sauce thickens to desired consistency.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Texas-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Chili take to make?

Total time is about 70 minutes (20 min prep + 50 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 Texas-Style Slow-Cooked 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 Texas-Style Slow-Cooked 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 Texas-Style Slow-Cooked 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 Texas-Style Slow-Cooked Beef Chili?

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.

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