Dinner

Slow Cooker Texas Style Chili Recipe

Bylilan Sage February 11, 2026February 11, 2026

Introduction

This Slow Cooker Texas Style Chili is a hearty and flavorful dish perfect for any chilly day. With tender chunks of beef simmered in a rich tomato and chili sauce, it delivers authentic Texas taste with minimal effort. Gather your ingredients and let your slow cooker do the work for a delicious meal.

The image shows a white bowl filled with dark red chili that has visible chunks of shredded beef mixed throughout. On the top right side of the chili, there is a pile of bright orange shredded cheddar cheese, and next to it, a dollop of white sour cream with small green slices of chopped scallions sprinkled on top and around the bowl. A woman's hand with red-painted nails holds a piece of golden yellow cornbread, partially dipping it into the chili from the right side. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with a dark cloth napkin beside it, and there are other small white bowls nearby containing more chopped scallions and other chili servings. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1-2 tablespoons avocado or vegetable oil
2 1/2 to 3 pounds beef chuck roast, fat trimmed, cut into 3-inch cubes
2 1/2 teaspoons salt (1 teaspoon per pound of meat, more to taste)
1 yellow onion, finely diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon brown sugar
1 tablespoon cumin
1/4 cup chili powder
Two 4.5-ounce cans green chiles
One 14-ounce can crushed fire roasted tomatoes
Green onions (for garnish)
Sour cream (for serving)
Cheddar cheese (for serving)
Chips or cornbread (for serving)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep everything by chopping the onion and garlic and measuring out all spices and canned ingredients so they are ready to use.
Step 2: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over high heat. Toss the beef cubes with salt, then add them to the pot. Cook the beef undisturbed for a few minutes on each side until nicely browned. You may need to do this in batches. Remove the browned beef and transfer it to the slow cooker.
Step 3: Add the onions and garlic to the same pot, adding a bit more oil if needed. Sauté until the onions are golden and softened, which will help loosen those flavorful browned bits from the bottom.
Step 4: Stir in the brown sugar, cumin, and chili powder. Sauté for 3-5 minutes until the mixture is fragrant.
Step 5: Add the green chiles and crushed fire roasted tomatoes to the pot. Simmer for 3-5 minutes until bubbly and combined.
Step 6: Pour this tomato mixture into the slow cooker over the browned beef. Gently stir to ensure the beef is well coated with the sauce.
Step 7: Cook on high for about 4 hours or on low for about 8 hours until the beef is tender.
Step 8: Shred the beef into large chunks directly in the slow cooker. Adjust seasoning with more salt if needed.
Step 9: Serve topped with sour cream, shredded cheddar cheese, and green onions. Accompany with chips or cornbread for a complete meal.

Tips & Variations

For extra depth, add a splash of beer or beef broth when simmering the tomatoes and chiles.
Use smoked paprika or chipotle powder to increase the smoky flavor.
Substitute ground beef if you prefer a quicker version, browning and cooking similarly.
Garnish with jalapeños or fresh cilantro for added freshness and heat.

Storage

Store leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of water or broth if the chili has thickened too much. For longer storage, freeze the chili for up to 3 months and thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

How to Serve

A white slow cooker filled with a thick, dark reddish-brown stew, with pieces of tender shredded meat visible in the center. Two silver forks are placed inside the slow cooker, slightly pulling apart the meat, showing its soft texture. The edges of the slow cooker have some cooked sauce stuck to them, giving a rich, hearty feel. The background is a white marbled texture. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chili in a heavy pot or Dutch oven over low heat for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender.

How spicy is this Texas Style Chili?

This recipe offers a mild to moderate heat level with the green chiles and chili powder. You can adjust the spiciness by adding more chili powder, fresh jalapeños, or hot sauce according to your taste.