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Slow Cooker Texas Chili

Servings: 6

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds stew meat
  • 2 teaspoons kosher salt
  • 2 tablespoons canola oil
  • 1 tablespoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 medium onion, diced
  • 1 cup lager beer
  • 1 1/2 cups low-sodium beef stock
  • 1 beef bouillon cube
  • 1 14.5 ounce canned tomatoes
  • 5 corn tortillas, cut into pieces
  • 1 serrano, or jalapeno pepper, seeded chopped
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground cloves
  • 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder

Instructions

  • 30 minutes before cooking, evenly distribute 1 teaspoon of salt over the stew meat.
  • When ready to cook, add 1 tablespoon of canola oil to a large skillet. Heat over high heat. Once the oil is shimmering add half of the stew meat. Brown the meat in the canola oil, about 2 minutes per side. Remove the meat and place into a warm slow cooker. Repeat this step for the second batch of the stew meat.
  • Lower the temperature to medium and add tomato paste and onions. Sautee until browned, about 1 minute. Add the beef stock, beer, tomatoes, bouillon cube and tortilla pieces. Scrape up any brown bits stuck to the bottom of the pan. Let simmer for about 3-5 minutes. Remove from the heat and cool for 5 minutes.
  • Add the mixture to a blender or food processor and puree until it is a thick and smooth consistency.
  • Pour the tomato mixture into the slow cooker covering the meat. Add the cumin, garlic, chili powder, 1 teaspoon salt and oregano to the mixture. Stir well. Cover and cook 6-7 hours on high or 9-10 hours on low.
  • Serve warm with cilantro and sour cream.

Notes

The addition of a tomato and corn tortilla puree comes from America’s Test Kitchen, The Complete Slow Cooker. This step is brilliant because it not only creates a thickening agent for the chili but it also adds a layer of texture to the chili.