Hamdi Saidani This Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili is a smoky and tender recipe, which is made with beef chuck and chipotle chiles in adobo. It’s the perfect slow cooker meal, ready in about 4 to 8 hours.
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili Recipe Ingredients
- 6 slices thick-cut bacon, cut into 1/2-inch pieces
- 3 lb. boneless beef chuck, trimmed of any excess fat and cut into 1/2-inch cubes
- 2 onions, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, chopped
- 2 tsp. dried oregano
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
- 2 chipotle chiles in adobo, finely chopped, plus 2 tablespoons sauce from the can
- 2 Tbsp. packed dark brown sugar
- 4 cups low-sodium beef broth
- 2 tsp. kosher salt, plus more to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1/4 cup masa harina
- For Topping: Sour cream, sliced scallions, and corn chips
How To Make Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili
- Cook the Bacon: In a large high-sided pan or Dutch oven, cook the chopped bacon over medium-high heat for 6 to 8 minutes, until the fat has rendered and the bacon is beginning to brown. Use a slotted spoon to transfer the bacon to a paper towel-lined plate. Pour off the excess bacon fat, leaving a thin layer in the pan.
- Brown the Beef: Add the beef cubes to the pan and cook over medium-high heat, turning, for 6 to 8 minutes until they begin to brown. Remove the beef from the pan and set it aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: Add the onions and garlic to the pan and cook for 3 to 4 minutes, until they begin to soften. Stir in the oregano and cumin and cook for 1 more minute until fragrant. Pour in ¼ cup of water and use a wooden spoon to scrape up any browned bits from the bottom of the pan.
- Combine in Slow Cooker: Transfer the cooked bacon, beef, and the onion-spice mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker. Add the chopped chipotles and adobo sauce, brown sugar, and beef broth. Season with the salt and a few grinds of black pepper.
- Slow Cook the Chili: Cover the slow cooker and cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 8 hours, until the beef is tender.
- Thicken and Serve: In a small bowl, whisk the masa harina with ¼ cup of water until it forms a smooth paste. Stir this slurry into the finished chili. Taste and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve hot with sour cream, sliced scallions, and corn chips.
Recipe Tips
- How spicy is this chili? The heat comes from the chipotle chiles in adobo. Two chiles will give it a noticeable but not overwhelming smoky heat. For a milder chili, use just one chile. For a spicier version, add a third.
- Do I have to brown the beef first? While you can put the raw beef directly into the slow cooker, browning it first is a crucial step for developing a deep, rich, savory flavor. The caramelized crust on the beef adds a lot of complexity to the final dish.
- What does the masa harina do? Masa harina is a traditional thickening agent in chili. It not only thickens the chili to the perfect consistency but also adds a subtle, authentic corn flavor that complements the smoky chipotles.
- Can I prepare this ahead of time? Absolutely. Chili is a perfect make-ahead meal. In fact, the flavor is often even better the next day after the spices have had time to meld together.
What To Serve With Chipotle Beef Chili
This hearty chili is a complete meal, but it’s even better with classic toppings and sides:
- A dollop of sour cream, sliced scallions, and corn chips (as suggested)
- Shredded cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese
- Diced avocado or fresh cilantro
- Warm cornbread with honey butter
How To Store Chipotle Beef Chili
Store: Let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Freeze: This chili freezes beautifully. Let it cool, then transfer it to freezer-safe containers or bags. It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Chipotle Beef Chili Nutrition Facts
- Calories: ~500 kcal per serving
- Protein: 45g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Sugar: 8g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
What are chipotle chiles in adobo?
They are smoked and dried jalapeño peppers that are rehydrated and canned in a tangy, slightly sweet red sauce made from tomatoes, vinegar, and spices. You can find them in the international aisle of most grocery stores.
What is the best cut of meat for slow cooker chili?
Beef chuck roast is the ideal choice. It has a good amount of fat and connective tissue that breaks down during the long, slow cooking process, making the meat incredibly tender and flavorful.
Can I make this on the stovetop?
Yes. Follow all the browning and sautéing steps in a large Dutch oven. After adding the broth and seasonings, bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and cook for 2.5 to 3 hours, or until the beef is tender. Thicken with the masa harina slurry at the end.
Try More Pioneer Woman Recipes:
- Pioneer Woman Shredded Beef Tacos
- Pioneer Woman Creamed Chipped Beef
- Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Beef Enchilada Dip
Pioneer Woman Slow Cooker Chipotle Beef Chili Recipe
Description
A rich, smoky, and hearty slow cooker chili with incredibly tender chunks of beef, bacon, and a deep flavor from chipotle chiles in adobo sauce.
Ingredients
Instructions
- In a large pan, cook bacon until crisp; remove bacon, leaving a thin layer of fat.
- Brown the beef cubes in the bacon fat; remove and set aside.
- Sauté the onions and garlic. Stir in oregano and cumin. Deglaze the pan with a splash of water.
- Transfer the bacon, beef, and onion mixture to a 6-quart slow cooker.
- Stir in the chipotles, adobo sauce, brown sugar, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
- Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or on Low for 8 hours.
- Whisk masa harina with ¼ cup water to make a slurry, then stir it into the chili to thicken.
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings.
Notes
- u003cliu003eSearing the bacon and beef before slow cooking is a crucial step for developing deep, rich flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eMasa harina is a traditional thickener that also adds a subtle corn flavor.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eThis chili is even better the next day as the flavors have time to meld together.u003c/liu003eu003cliu003eAdjust the number of chipotle chiles to control the spice level.u003c/liu003e
