Are you ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary experience? This Slow Cooker Chili Beef Stew is not just a meal—it's a warm hug in a bowl that promises to transport you to flavor paradise! Imagine tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef simmered to perfection with rich, hearty vegetables and a robust chili-infused broth that will have your entire family begging for seconds. Whether you're a busy professional, a home cook looking for hassle-free meals, or simply craving a comforting dish that requires minimal effort, this recipe is your ultimate weeknight dinner solution.
Prep Time: 20 mins
Cook Time: 8 hrs
Total Time: 8 hrs 20 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 6 servings
Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef stew meat, cubed
- 4 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained
- 2 cups carrots, sliced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tsp chili powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the beef by patting the stew meat dry with paper towels. This helps ensure better browning and flavor development.
- Season the beef cubes generously with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of chili powder. Toss to coat evenly.
- Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add a tablespoon of oil. Brown the beef cubes in batches, ensuring each piece develops a deep golden-brown crust. This step adds rich flavor to the stew.
- Transfer the browned beef to the slow cooker.
- In the same skillet, sauté the chopped onions and minced garlic until the onions become translucent and fragrant, about 2-3 minutes.
- Add the sautéed onions and garlic to the slow cooker with the beef.
- Pour in the beef broth, diced tomatoes, remaining chili powder, sliced carrots, and drained kidney beans.
- Stir all ingredients to combine thoroughly, ensuring the meat and vegetables are well distributed.
- Cover the slow cooker and set to low heat. Cook for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld together.
- After 8 hours, taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot in bowls, optionally garnished with fresh chopped parsley or a dollop of sour cream.
Tips
- Meat Preparation is Key: Always pat your beef dry before seasoning and browning. This crucial step ensures a beautiful golden crust and locks in maximum flavor.
- Don't Skip the Browning: Taking time to brown the meat in batches creates a deep, rich flavor base that slow cooking will further enhance.
- Layer Your Flavors: Sautéing onions and garlic before adding them to the slow cooker releases their natural sweetness and adds depth to the overall dish.
- Low and Slow is the Way to Go: Cooking on low heat for 8 hours allows the beef to become incredibly tender and lets all the spices and ingredients meld together perfectly.
- Customize Your Stew: Feel free to adjust the chili powder to match your spice preference. You can also add additional vegetables like bell peppers or swap kidney beans for black beans.
- Make-Ahead Friendly: This stew tastes even better the next day, so don't hesitate to make it in advance. The flavors will continue to develop overnight.
- Garnish Options: Elevate your stew with fresh toppings like chopped parsley, a dollop of sour cream, shredded cheese, or sliced green onions for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 333kcal
Carbohydrates: 18g
Protein: 38g
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 6g
Cholesterol: 63mg
