Slow Cooker Steak Chili is the kind of cozy, satisfying meal that fills your home with the most irresistible aroma and brings everyone to the table. Instead of using ground beef like traditional chili, this recipe elevates the classic by using real steak cut into hearty cubes that become incredibly tender as they simmer for hours. The slow cooker does all the work, blending smoky spices, tomatoes, peppers, beans, and broth into a bold, deep, complex chili that tastes like it cooked all day on the stove , without the effort.
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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tender steak instead of ground beef: The slow cooker transforms simple steak cubes into melt-in-your-mouth meat that tastes richer and heartier than classic chili.
• Thick, bold chili texture: Slow cooking allows the beans, tomatoes, spices, and aromatics to blend into a deeply flavorful, restaurant-quality chili.
• Easy prep with big payoff: Sear the meat, add everything to the slow cooker, and let it simmer all day , perfect for busy days, game nights, or cold weather.
• Flexible and customizable: Adjust the heat, swap beans, or boost smokiness , the base recipe works with your favorite toppings and add-ins.
• Make-ahead friendly: Tastes even better the next day and freezes beautifully.
Ingredients
• 2 lb steak (sirloin, chuck, or stew meat), cut into cubes
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for searing)
• 1 large onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 green pepper, diced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes
• 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 2 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
Recommended Tools
These tools make slow cooker recipes easier and help everything cook evenly.
6-Quart Crockpot – the perfect size for chicken, soups, roasts, and family meals.
Slow Cooker Liners – prevent sticking and make cleaning super easy.
Silicone Spoon Set – great for stirring without scratching the pot.
Measuring Cups & Spoons – helps you measure spices and liquids accurately.
Glass Storage Containers – perfect for storing leftovers safely.
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: SEAR THE STEAK
Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Add the steak cubes and sear for 2–3 minutes per side until browned. This step adds rich flavor and prevents the meat from becoming stringy in the slow cooker.
STEP 2: BUILD THE BASE
Transfer the seared steak to the slow cooker. Add the diced onion, garlic, green pepper, and red pepper on top.
STEP 3: ADD BEANS AND TOMATOES
Pour in the kidney beans, black beans, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato paste.
STEP 4: SEASON AND ADD LIQUIDS
Sprinkle in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, cayenne (optional), salt, and pepper. Pour in the beef broth and gently stir everything together.
STEP 5: SLOW COOK
Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours until the steak is tender and the chili has thickened.
STEP 6: TASTE AND SERVE
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Serve with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, jalapeños, cilantro, or corn chips.
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Cooking Notes
• Searing the steak is optional but highly recommended for richer flavor and better texture.
• If the chili is too thin at the end, remove the lid for the last 30 minutes to thicken.
• Using chuck steak gives the richest result because it becomes very tender.
• Always rinse canned beans to reduce excess salt and starchiness.
• Chili flavor improves after cooling , leftovers are even better the next day.
Variations
• Spicy Steak Chili: Add chipotle peppers in adobo or extra cayenne.
• Smoky Version: Add 1 teaspoon liquid smoke or fire-roasted tomatoes.
• Chunky Veggie Chili: Add corn, zucchini, or carrots.
• No-Bean Chili: Simply omit the beans for a Texas-style version.
• Beer-Infused Chili: Replace 1 cup of broth with a dark beer for deeper flavor.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve over rice, mashed potatoes, or cornbread.
• Top with cheese, sour cream, avocado, or chopped green onions.
• Add tortilla chips or Fritos for crunch.
• Pair with a fresh salad or warm dinner rolls.
Tips
• Cut steak cubes the same size so they cook evenly.
• Don’t skip tomato paste , it gives the chili body and richness.
• Add toppings right before serving so they stay fresh.
• Freeze leftovers flat in freezer bags for easy reheating.
• Taste at the end and add salt or spice as needed , slow cooking can mute flavors.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 7–8 hours on LOW or 4–5 hours on HIGH
• Total Time: About 8 hours
Nutritional Info (Approx.)
• Calories: 410
• Protein: 35g
• Carbohydrates: 32g
• Fat: 14g
• Fiber: 9g
• Sodium: 780mg
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak?
- Yes. Chuck, sirloin, and even round steak work well. Chuck will become the most tender because of its marbling.
Do I have to sear the meat first?
- You don’t have to, but searing makes a big difference. It creates a caramelized crust that adds depth and keeps the meat from tasting boiled.
Can I make this chili without beans?
- Yes, you can remove the beans completely. The recipe still turns out rich and hearty without them.
Why is my chili too thin?
- Some slow cookers create more condensation. Simply remove the lid for the last 30 minutes or stir in a spoon of tomato paste.
Can I freeze this?
- Absolutely. Steak chili freezes very well for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave.
Conclusion
Slow Cooker Steak Chili takes simple ingredients and transforms them into a bold, comforting, slow-simmered meal that is perfect for weeknights, gatherings, and cold weather. With deep flavor, tender beef, and flexible variations, this chili is a recipe you’ll make again and again.
