Slow Cooker Steak Chili: A Hearty, Comforting Classic

If you’re craving a rich, hearty meal with minimal effort, Slow Cooker Steak Chili is the ultimate comfort food. Perfect for chilly evenings, game days, or a crowd-pleasing weeknight dinner, this recipe combines tender steak, savory beans, and bold spices, all simmered to perfection in your slow cooker.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Tender Steak: Slow cooking transforms steak cubes into melt-in-your-mouth perfection.
• Rich Flavors: Layers of chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and garlic create deep, savory complexity.
• Minimal Effort: Toss ingredients in the slow cooker and let it work its magic.
• Versatile: Serve over rice, with cornbread, or even atop baked potatoes for a complete meal.

Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck steak, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion, diced
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil (for browning, optional)
• Garnish: shredded cheddar, sour cream, chopped green onions, fresh cilantro

Instructions

1. Prep Ingredients: Dice onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cube the steak into 1-inch pieces.
2. Optional Browning: In a large skillet over medium-high heat, heat olive oil and sear steak cubes until browned on all sides. This adds extra flavor but can be skipped.
3. Layer Ingredients in Slow Cooker: Add steak, onions, garlic, bell peppers, diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, tomato paste, and all spices. Stir to combine.
4. Cook: Cover and cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours, until the steak is tender and the flavors are well blended.
5. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and add salt, pepper, or extra chili powder as desired.
6. Serve: Ladle chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro. Pair with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice.

Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Steak Chili

• Choosing the Right Cut: Beef chuck or stew meat works best for slow cooking as it becomes tender without drying out.
• Beans: For a creamier chili, mash a portion of the beans before adding to the slow cooker.
• Spice Adjustments: Adjust cayenne pepper and chili powder based on your heat preference.
• Make Ahead: Chili tastes even better the next day. Store in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze for longer storage.

Variations

• Smoky Chipotle Chili: Add 1–2 chopped chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky, spicy kick.
• Vegetable-Packed Chili: Include zucchini, corn, or carrots for extra nutrition.
• Cheesy Chili: Stir in a handful of shredded cheddar or pepper jack just before serving for creamy richness.

Fun Fact

Chili has a storied history in the U.S., originating from Tex-Mex roots. While traditional chili recipes focus on beef and chili peppers, modern variations like this steak chili combine comfort and convenience while honoring classic flavors.

Slow Cooker Steak Chili

A hearty, flavorful slow cooker chili with tender steak, beans, and bold spices, perfect for weeknight dinners or game day.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 20 minutes mins

Cook Time 7 hours hrs

Total Time 7 hours hrs 20 minutes mins

Servings: 6 servings

Course: Dinner

Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Calories: 380

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 lbs beef chuck steak cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 large onion diced
• 3 cloves garlic minced
• 1 red bell pepper diced
• 1 green bell pepper diced
• 14.5 oz diced tomatoes canned
• 15 oz red kidney beans drained and rinsed
• 15 oz black beans drained and rinsed
• 1 cup beef broth
• 2 tbsp tomato paste
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tsp cumin
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil for browning, optional

Equipment

• Slow cooker
• Mixing bowls
• Skillet (optional)

Method

 

1. Dice onions, bell peppers, and garlic. Cube steak into 1-inch pieces.
2. Optional: In a skillet, sear steak cubes until browned on all sides.
3. Add steak, onions, garlic, bell peppers, tomatoes, beans, broth, tomato paste, and spices into slow cooker. Stir to combine.
4. Cook on low for 7–8 hours or high for 4–5 hours until steak is tender.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or extra chili powder.
6. Serve hot, garnished with cheddar, sour cream, green onions, and cilantro.

Notes

Chili is even better the next day. Can be frozen for longer storage.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve over steamed white or brown rice.
• Pair with cornbread or warm flour tortillas.
• Top with avocado slices for creaminess.
• Perfect for game day or meal prep for the week.