Slow Cooker Chili Colorado Recipe

Introduction

Slow Cooker Chili Colorado is a rich and hearty dish that offers deep, authentic flavors from dried chiles and tender beef stew meat. This comforting meal is perfect for slow cooking enthusiasts who love bold Mexican-inspired recipes with minimal hands-on time.

Ingredients

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 6 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
• 1 tsp sea salt (plus 1 tsp additional for beef)
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 small yellow onion (roughly chopped)
• 2 dried arbol chiles
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or neutral oil like canola)
• 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
• 3 lb beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring the beef broth to a boil in a pot, then add all dried chiles (guajillo, ancho, and arbol). Remove from heat and let the chiles steep for 10-15 minutes until softened.
2. Step 2: Remove the softened chiles with a slotted spoon, discard stems and seeds. Add the chiles, soaked broth, onion, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and 1 tsp salt to a blender. Blend on high until smooth, about 2-3 minutes. Strain the sauce through a fine strainer into a bowl, pressing to extract liquid and leaving the pulp behind.
3. Step 3: Toss beef chunks with gluten-free flour, remaining 1 tsp salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
4. Step 4: Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef for 2-3 minutes per side until deeply browned. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
5. Step 5: Transfer seared beef to the slow cooker. Pour the strained chile sauce over the beef, add bay leaves, and stir to combine.
6. Step 6: Cover and cook on High for 4 hours or Low for 8 hours until meat is tender and flavors are well blended.

Tips & Variations

• For extra depth, toast the dried chiles lightly before soaking to enhance their smoky flavor.
• Use Mexican oregano for a more authentic taste, but regular oregano works in a pinch.
• Swap avocado oil for any neutral oil if preferred.
• Add beans or diced tomatoes for variation, though traditional Chili Colorado is usually just beef and chile sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in a microwave until warmed through. This chili also freezes well for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make this chili without a slow cooker?

Yes, you can simmer the chili in a heavy pot over low heat for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and flavors meld.

How spicy is Chili Colorado?

The dried arbol chiles add noticeable heat, but you can adjust spiciness by using fewer or more arbol chiles based on your preference.

Slow Cooker Chili Colorado Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 145 reviews

This Slow Cooker Chili Colorado is an authentic and deeply flavorful Mexican stew featuring tender beef chunks simmered in a rich, smooth red chile sauce made from a blend of dried guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles. Slow-cooked to perfection, this hearty dish captures the essence of traditional Colorado red chile with a silky texture and robust spices, perfect for a comforting meal.

• Author: Lisa
• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 4 hours (High) or 8 hours (Low)
• Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes (High) or 8 hours 20 minutes (Low)
• Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Slow Cooking
• Cuisine: Mexican
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

For the Chile Sauce:

• 4 cups beef broth
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 6 dried guajillo chiles
• 2 dried ancho chiles
• 2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tsp garlic powder
• 1 small yellow onion (roughly chopped)
• 2 dried arbol chiles

For the Beef:

• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil like canola)
• 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour (for coating)
• 3 lb beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch chunks)
• 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
• 2 bay leaves

Instructions

1. Hydrate the Chiles: Bring the beef broth to a boil in a pot. Add the dried guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles, then remove from heat and let them steep for 10-15 minutes until softened and infused with the broth’s flavor. This step is vital for developing the deep, complex chili flavors and making the chiles easier to blend smoothly.
2. Prepare the Chile Sauce: Remove the softened chiles with a slotted spoon, discard stems and seeds. In a blender, combine the soaked chiles, broth, chopped onion, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of sea salt. Blend on high for 2-3 minutes until completely smooth. Strain the sauce through a fine sieve into a bowl, pressing gently to extract maximum liquid while leaving behind the pulp. This ensures a silky, authentic chili sauce.
3. Coat and Sear the Beef: Toss the beef stew meat with gluten-free flour, remaining 1 teaspoon sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper in a bowl until evenly coated. Heat avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. In batches, sear the beef chunks for 2-3 minutes on each side until deeply browned, building rich flavor. Transfer browned beef to a plate.
4. Combine and Slow Cook: Transfer the seared beef to a slow cooker. Pour the strained chile sauce over the beef and stir well. Add the bay leaves and stir again. Cover and cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours until the meat is tender and flavors meld beautifully. Slow cooking allows the dish to develop a profound depth of flavor and tender texture.

Notes

• Straining the chile sauce provides a silky texture characteristic of authentic chili colorado.
• Searing the beef before slow cooking enhances flavor through caramelization but does not fully cook the meat.
• Choose the low setting if time permits for more tender meat and developed spices.
• Use gluten-free flour to keep the dish gluten-free.
• Adjust the number of arbol chiles to control the heat level.

Keywords: Slow Cooker Chili Colorado, Mexican Chili, Beef Chile, Authentic Chili Colorado, Gluten-Free Chili, Slow Cooker Recipe, Red Chile Sauce