Cowboy Slow Cooker Chili
The best part of my cowboy slow cooker chili is the time it gives back to me to spend with those I love. Now that my kids are grown, I treasure recipes where I can enjoy my company without spending time in the kitchen, missing out on little moments.
What kind of meat is best in slow-cooker chili? Steak and venison are both great choices.
This recipe is a family favorite and is a big hit with my husband, Billy. My original recipe calls for steak, but my husband is an avid hunter so our freezer is always stocked with venison. Venison is extremely lean and it lends itself well to a slow cooker so sometimes I sub it in for the steak. You can use any meat you choose for chili, really. I like to save the bacon fat in this recipe and use it to sear the rest of the meat for a rich, fatty flavor.
Chili is a classic game day treat. Yum!
It can be cold in the Midwest, so this recipe hits the spot when we’re gathered in the winter months too. I love how easy it is to set the slow cooker out on the table, keeping it plugged in and warm, while my guests self-serve what they want. Making this in the slow cooker is amazing because it allows you to make the chili in advance—even the night before—so you can feed the ones you love something hearty and warm while keeping up with all of the action!
I like to add a spread of different toppings around the slow cooker, too—things like bacon bits, diced avocado, jalapeños, green onions, cheese, and sour cream—so my guests can dress up their bowl however they like. Chili is also great with chips, bread, or crackers on the side for a classic dippable experience!
I personally love to serve this recipe with my Traditional Homemade Cornbread Muffins . The sweetness of cornbread with the richness of the chili is one of the coziest combinations!
More Game-day Recipes
Cowboy Slow Cooker Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 8 pieces of bacon cut into ¼-inch pieces
- 2 pounds sirloin steak or venison, cut into 2-inch cubes
- 2 teaspoons salt
- ½ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 cup yellow or white onion, finely diced
- ¾ cup diced green pepper
- 4 garlic cloves, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 (5.5 ounce) can tomato paste
- 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14 ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- Reserved bacon
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour Cream
- Diced avocado
- Sliced jalapeño peppers
- Chopped green onions
- Tortilla chips or strips
- Rustic Italian bread or Mary’s Traditional Homemade Cornbread Muffins Recipe
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven or heavy skillet, cook the bacon until crisp. Remove the bacon and place on a paper towel-lined plate. Set aside for chili garnish. Remove all but 2 tablespoons of bacon fat. Reserve the bacon fat in case you need a little more while searing the meat and sautéing the vegetables.
- Now start preparing the meat. Cut the meat into 2-inch pieces and pat the pieces dry using a paper towel.
- Using the same Dutch oven or heavy skillet used for the bacon, heat the 2 tablespoons of bacon fat on medium-high heat. Working in batches, sear the meat for 1 to 2 minutes on each side to brown. If needed, feel free to add a little more of the bacon fat. As you cook the meat, remove the pieces after browning and transfer them to your slow cooker.
- Reduce the heat and add the onion and green peppers. Cook the vegetables until softened, stirring now and then. This will take about 3 to 4 minutes. Now add the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add the brown sugar, spices, and tomato paste, and stir to combine. Now, add the crushed tomatoes and tomato sauce. Reduce the heat and simmer for 3 minutes.
- Transfer the tomato mixture into the slow cooker over the meat. Stir in the beans and beef broth. Gently stir to make sure all the meat is nicely coated with sauce.
- Cover the slow cooker and turn to high heat for 3 to 4 hours or low heat for 6 to 8 hours. Serve with the optional toppings!
