Fall-Apart Tender Slowly Braised Beef Chili
Best enjoyed alongside cornbread with all the fixings – guacamole, cheese, tortilla chips, and more! – for the perfect rich and comforting dinner. Stovetop recipe with oven-braised, slow cooker/Crockpot and Instant Pot directions provided. Make-ahead and meal prep-friendly.
Ingredients
- 3 tbspolive oil or high smoke point vegetable oil of choice
divided
- 2 lbstew meat or beef chuck
- 2 mediumyellow onions
- 2 mediumbell peppers or poblano peppers
- 2 mediumjalapenos
deseeded
- 6 clovegarlic
- ¼ ctomato paste
- 2 tbspchili powder
- 2 tbspground cumin
- 1 tbsporegano
- 1 tbspsmoked paprika
- 1 tspgarlic powder
- ½ tspground cinnamon
- 1 tbspapple cider vinegar
- 1 tbsppure maple syrup
- 1 tbspWorcestershire sauce
- 28 ozfire-roasted tomatoes with their juices
- 8 oztomato sauce
- 215-ounce cans beans of choice
two
- 1 ½2 cups beef stock or beer of choice
- kosher salt and ground black pepper
to season
Directions
- 1
Add 2 tablespoons of the olive oil to a large, heavy-bottomed pot with a tight fitting lid over medium-high heat (I use a 5-qt Dutch oven). Use paper towel to pat the surface of the beef as dry as possible, then season generously with about 2 teaspoons kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired. Once the oil in the pot is shimmering hot, carefully add in the seasoned beef – work in batches as needed to avoid overcrowding the pot. Cook 2-3 minutes per side, until nicely browned. Transfer the browned beef to a plate and set aside.
- 2
If needed, add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil to the same pot used to brown the beef. Once the oil is hot and shimmering, add in the yellow onions, bell/poblano peppers, and jalapenos, seasoning with 1 teaspoon kosher salt and ground black pepper as desired. Stir to combine. Cook, stirring occasionally, until softened and fragrant, about 5 minutes. Once softened, add the garlic and tomato paste to the pot, stirring to coat the veggies. Cook until fragrant and browned, about 2-3 minutes longer.
- 3
Nestle the browned beef from Step 1 into the vegetables, then add all remaining ingredients into the pot – the chili spices, apple cider vinegar, pure maple syrup, Worcestershire sauce, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beans. Stir in the beef stock – start with 1 ½ cups and increase to 2 as needed or desired. Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce heat to maintain a steady simmer. Cover and simmer 2 ½ – 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is fall-apart tender. The braised beef chili will be ready once the meat is fork-tender, or you can easily break it apart with a wooden spoon.
- 4
Portion the braised beef chili into bowls, serving with your favorite chili toppings: shredded pepper jack or cheese of choice, smashed avocado or guacamole, chopped cilantro, thinly sliced jalapeño, crushed tortilla chips, etc. Enjoy!
Fall-Apart Tender Slowly Braised Beef Chili
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Based on 6 ratings
Rating Breakdown
About this Recipe
When the craving for deep, rich comfort food hits, there's nothing quite as satisfying as a bowl of hearty braised beef chili. This recipe delivers big, robust flavors, making it the perfect centerpiece for a cozy meal that truly warms you from the inside out.
What sets this chili apart is the low-and-slow braising of tender beef chuck, allowing it to become incredibly succulent and infuse every spoonful with its savory essence. The secret to its depth lies in the combination of fire-roasted tomatoes and Chipotle in adobo, providing a smoky, complex foundation that beautifully complements the melt-in-your-mouth beef. This isn't just chili; it's an experience designed for ultimate flavor.
Prepare for a chili experience defined by truly fork-tender beef and a thick, deeply flavorful sauce. The rich aroma of cumin, oregano, and smoked paprika will fill your kitchen as the chili slowly simmers, developing an unparalleled complexity and character. You'll find a delightful balance of savory, smoky notes and a gentle warmth from the peppers, creating a truly satisfying and hearty meal. With 318 calories per serving, it’s a fulfilling dish that’s perfect for any occasion where serious comfort food is desired.
This braised beef chili is wonderfully adaptable to your preferences. You can easily swap stew meat for other cuts of beef chuck, or adjust the heat by modifying the amount of jalapeños or Chipotle in adobo. For different textures and flavors, feel free to use your favorite variety of beans, such as pinto, kidney, or black beans. For an extra layer of richness, try substituting some of the beef stock with your favorite beer.
Perfect for chilly evenings, game day gatherings, or a comforting family dinner, this chili shines brightest when served with your choice of classic toppings. Pile it high with shredded cheese, a dollop of smashed avocado or guacamole, fresh sliced jalapeños, and a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a truly indulgent meal. Don't forget the tortilla chips for scooping up every last bit!