Description
Ready to spice up your dinner rotation? This Easy Crockpot Chili Colorado brings bold, authentic flavor without the hassle. Featuring slow-cooked chunks of beef simmered in a rich, smoky red chile sauce, this dish is a winner for easy dinners, weeknight meals, and hearty comfort food ideas. Perfect for tacos, rice bowls, or served on its own, it’s a cozy classic you’ll come back to again and again.
Ingredients
3 lbs beef chuck roast, cut into 1.5-inch cubes
5 dried guajillo chiles, stems and seeds removed
4 dried ancho chiles, stems and seeds removed
4 garlic cloves
1 medium onion, chopped
2 tablespoons tomato paste
2 cups beef broth, divided
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar (optional)
1 tablespoon oil (for searing)
Instructions
1. Toast the guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet over medium heat for 30 seconds per side until fragrant.
2. Soak the toasted chiles in hot water for 15 minutes.
3. Add soaked chiles, onion, garlic, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and 1 cup of beef broth to a blender. Blend until smooth. Strain for a smoother sauce if desired.
4. Heat oil in a skillet. Sear beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Set aside.
5. Place beef into the crockpot. Pour chile sauce over the beef, add remaining 1 cup of beef broth, and season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and cook on low for 6–8 hours or until beef is fork-tender.
7. Stir in apple cider vinegar before serving if desired. Serve with rice, tortillas, or toppings like cheese and sour cream.
Notes
For best results, don’t skip searing the beef — it locks in flavor and adds rich depth.
Straining the blended chile sauce yields a smoother, more luxurious consistency.
The flavors intensify after a day in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or next-day leftovers.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 780mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 10g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 46g
- Cholesterol: 120mg