Description
This Easy Crockpot Chili Colorado is a bold and flavorful Mexican-inspired dish made with tender chunks of beef simmered in a smoky red chile sauce. It’s the ultimate comfort food that requires minimal effort thanks to the slow cooker. Perfect for a quick dinner idea, an easy recipe to impress guests, or hearty food ideas for meal prep. Packed with rich, slow-cooked flavor, it also makes for a great make-ahead meal. Whether you’re after a cozy night in or need a healthy snack turned dinner, this one is sure to satisfy.
Ingredients
3 pounds chuck roast, cut into chunks
4 dried guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
3 dried ancho chiles, stemmed and seeded
4 garlic cloves
1 large onion, roughly chopped
2 cups beef broth, divided
1 teaspoon cumin
1 teaspoon Mexican oregano
1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
1. Toast the dried guajillo and ancho chiles in a dry skillet for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Place toasted chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water. Soak for 20 minutes until softened.
3. In a blender, combine softened chiles (drained), garlic, onion, cumin, oregano, vinegar, and 1 cup beef broth. Blend until smooth.
4. Season beef with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear beef chunks on all sides until browned.
5. Place beef in crockpot. Pour blended chili sauce over the top and add remaining beef broth. Stir gently.
6. Cover and cook on LOW for 7–8 hours or on HIGH for 4–5 hours, until beef is fork-tender.
7. Taste and adjust seasoning. Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, cheese, and cilantro.
Notes
Toasting the dried chiles is essential for developing a deep, smoky flavor.
Searing the beef adds a rich, caramelized taste layer that enhances the stew.
Letting the dish rest for 10 minutes after cooking helps the flavors settle and deepen.
- Prep Time: 40 minutes
- Cook Time: 7–8 hours
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Slow Cooker
- Cuisine: Mexican
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 590mg
- Fat: 23g
- Saturated Fat: 8g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
Keywords: easy dinner, crockpot recipe, mexican beef, comfort food, chili colorado, beef stew