This Slow Cooker Texas Chili starts with tender chunks of beef and cooks low and slow into a rich, thick, smoky chili with bold Texas flavor. This is the perfect "set it and forget it" dinner that you will love coming home to!

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Texas Chili Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients for No Bean Chili
• 🔪 How to Make Slow Cooker Chili
• 💡 Tips
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 Delicious Ways To Serve Texas Chili
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Make Use Ground Beef Instead of Chuck Roast?
• How Do I Keep the Chili From Being Too Oily?
• How Can I Make the Chili Thicker?
• Do I Need to Stir it During Cooking?
• 🍽️ More Delicious Beef Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Texas Chili Recipe

• Tender chunks of beef, cooked low and slow
• Fire roasted smoky tomatoes 
• Rich bold flavor
• Easy to make
• Prep in the morning, come home to piping hot dinner
• No beans, so it’s low in carbs

There’s something incredibly satisfying about coming home to a slow cooker full of chili that’s been simmering all day. With my Texas-style version, instead of ground beef, I use chuck roast, which breaks down as it cooks and gives the chili deep, meaty flavor. The fire-roasted tomatoes, jalapeños, and smoky chipotle give it a perfect combination of robust chili kick.

This is one of those meals that feels like you put in a ton of effort, but the slow cooker does most of the work. It’s spicy, savory, and totally satisfying, especially on cooler nights. I usually serve it straight from the pot with a pile of shredded cheese and a scoop of sour cream on top, but it’s also great with chopped onions or jalapeños if you want to turn up the heat.

If you're looking for an easy recipe that uses ground beef this Best Chili recipe is always a hit.

🛒 Ingredients for No Bean Chili

• Chuck roast: Choose a cut with visible marbling for the most tender, flavorful chili
• Fire roasted tomatoes: Adds that deep, smoky base that sets this chili apart
• Onion: Brings a subtle sweetness and aromatic flavor to the mix
• Jalapeño peppers: Adds just enough heat without overpowering the rest
• Garlic: Adds that rich, savory backbone every good chili needs
• Smoked chili pepper in adobo sauce: Gives serious smoky depth
• Olive oil: Used to sear the beef and sauté the veggies
• Tomato paste: Adds a bit of tang and helps thicken the chili
• Chili powder: Classic spice that gives the chili its bold base flavor
• Ground cumin: Adds warmth and a slightly earthy depth
• Smoked paprika: Creates an extra touch of smokiness to round it all out
• Salt: Helps layer the seasoning from the beginning
• Ground black pepper: Just enough to balance all the other spices

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Dutch oven or large pot
• Slow cooker

🔪 How to Make Slow Cooker Chili

Using a chuck roast that’s well marbled is essential in achieving tender bites of beef.

Cut your roast into small bite-sized pieces, then add them along with 1 tablespoon of olive oil to a dutch oven or large pot over medium high heat. Sprinkle half the salt and pepper over the tops and stir.

Sear the meat on all sides, making sure you have some good color, then remove and add to your slow cooker insert.

Add the remaining olive oil, diced onions, remaining salt and pepper.

Cook for a few minutes, then add in the jalapeño peppers and garlic.

Cook for another 20 seconds, making sure not to brown the garlic or it will become bitter.

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin and smoked paprika.  Allow the spices to toast for about a minute.

Pour in the tomato paste, chopped smoked chipotle pepper with the adobo sauce and fire roasted tomatoes.

Stir until well combined, scraping up those brown bits of flavor, then pour it over the beef and mix to combine. Slow cook on high for 4 hours or low for 8 hours, or until the beef is falling apart tender.

Serve with your choice of toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream and/or diced onions.

💡 Tips

• Use well-marbled chuck roast for the most tender, flavorful results.
• Don’t skip the sear. Browning the meat builds the best flavor.
• Avoid overcooking the garlic during the sauté so it doesn’t turn bitter.
• Be sure to scrape up the browned bits from the pot when adding the tomatoes.
• Taste before serving and adjust the salt or spice if needed.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftover chili in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.

Freezer: Freeze in individual portions or as a whole batch for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

🍴 Delicious Ways To Serve Texas Chili

• Stuffed bell peppers: Slice off the tops, scoop out the seeds, and fill each pepper with hearty chili. Bake until tender for a satisfying, veggie-packed meal.

• Tacos: Spoon chili into these soft Homemade Tortillas and pile on crisp lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and creamy avocado for a quick and filling taco night.

• Chili salad: Layer it over fresh greens and finish with a dollop of sour cream or drizzle with this smoky Chipotle Ranch Dressing.

• Chili omelet: Add a spoonful of chili to your eggs before they set for a bold, protein-rich breakfast that keeps you full for hours.

• Loaded baked potato: Spoon your chili over an Air Fryer Baked Sweet Potato or classic Baked Potato, then top with sour cream, shredded cheese, and chives.

• Zucchini boats: Cut zucchini in half, scoop out the centers, fill with chili, and top with cheese. Bake until soft and bubbling.

• Power bowls: Build a bowl with brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice, then top with chili, sliced avocado, Greek yogurt, and a handful of fresh herbs.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

• Coffee: Add a splash of strong coffee or unsweetened cocoa powder for extra depth. Don’t worry, you won’t taste distinct flavors but it does add extra richness.

• Chili powder: Use chipotle chili powder instead of regular chili powder for a smokier profile.

• Bacon: Toss in a few chunks of bacon during the sauté for an extra savory layer.

• ACV: Stir in a spoonful of apple cider vinegar or lime juice at the end to brighten it up.

• Spice: Leave the jalapeño seeds in or add a pinch of cayenne.

• Veggies: If you’re not strict low-carb, try adding a handful of frozen corn or black beans.

• Herb garnish: Top with green onions or cilantro for a fresh finish.

Can I Make Use Ground Beef Instead of Chuck Roast?

Yes, but you’ll lose the chunky texture and slow-braised richness. Chuck roast makes it extra special.

How Do I Keep the Chili From Being Too Oily?

Trim excess fat from the chuck roast before cooking and use a spoon to skim any fat off the top after it’s done.

How Can I Make the Chili Thicker?

Remove the lid and let it simmer on warm or low for 20-30 minutes to help it thicken naturally.

Do I Need to Stir it During Cooking?

Nope, but you can. Just know that opening the lid too often releases heat and slows down the cooking process.

🍽️ More Delicious Beef Recipes

• Prime Rib for Two
• Homemade Chili
• Filet Mignon in Mushroom Sauce
• Salisbury Steak
• Beefy Stuffed Pepper Skillet