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Shredded Beef Chili

Slow Cooker Shredded Beef Chili

This Shredded Beef Chili is the ultimate comfort food—tender slow-cooked beef, rich smoky sauce, and bold spices all come together in one hearty bowl. Perfect for game days, potlucks, or chilly nights, it’s a crowd-pleasing twist on classic chili.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 8 hours
Total Time 8 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8 bowls
Course: Dinner, LUNCH, Main Course
Cuisine: American
Calories: 510
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Beef
  • 2000 g beef chuck roast cut into 4 large pieces
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1 tsp black pepper
Flavor Base
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 medium onions diced
  • 1 large red bell pepper diced and seeded
  • 125 ml beef broth or water
Chili Mixture
  • 800 g red kidney beans 2 cans, drained
  • 800 g crushed tomatoes
  • 0.25 cup tomato paste
  • 250 ml beef broth
Homemade Chili Spice Blend
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tbsp onion powder
  • 1 tbsp garlic powder
  • 1 tbsp dried oregano
  • 1 tbsp smoked paprika or regular paprika
  • 1 tsp cayenne pepper adjust for heat
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
To Thicken the Sauce
  • 3 tbsp cornstarch cornflour
  • 65 ml beef broth or water

Method
 

  1. Step 1: Cut beef into four chunks. Season with salt and pepper. Heat half the olive oil in a skillet and sear beef for 1–2 minutes per side until browned. Transfer to a plate.
  2. Step 2: Sauté garlic, onion, and bell pepper in remaining oil for 2–3 minutes until softened. Deglaze with ½ cup broth, scraping up browned bits. Transfer mixture to slow cooker.
  3. Step 3: Add beans, crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and chili spices to slow cooker. Stir well, then nestle beef pieces into mixture. Cook on LOW 8 hours (or HIGH 5 hours).
  4. Step 4: Remove beef and shred with two forks. Return shredded beef to sauce.
  5. Step 5: Mix cornstarch with ¼ cup broth or water. Stir into chili and cook 20 minutes on LOW until sauce thickens.
  6. Step 6: Serve hot with toppings like sour cream, cheese, avocado, cilantro, or lime. Pair with cornbread, rice, or tortilla chips.

Notes

✔ Use chuck roast, brisket, or short ribs for best results. ✔ Adjust spice level by reducing or increasing cayenne. ✔ This chili is naturally gluten-free. ✔ Make ahead—the flavor deepens overnight. ✔ Freezer-friendly for up to 3 months.