The Best Slow Cooker Steak Chili Recipe Ever

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When the leaves start to change, and there's a crispness in the air, it's a sure sign that cooler weather is upon us. And what better way to welcome the season than with a steaming, flavorful slow cooker steak chili recipe?

Today, I'm excited to share with you a Weight Watchers slow cooker steak chili recipe that will not only warm your soul but also satisfy your taste buds like never before.

This chili has been my secret weapon at countless chili cook-offs, and it's a family favorite that never fails to impress. The best part? It's incredibly easy to make, thanks to the magic of a slow cooker.

Get ready for tender chunks of beef, a medley of secret ingredients that elevate the flavor to new heights, and a great taste that will keep you coming back for more.

Join me on this culinary journey as we delve into the art of crafting a delicious bowl of chili that's perfect for those chilly evenings.

So, grab your apron and let's dive into this WW slow cooker steak chili recipe that's sure to become a beloved tradition in your home.

Make sure try some of my other popular healthy Weight Watcher recipes. Low Calorie Wendy's Frosty, 3 Ingredient Cinnamon Muffins , Mini DASH Chaffles, Air Fryer Beignets and The WW Zero Point Apple Crisp Chips.

Keto chili con carne in a white bowl with Tostito chips

Is this classic beef chili keto friendly?

Certainly! Slow cooker steak chili can absolutely be made keto-friendly while still pleasing your whole family's taste. This keto-friendly recipe incorporates the flavors of chili powder, black pepper, beef broth, cayenne pepper, cumin, and cheddar cheese, using stew beef as the main ingredient.

This keto-friendly slow cooker steak chili will satisfy your family's taste buds with its bold flavors and tender beef. The cheddar cheese garnish adds a delightful finishing touch while adhering to your ketogenic diet. Enjoy a hearty meal that's both low in carbs and high in satisfaction!

Why make this recipe?

You don't want to miss out on this hearty slow cooker steak chili!

Weight Watcher Friendly - This warm bowl of chili is only 8 pts on WW and a great option for my keto friends as a keto chili con carne.

Easy to Make - This slow cooker beef chili requires simple ingredients from the grocery, a crockpot/slow cooker and minimal prep time.

Kid Friendly - Making homemade steak chili in a slow cooker, also known as a crockpot, is a great way to prepare a kid-friendly meal that can cater to various personal tastes. As the family cook and a food blogger, I can attest to its convenience and versatility, making it a favorite in our household.

The first time I tried making steak chili in the slow cooker, I was pleasantly surprised at how easy it was, and it quickly became a family favorite. Here's how you can make it kid-friendly:

Choose High-Quality Ingredients: Start with quality cuts of beef, fresh vegetables, and the best spices. Kids can appreciate the difference in taste and texture.
Personalize the Spice Level: Since kids might have different preferences when it comes to spiciness, you can adjust the chili's heat level by using milder chili powder or reducing the amount of cayenne pepper.
Add Kid-Friendly Toppings: Offer a variety of toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro. For extra fun, provide some tortilla chips for a crunchy twist.
Create Chili Mac: Kids often love pasta, so you can serve the chili over macaroni for a "Chili Mac" variation. It combines the comfort of pasta with the rich flavors of classic chili.
Involve the Kids: Let your children help with the preparation. They can stir the ingredients, add spices, or even assemble their own chili bowls with their favorite toppings.
Sneak in Veggies: To make the chili more nutritious, finely chop vegetables and mix them into the chili. Kids might not even notice, and it's a great way to increase their veggie intake.
Set It and Forget It: Slow cooking in the crockpot is a lifesaver for busy moms. You can prepare the chili in the morning and have it ready for dinner without much fuss.
By following these tips, you can make a homemade steak chili that's not only kid-friendly but also a family classic. It's a delicious, hearty meal that's perfect for gatherings and cozy nights at home, satisfying everyone's personal tastes. Enjoy!

A bowl of crockpot steak chili with corn bread

Aroma - Picture this: As you enter the kitchen, you're immediately greeted by an irresistible aroma that envelops your senses, promising a taste experience like no other. The heartwarming scent of a great chili simmering away in a trusty crock pot is simply intoxicating.

The rich flavor of the chili, deep and complex, unfurls with every passing minute, as the ingredients meld together in the gentle heat of the crockpot.

The scent of spices like cumin and oregano intermingle with the earthy notes of chili powder, creating a symphony of aromas that dances in the air. It's a sensory journey that begins with anticipation and ends with a satisfying sigh.

But the star of the show is undoubtedly the beef stew meat. As it tenderizes over hours of slow cooking, the meat releases a mouthwatering fragrance that is impossible to resist.

The beef becomes the foundation of the chili, infusing it with a savory, meaty essence that makes your mouth water and your taste buds tingle.

The aroma of this steak chili in the crockpot is a testament to the art of slow cooking. It's a fragrant reminder of the culinary magic that happens when you allow time to work its wonders.

So, if you're looking for a sensory experience that promises great chili, a crockpot's convenience, rich flavor, and succulent beef stew meat, this is the recipe for you. Your senses will thank you for the journey they're about to embark upon!

Ingredients needed and substitutions

Chili con carne ingredients carrots onions light beer beef broth bottom round steak portabella mushrooms and spices

Bottom Round Steak - This keto chili con carne calls for 1 ¼ pounds of uncooked trimmed bottom round steak. I recommend adding in a piece of beef shank with the bone as the mixture of the 2 meats makes this chili steak recipe over the top delicious.

Beef Broth - I like the Kettle & Fire Low Sodium Beef Broth for this crockpot steak chili but you can use any brand.

Light Beer - Corona Light Beer was used for this keto friendly chili but again use your favorite light beer.

Chili Powder - I actually ran out of chili powder in the middle of making this recipe and grabbed a packet of Mccormick White Chicken Chili seasoning and used that which ended up creating a nice spicy flavor to this steak chili recipe.

How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Chili

1: Chop your beef into 1 inch cubes.

One inch beef cubes for chili on a wooden cutting board

2: Spray a large skillet with olive oil and set over medium high heat. Add your beef cubes to the pan and cook until browned on all sides. Once your beef cubes are done you can sauté your chopped onions as well. You can just add the raw onions to the crockpot but sautéing just gives them some extra flavor.

Browned steak cubes for chili in a yellow bowl

3: Spritz your crockpot with olive oil spray and add in your browned beef cubes, onions and all remaining ingredients except the cornmeal, cilantro and scallions. Mix well. Cover and cook for 4-5 hours on high or 8-10 hours on low.

Chili con carne in a black crockpot with beer being poured into the pot

4: About 20 minutes before cooking time is complete whisk in the cornmeal to thicken. Then cover and cook on high for an additional 15 minutes.

A spoon scooping out cornmeal from a package of Bob's red mill cornmeal

5: When cooking is complete serve with chopped scallions, cilantro and a sprinkle of cheddar cheese. Serving size ¾ cup.

A bowl of keto steak chili with cheddar and cilantro on top

Watch the How to Make Slow Cooker Steak Chili Video Here...

Bonus Tip:

Use your chili to make a Shepherd's Pie by placing a serving of chili in a mini cast iron dish and cover with a cornbread topping. Bake in the air fryer for 20 minutes. Enjoy an Air Fryer Shepherd's Pie..

A shepherds pie in an air fryer basket — Create a Corn Bread Topped Shepherd's Pie...

Recipe FAQ's

Do you brown the meat before putting in the crockpot for chili?

Absolutely! Searing the meat before slow-cooking it in a crockpot can add a rich depth of flavor to your steak chili. It helps caramelize the surface of the meat, creating those delicious Maillard reactions that enhance the overall taste.

What is the secret to making good chili?

The secret to making a killer chili lies in the perfect balance of flavors and textures. Start with quality ingredients—fresh vegetables and a good-quality meat. Spice things up with a blend of chili powders. And let it simmer low and slow to let those flavors mingle and dance. Oh, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro or green onions at the end adds that final flourish. Now you've got the key to chili greatness!

How do I store leftover chili?

Storing leftover chili properly is key to maintaining its flavors. First, let it cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. You can store it in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you want to keep it longer, freeze it—it can last for 2-3 months in the freezer. Just make sure to label the container with the date so you can keep track. When you're ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the fridge overnight and reheat on the stove or in the microwave. Easy peasy!

Expert Tips

Choose the Right Cut: Opt for a well-marbled cut like a bottom round or beef shank for rich flavor and tenderness.
Perfectly Browned Meat: Sear the steak cubes in batches to ensure a deep, caramelized crust. This builds layers of flavor.
Balanced Spice Mix: Create a custom spice blend with a mix of chili powder, cumin, cayenne, and oregano for a well-rounded flavor profile.
Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh tomatoes instead of canned for a burst of brightness. Diced, roasted tomatoes work great.
Slow-Cook for Flavor: Let the chili simmer on low heat to allow the flavors to meld. Low and slow is the key.
Homemade Beef Broth: If possible, make your own beef broth. It adds a depth of flavor that store-bought versions often lack.
Veggies Galore: Load up on veggies like bell peppers, onions, and garlic for added texture and flavor complexity.
Beer Boost: Add a beer to enhance the richness of the chili. It adds a subtle depth without overpowering the dish.
Tomato Paste Trick: Sauté tomato paste before adding liquids. It intensifies the umami and deepens the color of your chili.
Beans or No Beans: If you're a purist, skip the beans. If not, add kidney or black beans for extra heartiness and fiber.
Fresh Herbs at the End: Stir in fresh cilantro or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
Acidic Balance: A splash of lime or a dash of red wine vinegar right before serving brightens up the flavors.
Cheese Please: Garnish with shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy finish.
Texture Play: For added texture, stir in corn kernels or hominy during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Let it Rest: Allow the chili to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving. This gives the flavors time to meld and intensify.

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Are you a Weight Watcher?

If you follow my Blog you probably already know I am a lifetime member of Weight Watchers and I like to point all of my Recipes with the WW Points System.

This Weight Watchers spicy chili recipe recipe is only 8 Points on my app for 1 hearty bowl of chili.

Weight Watchers has a new individualized program right now to make it easier to enjoy the foods you love and still lose weight.

Just plug the ingredients into your WW app to confirm the points for your individual program.

If you want to see the old Purple, Blue and Green WW Food Lists for each plan just click Here… For a list of the 2024 Free WW Food list click here..

Make sure you check out my Newbie WW Tips and Tricks Guide if you are just getting started.

If you are planning to travel soon make sure you check out my 100 Tips for healthy eating on the go.

I used to go back and forth between the Purple Plan and the Blue Plan prior to the new program and whenever I hit a plateau I did my own 30 Day Low Carb Meal Plan which jumpstarts the Fat Burning again, so if you feel stuck try it!

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