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Slow Cooker Chili Colorado

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A cozy, hands-off slow cooker recipe bringing bold flavors of authentic Colorado red chile to your table.

  • Total Time: 500 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings 1x

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 6 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 tsp dried oregano (Mexican oregano preferred)
  • 2 tsp sea salt (divided)
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 small yellow onion (roughly chopped)
  • 2 dried arbol chiles
  • 2 tbsp avocado oil (or any neutral oil)
  • 1/4 cup gluten-free all-purpose flour
  • 3 lb beef stew meat (cut into 1-inch chunks)
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper (freshly ground preferred)
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Remove stems and seeds from guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles, then wipe briefly to remove dust.
  2. Place chiles in a bowl and cover with hot water; soak 15 to 20 minutes until softened.
  3. Meanwhile, season beef chunks with black pepper and coat lightly with gluten-free flour.
  4. Heat avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat and brown beef in batches until seared on all sides, about 2 minutes per side.
  5. Drain soaked chiles and transfer them to a blender with beef broth, chopped onion, cumin, oregano, garlic powder, and 1 tsp sea salt; blend until smooth.
  6. Strain the chile-broth mixture for a silkier sauce if desired.
  7. Place seared beef into the slow cooker and pour the chile sauce over the meat.
  8. Add the remaining 1 tsp sea salt and bay leaves, stir gently to combine.
  9. Cook on low for 480 minutes or on high for 240 to 300 minutes until beef is fork tender.
  10. Remove bay leaves, taste and adjust seasoning, then serve hot with tortillas, rice, or your favorite garnishes.

Notes

Toast dried chiles in a hot skillet before soaking for enhanced flavor. For a thicker sauce, remove lid during last 30 minutes of cooking.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 400
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 600mg
  • Fat: 15g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 8g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg