A hearty, award-winning chili featuring tender, hand-shredded chuck roast. This isn't your average dump-and-go meal; it’s a deep, savory masterpiece made easy in the slow cooker.
Season the roast. Sprinkle both sides of the chuck roast generously with salt and black pepper.
Sear the meat. Heat 1–2 tablespoons of oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat (cast iron works great). Once hot, sear the roast for 2–3 minutes per side until a deep brown crust forms.
Transfer to the slow cooker. Place the seared roast into your slow cooker.
Sauté the aromatics. In the same skillet, add the chopped onion. Cook for about 3–4 minutes, stirring often, until softened and golden. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Combine everything. Remove the skillet from heat and add the onions and garlic to the slow cooker. Pour in the tomato sauce, chili powder, cumin, salt, pepper, bouillon cubes, green chiles, both types of beans, and cayenne (if using). Stir gently to combine around the roast.
Cook low and slow. Cover and cook on LOW for 8 hours, or until the beef is fall-apart tender.
Shred and serve. Shred the chuck roast using two forks (either right in the slow cooker or on a cutting board). Stir everything together, taste, and adjust salt or chili powder if needed.
Serve and enjoy. Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.
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Notes
The Tomato Sauce: Make sure you’re using plain canned tomato sauce (sometimes called tomato purée), not jarred pasta sauce or marinara. We want that clean tomato base so our own spices can do the talking!
The Beef: Don't trim all the fat off that chuck roast! That marbling is what melts down to create the rich, silky texture of the sauce. You can always skim a little grease off the top at the end if you need to.
Bouillon Tip: If you don't have cubes, you can use 2 teaspoons of beef base (like Better Than Bouillon). It’s that extra 'umami' punch that makes people ask for your secret ingredient.
The Beans: Remember, we rinse the pinto beans to keep the flavors clean, but we keep the sauce from the chili beans! That sauce is seasoned and helps thicken the chili as it simmers.
Make it Ahead: Like all good Southern stews, this is even better on day two. If you're hosting a crowd, feel free to make it the day before and just reheat it on the stovetop!