Name: Easy Crockpot Chili Colorado
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 h
Total time: 8 h 20 min
Cuisine: Mexican
Ingredients: 2.5 lbs chuck roast 4 dried guajillo chiles 3 dried ancho chiles 4 garlic cloves 1 medium white onion 2 cups beef broth 2 tablespoons tomato paste 2 teaspoons ground cumin 1 teaspoon dried oregano 1 teaspoon salt; 0.5 teaspoon black pepper 1 tablespoon olive oil

When cozy comfort meets bold, savory flavors, you get a bowl of Crockpot Chili Colorado. This dish is all about tender beef simmered in a rich, earthy red chili sauce that develops even deeper flavor with hours in the slow cooker. It’s the kind of dinner that feels like you’ve put in a ton of work, but your Crockpot does most of the heavy lifting.

Whether you’re craving something warm for a chilly evening or just love the kind of Mexican-style dishes that are hearty and satisfying, this recipe is a must-try. It’s deeply flavorful, deeply comforting, and deliciously saucy — perfect for spooning over rice, stuffing into tortillas, or just scooping up with a fork straight from the bowl.

Why You’ll Love This Easy Crockpot Chili Colorado

This recipe takes minimal prep and yields a dish that tastes like it simmered on a stovetop for hours. The slow cooker breaks down the beef into melt-in-your-mouth bites, and the sauce thickens into something rich and complex with very little effort. Plus, it’s freezer-friendly and perfect for meal prep.

It’s also highly customizable. Prefer a little heat? Add a jalapeño or two. Want it saucier? Use a touch more broth. And the aroma that fills your kitchen as it cooks? Absolutely unbeatable.

What Cut of Beef Should I Use for Chili Colorado?

The best cut for Chili Colorado is chuck roast. It has the perfect balance of marbling and lean meat, which makes it ideal for slow cooking. As it simmers, the fat melts and tenderizes the beef into fork-tender perfection. If chuck roast isn’t available, stew meat or even brisket are great alternatives. The key is choosing a cut that can handle low and slow heat for that signature tenderness.

Ingredients for the Easy Crockpot Chili Colorado

Chili Colorado only requires a few basic ingredients, but each plays an essential role in building depth and flavor. Most are pantry staples you probably already have.

Chuck roast
Dried guajillo chiles
Dried ancho chiles
Garlic cloves
White onion
Beef broth
Tomato paste
Ground cumin
Dried oregano
Salt
Black pepper
Olive oil

How To Make the Easy Crockpot Chili Colorado

Step 1: Prepare the Dried Chiles

Remove the stems and seeds from the dried guajillo and ancho chiles. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 1–2 minutes, just until fragrant. Then soak them in hot water for 15–20 minutes until softened.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Add the softened chiles, garlic, onion, tomato paste, cumin, oregano, and beef broth to a blender. Blend until completely smooth and set aside.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Cut the chuck roast into large chunks and season with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a skillet and sear the beef on all sides until browned. This step locks in flavor and gives the stew richness.

Step 4: Slow Cook

Transfer the seared beef to your Crockpot and pour the chili sauce over it. Cook on low for 6–8 hours or until the beef is tender and the sauce has thickened.

Step 5: Shred and Serve

Once cooked, gently shred the beef or leave it in chunks. Stir everything together and taste for seasoning. Serve with rice, tortillas, or enjoy straight from the bowl.

Serving and Storing Crockpot Chili Colorado

This dish is the ultimate make-ahead meal. Chili Colorado tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to develop, making leftovers a bonus. It serves 4–6 people depending on your portion sizes and what you serve it with.

To store, allow it to cool completely before placing it in an airtight container. It will keep in the fridge for up to 4 days or freeze beautifully for up to 3 months. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if needed.

What to Serve With Chili Colorado?

Rice

Fluffy white or Mexican rice is the classic pairing. It soaks up all that delicious sauce.

Warm Tortillas

Corn or flour tortillas make perfect vehicles for scooping or wrapping up the beef.

Refried Beans

Creamy beans bring out the savory depth of the chili.

Grilled Street Corn

Elote adds sweetness and tang to balance the spice.

Guacamole

A cool and creamy contrast that’s always welcome.

Cabbage Slaw

Crisp and acidic slaw lightens the richness.

Avocado Slices

Fresh avocado on top adds texture and natural creaminess.

Queso Fresco or Cotija

A sprinkle of cheese on top for a salty finish.

Want More Comfort Food with a Mexican Twist?

If this cozy Chili Colorado hits the spot, you’ll love these other comforting classics:

Save This Recipe For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you go chunky or shredded? Add any spice or swaps? Let’s talk chili!

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Conclusion

Easy Crockpot Chili Colorado is the perfect fusion of bold flavor and effortless cooking. It’s the kind of meal that makes a big impression with surprisingly little work. Whether served for a quiet dinner or a family gathering, it’s sure to satisfy every time.