Want to try a twist on traditional chili? Slow Cooker Steak Chili With Beans combines tender chunks of beef with black beans, tomatoes, and just the right amount of bold spice. It’s a filling, heartier option with minimal prep and maximum flavor!

overhead view of two bowls of chili with black slow cooker in background, surrounded by sliced bread and peppers on side

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What’s To Love About This Recipe

Steak chili with beans is hearty and filling. It’s packed with fall-apart tender beef, black beans, and spicy seasonings.
The prep could not be easier! Just add everything to the slow cooker and let it simmer on low. It’s a true “dump and go” slow cooker recipe.
This meaty chili is great for feeding a crowd or meal prepping for the week. Add toppings and sides like biscuits, cornbread, or corn chips to add variety or create a buffet-style bar for gatherings.
Steak chili is easily customizable for spice level, bean choice, or add-ins like corn or peppers.
Make a double batch and save the leftovers! It’s super freezer-friendly for quick dinners when you need something homemade in a pinch.

Ingredients Needed

Beef stew meat – Stew meat is a budget-friendly protein, and it becomes tender over longer cooking times. It is cut into cubes and packaged from chuck roast or other tougher, muscly cuts. Other beef cuts (like chuck roast, sirloin, or round steak) can also be cubed and used.
Chili powder and ancho chili powder – These two spices combined create a rich, smoky depth in the chili base. Ancho chili powder brings the deep smoky element, and you can adjust quantities for spice preference.
Cumin – Cumin adds a classic earthy taste to the chili.
Tomatoes – A mix of crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and tomato sauce creates a delicious base with added texture. Use canned crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, and canned or jarred tomato sauce with neutral or no added seasoning.
Black beans – Drain and rinse canned black beans for convenience, or use precooked leftover black beans. For variation, try other beans, such as kidney, pinto, or a mixture.
Beef broth – Broth adds extra flavor to the base and makes it rich and more nutritious.
Garlic – To deepen the flavors, add 3 freshly minced cloves of garlic or use jarred minced garlic for convenience.
Jalapeño peppers – Seed and dice 3 jalapeño peppers for a bit of spicy heat. Remove the seeds completely for milder heat, or leave some in for an extra kick.

steak chili ingredients including bowls of beef stew meat, crushed tomatoes, diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, beef broth, black beans, garlic cloves, jalapeno peppers, and seasonings

How To Make Steak Chili In The Slow Cooker

Add all ingredients to the slow cooker.

overhead view of black slow cooker containing all ingredients

Cover and cook on low for 7-9 hours.

overhead view of black slow cooker with steak chili slow cooked on a placemat, with tomatoes on the side

Pro Tips

As an optional step to deepen the flavor, you can sear the steak first in a skillet before adding it to the slow cooker. However, skipping this step keeps the prep minimal, and you still won’t miss out on tasty results.
For a thicker chili, leave the lid off the slow cooker for the last 20-30 minutes or stir in a cornstarch slurry (equal parts cornstarch and water).
For a thinner chili, add an extra splash of broth or tomato sauce.
If you love to batch cook for convenience, you can certainly double this recipe in a 7- or 8-quart slow cooker. It freezes well in portioned containers and makes an easy option to defrost and reheat!
Taste and adjust the spice level before serving. Add salt and pepper to taste. If needed, you can add a pinch of sugar to mellow the tomatoes’ acidity.

Recipe Substitutions and Variations

Everyone loves to put their own touch on homemade chili, and steak chili is perfect for customization with these options:

For different meat options, try cubed chuck roast, sirloin, or even precooked ground beef or turkey.
Change the beans to pinto or kidney beans, or leave them out for a bean-free chili.
Vary the spice by swapping ancho chili powder for chipotle powder, or add smoked paprika for an earthier element.
Add frozen or canned corn, bell peppers, or roasted poblano peppers for extra flavor and texture.
If you’re craving an extra boost of heat, stir in cayenne, hot sauce, or diced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – they’re easy to find canned or jarred!

closeup of large ladle containing steak chili over a black slow cooker of chili

How To Serve Steak Chili

Nothing beats a hearty bowl of chili served with all the toppings. Keep it simple with just a few additions, or go all out with a party spread!

For toppings, try:

shredded cheese
sour cream
diced onion
avocado
jalapeños
cilantro
crushed tortilla chips

Add sides to stretch the meal and offer variety. Here are some easy options:

cornbread
Easy Buttermilk Drop Biscuits
a simple green salad with dressing and croutons

For other serving options, there are plenty of ways to get creative with rich, meaty chili. Spoon some over Baked Potatoes or Instant Pot Sweet Potatoes, serve as a topping for chili dogs, or layer into nachos.

overhead view of bowl of steak chili on wooden cutting board with spoon, two pieces of bread and peppers on the side, surrounded by another bowl of chili, tomatoes, peppers dishcloth on side

Storing and Reheating

How To Best Store Leftovers

Fridge

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for 3-4 days.

Freezer

Leftover chili is a great option to freeze for later! Allow the chili to cool completely, then portion into single servings or family-size containers and freeze for up to 3 months.

How To Best Reheat Leftovers

Reheat chili gently on the stovetop over medium-low heat, with a splash of broth if needed to thin it out.

To reheat in the microwave, set to 1-2 minute intervals and stir in between.