Slow Cooker Birria Chili is a bold upgrade to classic chili that has quickly become a favorite in our household. This dish is not only rich in flavor, thanks to ground beef and chipotle peppers, but also incredibly easy to prepare. The slow cooking method brings out the best flavors, making it a comforting meal perfect for any day of the week. Whether you’re serving it on a chilly evening or for a gathering, this dish is sure to impress.

Why You’ll Love This Slow Cooker Birria Chili

This slow-cooked birria is a game-changer for several reasons. First, it’s a beef birria recipe that is not only hearty but also incredibly satisfying. Second, it uses a simple mix of ingredients, making it an easy birria chili recipe. Third, the authenticity of the flavors will transport you straight to Mexico. Fourth, it’s perfect for meal prepping—freeze leftovers for busy nights! Fifth, the dish is gluten-free, catering to various dietary needs. Lastly, it serves a crowd, making it the best choice for taco night gatherings.

Ingredients for Slow Cooker Birria Chili

Gather these items:

2 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
1 large onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)
1 envelope birria seasoning mix (1 ounce)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
1 can pinto beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
3 cups beef broth
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (chopped)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Fresh cilantro
Diced onion
Lime wedges

How to Make Slow Cooker Birria Chili Step-by-Step

Step 1: Add the beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Step 2: Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, birria seasoning packet, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until everything is well combined.
Step 3: Mix in the black beans, pinto beans, beef broth, and chipotle pepper.
Step 4: Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, stirring halfway through.
Step 5: Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper.
Step 6: Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges.

Slow Cooker Birria Chili: A Spicy Delight for Dinner - Slow Cooker Birria Chili - main visual representation

Pro Tips for the Best Slow Cooker Birria Chili

Keep these in mind:

For an even richer flavor, sear the beef before adding it to the slow cooker.
Feel free to adjust the spices based on your heat tolerance—add more chipotle for a spicy birria chili.
Using a slow cooker ensures that all the flavors meld beautifully, making this a traditional birria chili preparation.

Best Ways to Serve Slow Cooker Birria Chili

There are numerous delicious ways to enjoy this dish. One way is to serve it with warm tortillas, creating a delightful birria chili with tortillas. Another option is to pair it with rice for a satisfying meal. You can also top it with avocado slices or cheese for added richness.

How to Store and Reheat Slow Cooker Birria Chili

To store leftovers, place the chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze portions for later use. When reheating, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions About Slow Cooker Birria Chili

What’s the secret to perfect Slow Cooker Birria Chili?

The secret is to let it simmer low and slow, allowing the flavors to develop fully. The use of quality beef and spices is crucial to achieving an authentic taste.

Can I make Slow Cooker Birria Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! This dish is perfect for making ahead. Just prepare it and refrigerate or freeze for a quick meal later.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Slow Cooker Birria Chili?

To avoid common mistakes, ensure you don’t skip the browning step for the beef, as it enhances flavor. Also, avoid overcooking the beans to maintain their texture.

Variations of Slow Cooker Birria Chili You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations: try a vegetarian version using lentils instead of beef for a hearty plant-based meal. You can also add different beans or vegetables like corn for extra flavor and nutrition. For those who enjoy heat, try adding jalapeños!

Slow Cooker Birria Chili: A Spicy Delight for Dinner - Slow Cooker Birria Chili - additional detail

For more delicious recipes, check out our homemade tomato sauce or spaghetti with garlic and oil. You can also explore Mediterranean chickpea salad for a refreshing side dish.

Slow Cooker Birria Chili: A Spicy Delight for Dinner

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Author: Michael
Total Time: 250 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This slow cooker birria chili is a bold upgrade to classic chili. Made with ground beef, birria seasoning, and chipotle peppers, it’s an easy dump-and-go dinner that feeds a crowd and freezes beautifully.

Ingredients

Scale

2 pounds ground beef (browned and drained)
1 large onion (diced)
4 cloves garlic (minced)
1 can fire-roasted diced tomatoes (14 ounces)
1 can tomato paste (6 ounces)
1 envelope birria seasoning mix (1 ounce)
1 teaspoon sugar
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 can black beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
1 can pinto beans (15 ounces, drained and rinsed)
3 cups beef broth
1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (chopped)
Salt and black pepper (to taste)
Fresh cilantro
Diced onion
Lime wedges

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Instructions

Add the beef, onion, and garlic to the slow cooker.
Stir in the fire-roasted tomatoes, tomato paste, birria seasoning packet, sugar, onion powder, garlic powder, and smoked paprika until everything is well combined.
Mix in the black beans, pinto beans, beef broth, and chipotle pepper.
Cover and cook on LOW for 6 hours or HIGH for 3 hours, stirring halfway through.
Taste and adjust with extra salt and pepper.
Ladle into bowls and top with cilantro, diced onion, and lime wedges.