Slow Cooker Brisket Chili

This Slow Cooker Brisket Chili is one of those set-it-and-forget-it meals that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. You toss everything in, let it cook low and slow, and by dinnertime you’ve got rich, smoky, beefy chili that tastes like you worked all day – when really, your slow cooker did all the heavy lifting. Great for game day, chilly nights, or feeding a hungry crowd. Kids love it, grown-ups fight over seconds. It’s that good.

🍽 Servings & Time

Serves: 6-8
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cook time: 8 hours on low or 4 hours on high

💛 Why I Love This Recipe

• Hands-off cooking: You just throw everything in and let it go.
• Big flavor, little effort: The slow cooker turns brisket into magic.
• Family favorite: Even picky eaters go back for more.
• Perfect for leftovers: Tastes even better the next day.
• Freezer-friendly: Make a double batch and freeze half for later.

🛒 What You’ll Need

• 2 lbs beef brisket, trimmed and cut into large chunks
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 1 green bell pepper, diced
• 2 tbsp chili powder
• 1 tbsp smoked paprika
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1/2 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (15 oz) can red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
• 1 cup beef broth
• 1 tbsp tomato paste
• 1 tbsp brown sugar
• Optional toppings: shredded cheddar cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro

🔧 Tools You’ll Need

• Slow cooker
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Wooden spoon
• Can opener
• Measuring spoons
• Ladle

👩‍🍳 Pro Tips

1. Trim that brisket: Cut off any big fat chunks so it doesn’t get greasy.
2. Don’t skip the browning (optional but worth it): Gives the meat extra flavor before it goes in the slow cooker.
3. Use smoked paprika: It gives that deep, smoky flavor without needing a smoker.
4. Let it rest: If you’ve got time, let the chili sit 30 mins before serving – the flavors deepen.
5. Add toppings at the table: Let kids pick their favorites like cheese, sour cream, or crushed tortilla chips.

🔁 Substitutions & Variations

• No brisket? Use chuck roast or ground beef.
• Spicier? Add jalapeños or chipotle in adobo.
• Veggie version? Swap meat for diced mushrooms or sweet potato.
• No beans? Leave them out or try pinto beans instead.

⏱ Make Ahead Tips

• You can chop all veggies the night before.
• Brisket can be seasoned and stored in the fridge overnight.
• Fully cooked chili freezes great for up to 3 months.

👩‍🍳 How to Make Slow Cooker Brisket Chili

Step 1: Prep your ingredients

Dice the onion, mince the garlic, and chop both bell peppers.

Step 2: (Optional) Brown the brisket

Sear brisket chunks in a hot pan with a bit of oil until browned on all sides (about 5–6 minutes).

Step 3: Add everything to the slow cooker

Add the cooked brisket (cut into square chunks), diced onions, minced garlic, diced red and green bell peppers, both cans of beans (drained and rinsed), the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, and brown sugar. Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and pepper. Give it a gentle stir to combine everything evenly.

Step 4: Cook low and slow

Cover and cook on low for 8 hours or high for 4 hours until brisket is super tender and shreds easily.

Step 5: Shred the brisket

Use two forks to shred the brisket right in the slow cooker and stir everything together.

Step 6: Serve it up!

Ladle the chili into bowls and add your favorite toppings. Try shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh chopped cilantro. Serve with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a slice of crusty bread.

🧊 Leftovers & Storage Tips

• Store in the fridge up to 4 days.
• Freeze in containers for up to 3 months.
• Reheat on the stove or microwave with a splash of broth or water.

🍞 What to Serve With It

• Cornbread
• Tortilla chips
• Rice
• Baked potatoes
• A simple green salad

❓ FAQ

Can I make this without a slow cooker?
Yep! Use a Dutch oven and cook on low heat for 3–4 hours on the stove.

Can I add veggies?
Totally. Zucchini, corn, or even spinach stirred in at the end work great.

Too spicy for kids?
Cut back the chili powder and skip jalapeños. You can always add hot sauce to your bowl.

🌟 Ready to Cook?

This Slow Cooker Brisket Chili is cozy, filling, and basically foolproof. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just want leftovers for days, it’s a winner. If you try it out, drop a comment below! I’d love to hear how it went and help with any questions. 🍲💬