Jump to Recipe· 4.4 from 13 reviews

If you are craving a meal bursting with rich, bold flavors and melt-in-your-mouth tender beef, then you absolutely must try this Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe. This classic Mexican-inspired dish takes dried chilies and transforms them into a velvety, smoky sauce that perfectly complements slow-cooked stew beef. The long simmer in the crock pot lets all those incredible spices and chilies work their magic, creating a dish that’s as comforting as it is exciting to the palate. Whether it’s a cozy dinner with family or a weekend cooking project, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser you’ll go back to time and time again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a white bowl filled with two main layers side by side. On the left side, there is a layer of orange-colored rice with small bits of seasoning mixed in, giving it a slightly grainy texture. On the right side, there is a thick dark brown stew with large chunks of tender meat coated in a rich glossy sauce. The meat pieces are garnished with small green cilantro leaves scattered over the top. In the lower left corner inside the bowl, there are a few thin slices of white radish with pink edges. The bowl is placed on a white marbled surface with some whole radishes and sliced cucumber visible near the bowl. The photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Don’t let the list of ingredients intimidate you because every item plays a key role in creating the rich, layered flavors and satisfying textures that define this dish. Using a variety of dried chilies, a blend of spices, and hearty beef, each component comes together in simple harmony in the slow cooker.

  • 6 dried guajillo chiles: Provides a mild heat and vibrant deep red color essential for authentic Chile Colorado sauce.
  • 2 dried ancho chiles: Adds a sweet, smoky note that balances the spiciness.
  • 2 dried arbol chiles*: Brings a nice kick of heat to the sauce.
  • 1 small yellow onion (diced): Adds sweetness and body to the sauce’s flavor base.
  • 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth: Acts as the cooking liquid and adds depth to the sauce.
  • 2 tsp dried oregano: Infuses the sauce with an earthy herbal aroma.
  • 1 tsp ground cumin: Contributes a warm, nutty spice characteristic of Mexican cuisine.
  • 2 tsp garlic powder: Enhances savory richness throughout.
  • 1 tsp sea salt (to taste): Elevates all the layered flavors.
  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil: Perfect for browning the beef without overpowering the sauce.
  • 3 lbs beef stew meat: The hearty protein that becomes tender and juicy from slow cooking.
  • ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour**: Helps create a nice crust on the beef that seals in flavor.
  • 1 tsp sea salt: Added to beef for seasoning.
  • ½ tsp black pepper: Provides mild heat and complexity.
  • 2 bay leaves: Imparts subtle aromatic notes to the slow-cooked dish.

How to Make Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe

Step 1: Make the Chile Colorado Sauce

Begin by combining all the dried chilies and broth in a large pot. Bring it up to a rolling boil, then take it off the heat and let the chilies soak and soften in the hot liquid. This rehydration is key to extracting those deep, complex flavors that form the sauce’s base.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Once the chilies have softened and cooled enough to handle, remove the stems and seeds for a smoother sauce. Toss the chilies with the diced onion, oregano, cumin, garlic powder, and sea salt into a high-powered blender along with the soaking broth. Blend until you have a rich, smooth puree that will coat the beef beautifully.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

While the sauce simmers, it’s time to brown your beef. Toss the stew meat with flour, sea salt, and black pepper to add a flavorful crust and lock in juices. In a large skillet heated with avocado oil, brown the beef in batches until each piece has a golden exterior. This step adds incredible depth and texture to the final dish.

Step 4: Assemble and Slow Cook

Transfer the browned beef to your crock pot. Pour the blended sauce through a fine mesh strainer into the slow cooker to ensure smoothness, stirring to combine with the beef. Add in the bay leaves and cover with the lid. Set the crock pot to low and let it simmer gently for 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld perfectly.

How to Serve Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe

A white bowl holds three main layers of food arranged side by side: on the left is a mound of bright orange rice with a fluffy texture and some visible small bits of red pepper, in the center, there are dark brown chunks of meat covered in a rich, glossy sauce with a slightly thick consistency, and on the right, a pile of shiny black beans with smooth skins. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface, with a partial view of a lime half and white tortillas on the side. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Nothing finishes off this dish quite like fresh garnishes. I recommend toppings like sliced avocado for creaminess, freshly chopped cilantro for brightness, crumbled queso fresco or shredded cheese for a bit of melty goodness, and a squeeze of lime juice to add a zesty contrast. Sour cream also makes a fantastic cooling dollop on the side.

Side Dishes

Crock Pot Chile Colorado pairs beautifully with traditional Mexican sides. Serve it alongside fluffy Mexican rice, warm corn or flour tortillas, refried or black beans, and even grilled vegetables. These sides help soak up the luscious sauce and create a filling, balanced meal.

Creative Ways to Present

While this chile colorado is superb over rice or with tortillas, try using it as a bold taco filling, a topping for nachos, or even spooned over roasted sweet potatoes for a surprising twist. For a crowd-pleasing option, serve it over crispy tostadas and add fresh slaw on top for crunch. The possibilities are endless and exciting!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer any leftover Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe into an airtight container and refrigerate. The flavors actually deepen after resting overnight, making it perfect for enjoying the next day.

Freezing

This dish freezes exceptionally well. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some headroom for expansion, and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for a quick meal on a busy day.

Reheating

Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave until warmed through. You may want to add a splash of broth if the sauce has thickened too much. Stir occasionally to keep the beef tender and the sauce silky.

FAQs

Can I substitute different dried chilies in the Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe?

Absolutely! While guajillo, ancho, and arbol chilies are traditional and give the dish its signature flavor and color, you can experiment with other dried chilies like pasilla or chipotle for different heat levels and smoky notes. Just be mindful of the heat to keep the balance right.

What type of beef works best for this recipe?

Beef stew meat is ideal because it becomes tender and flavorful during slow cooking. Chuck roast cut into cubes is another great option if you prefer to buy a whole piece and cut it yourself. Avoid quick-cooking cuts as they won’t hold up well during the long cook time.

Is it necessary to strain the chile sauce?

Straining the blended sauce through a fine mesh sieve removes seeds and pulp that might create a gritty texture. This step ensures the sauce is smooth and luxurious, which is important for the classic Chile Colorado feel. If you don’t mind a bit of texture, you can skip straining, but I highly recommend it.

Can I make this recipe in an Instant Pot instead of a slow cooker?

Yes, you can adapt this recipe for the Instant Pot by using the sauté function to brown the beef and then pressure cooking on high for about 45 minutes. Just be sure to adjust the liquids slightly and allow natural pressure release to keep the meat tender.

How spicy is the Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe?

This recipe has a moderate heat level thanks primarily to the arbol chilies. If you prefer milder dishes, you can reduce or omit the arbol. For more heat, add extra arbol or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. It’s a flexible recipe that you can tailor to your spice preferences.

Final Thoughts

I cannot recommend this Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe enough for anyone looking to dive into authentic Mexican flavors without spending hours at the stove. The ease of slow cooking combined with the bold, comforting taste makes it a weekly favorite in my home. Trust me when I say you’ll be savoring every tender, flavorful bite and eager to share this recipe with friends and family. Give it a try and watch as it becomes an instant classic in your meal rotation!

Print

Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe

Crock Pot Chile Colorado Recipe
Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.4 from 13 reviews

Crock Pot Chile Colorado is a rich, flavorful Mexican stew made with tender beef stew meat slow-cooked in a vibrant and spicy chile sauce. This comforting dish features a blend of dried guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles simmered with aromatic spices, and is perfect for a hearty family meal. The beef is first browned to develop a deep crust before being cooked low and slow in the crock pot, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth texture and intense flavors.

  • Author: Martha
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8 hours
  • Total Time: 8 hours 25 minutes
  • Yield: 6 servings
  • Category: Stew
  • Method: Slow Cooking
  • Cuisine: Mexican
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Chiles and Sauce

  • 6 dried guajillo chiles
  • 2 dried ancho chiles
  • 2 dried arbol chiles*
  • 1 small yellow onion, diced
  • 4 cups beef broth or chicken broth
  • 2 tsp dried oregano
  • 1 tsp ground cumin
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp sea salt (to taste)

Beef

  • 2 Tbsp avocado oil
  • 3 lbs beef stew meat
  • ¼ cup gluten-free all-purpose flour**
  • 1 tsp sea salt
  • ½ tsp black pepper
  • 2 bay leaves

Instructions

  1. Make the Chile Colorado Sauce: Add all the dried guajillo, ancho, and arbol chiles to a large pot with the beef or chicken broth. Bring the mixture to a full boil, then remove from heat. Let the chiles soak and rehydrate in the hot broth while preparing the rest of the sauce.
  2. Blend the Sauce: In a high-powered blender, combine the diced onion, dried oregano, ground cumin, garlic powder, and sea salt. Once the chiles have cooled enough to handle, remove their stems and seeds, then add the chiles and the broth to the blender. Puree until smooth, then set the sauce aside.
  3. Prepare the Beef: In a large mixing bowl, toss the beef stew meat with gluten-free all-purpose flour, sea salt, and black pepper until evenly coated.
  4. Brown the Beef: Heat 2 to 3 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Add the beef in a single layer (work in batches if necessary) and brown each side for 2-3 minutes until a golden crust forms. Transfer the browned beef to a plate.
  5. Transfer to Crock Pot: Place the browned beef into the crock pot.
  6. Strain and Add Sauce: Pour the chile colorado sauce through a fine mesh strainer into the crock pot, pressing with a wooden spoon to extract all liquid. Discard the remaining pulp. Add the bay leaves to the crock pot and stir to combine.
  7. Slow Cook: Secure the crock pot lid and cook on Low for 8 hours for maximum tenderness and flavor, or on High for 4 hours if short on time.
  8. Finish and Serve: Once cooked, give the stew a good stir. Serve hot with Mexican rice, tortillas, and optional toppings like black beans, refried beans, cheese, sour cream, sliced avocado, and lime wedges.

Notes

  • *Arbol chiles add heat but can be omitted or reduced for a milder dish.
  • **Use gluten-free all-purpose flour to keep the recipe gluten-free.
  • For richer flavor, use beef broth instead of chicken broth.
  • Brown the beef properly to develop deep flavor; avoid overcrowding the skillet.
  • The slow cooking time enhances tenderness and melds the flavors perfectly.

Similar Posts

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star