Deep Red Delight: Authentic Chili Colorado
Dive into the rich, earthy taste of my Chili Colorado recipe! Slow-braised beef in a vibrant dried chili sauce. Comfort food elevated! Get the secrets here.

Alright, let's dive into something seriously delicious. Ever had that craving for something warm, rich, and utterly satisfying?
Recipe Introduction: Deep Red Delight – Your Authentic Chili Colorado Awaits
Is it just me, or is the thought of a hearty stew the ultimate comfort? this chili colorado recipe is just that.
Honestly, it is a flavour explosion. the richness of the beef combined with the earthy depth of the chilies will have you hooked.
Quick Hook: Southwest Flavours at Home
This chili colorado is more than just a stew. it is a flavour bomb. the secret lies in the blend of dried chilies, which gives it that unique, earthy depth.
It is a proper hug in a bowl.
Brief Overview: Tradition with a Twist
Originating from the southwest, with deep mexican roots, chili colorado boasts complex flavours. this version takes time. you need about 3- 4 hours, but trust me, it's worth every minute.
It yields 6-8 servings, perfect for a family gathering or a cosy night in.
Main Benefits: Health and Happiness
One of the best things? beef chuck is packed with protein. this makes chili colorado a nourishing and satisfying meal.
Serve it on a chilly evening, perhaps a sunday dinner. what makes this recipe special is the layering of flavours.
Each spice adds to the depth, creating a truly memorable dish.
Now, for something completely different...ever tried making your own Sourdough Brioche Bread Recipe ? Or perhaps some Sourdough Brioche Hamburger Buns ? They are absolute game-changers.
Honestly, if you have some Sourdough Discard Brioche Buns lying around, they'd make amazing sides with this!
Speaking of buns, have you considered homemade Sourdough Brat Buns ? That sourdough tang would cut right through the richness of the bratwurst.
If you're short on time, there are plenty of Sour Dough Buns Easy recipes. And if you're really in a hurry, Quick Sourdough Buns are surprisingly simple.
There are tons of Sourdough Buns Recipes out there. You may even stumble upon Gluten Free Sourdough Buns , who knows?
Next up: Ingredients.
Alright, let's dive into what you'll need to whip up some proper Chili Colorado . Trust me, it's easier than trying to parallel park in central London.
Deep Red Delight: Authentic Chili Colorado Recipe Card

Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts
Ingredients & Equipment: The Lowdown
Honestly, getting the right bits and bobs makes all the difference. So let’s get started.
Main Ingredients
Ancho Chilies: 6 dried (approx. 75g / 2.6 oz ). These are the base. Get good ones - plump, not brittle.
Guajillo Chilies: 4 dried (approx. 50g / 1.8 oz ). They add sweetness.
Pasilla Chilies: 2 dried (approx. 25g / 0.9 oz ). Earthiness is key.
Hot Water: 2 cups ( 475 ml ). For soaking those chillies.
Garlic: 2 cloves, roughly chopped. Because, garlic.
Apple Cider Vinegar: 1/4 cup ( 60 ml ). Tang!
Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon . Don't skimp.
Ground Cumin: 1/2 teaspoon .
Ground Coriander: 1/4 teaspoon .
Beef Chuck Roast: 3 pounds ( 1.36 kg ), cubed. Marbling is your friend. You want flavour, innit?
Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons . For searing.
Onion: 1 large, chopped (approx. 200g / 7oz ).
Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. More garlic!
All-Purpose Flour: 2 tablespoons (approx. 16g / 0.6 oz ). To thicken things up.
Diced Tomatoes: 1 ( 14.5 ounce / 411g ) can.
Sugar: 1 teaspoon . A little sweetness helps.
Beef Broth: 2 cups ( 475 ml ). Go for low sodium.
Bay Leaf: 1 . Don’t forget it.
Optional Chipotle Peppers: 1-2 in adobo. For extra heat.
Remember that one time I tried making chilli and completely forgot the cumin? Disaster! Seriously, these measurements are important. Get it right or get ready for a flavour fumble!
Seasoning Notes
Right, spicing is where the magic happens. Don’t be shy!
- Chili Combo: Ancho, guajillo, and pasilla is classic for good reason. It's a flavour symphony!
- Spice It Up: Chipotle peppers if you like it hot. Go easy at first.
- Flavour Boosters: Cumin and oregano are non-negotiable. They make it authentic.
- Herby magic: Try fresh herbs like rosemary and thyme to elevate the earthy flavors.
- Easy Swap: If you can't find guajillo, use more ancho. Not quite the same, but it'll do.
Equipment Needed
Keep it simple, yeah?
- Dutch Oven: A big one. For braising.
- Blender: To blitz those chillies into paste.
- Measuring Cups & Spoons: Get it accurate, yeah?
- Cutting Board & Knife: Obvious, but crucial.
No fancy equipment needed, mates. just a good dutch oven and a blender and you're golden! and speaking of substitutions, you could probably get away with using pre-ground spices in a pinch, but honestly, grinding them fresh makes a world of difference.
Oh, and remember that one time i tried to make sourdough brioche bread recipe and ended up with a hockey puck? yeah, precise equipment helps! okay, let's get cooking!

Cooking Method: Braising Your Way to Chili Colorado Bliss
Alright, mates! let's talk about braising , the secret to unlocking ridiculous flavor in dishes like a proper chili colorado.
Honestly, braising is my go-to method for turning tough cuts of meat into fall-apart tender masterpieces. trust me, it's simpler than perfecting a sourdough brioche bread recipe , and way less stressful than baking sourdough brioche hamburger buns .
Plus, it's perfect for those cold, rainy days when you just want something comforting. forget those sourdough discard brioche buns , this is where it's at.
Prep Like a Pro: Mise en Place for Braising
First things first, the mise en place ! that's fancy chef speak for "get your stuff together." for this chili colorado , that means chopping your onions (approx.
200g / 7oz), mincing your garlic, cubing your beef (3 pounds / 1.36 kg) and having all your spices measured out.
Trust me, this step is essential. it's like prepping your tools before trying to build a shed. also, safety first ! keep your knives sharp and your fingers out of the way.
The Step-by-Step Braising Boogie
- Sear that beef! Get your Dutch oven hot and sear those beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides. Remember: High heat .
- Sauté your aromatics, that is: Add your chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened. Then, stir in your minced garlic.
- Deglaze and add flavor. Stir in the flour, then add diced tomatoes, chili paste, sugar, beef broth (2 cups / 475 ml), and a bay leaf. Don't be shy with that homemade chili paste!
- Simmer until tender. Return the beef to the pot, bring to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer away for 3- 4 hours , or until the beef is practically melting.
- Season and serve. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. It will be so tasty you forget about those Sourdough Brat Buns .
Braising Boss Tips
- Don't crowd the pot when searing the beef. Work in batches to get a proper sear.
- Avoid lifting the lid too often while braising. You'll lose heat and moisture. That can increase cooking time.
- Make-ahead magic: This Chili Colorado is even better the next day! The flavors meld together beautifully.
Seriously, braising is like the cheat code to delicious, tender meat. It's easier than finding the perfect Sour Dough Buns Easy recipe, I promise!
Recipe Notes for the Best Damn Chili Colorado
Alright, so you're about to dive into making chili colorado , which is awesome! this isn't just some thrown-together stew.
It's a flavour journey , and a little planning goes a long way. so, before you get started, let's talk about some crucial notes.
Think of these as cheat codes to level up your chili colorado game!
Serving Suggestions: Let's Get Fancy (But Not Too Fancy!)
Honestly, sometimes I just ladle this bad boy straight into a bowl and dig in. But presentation matters, right? How about this?
- Plating & Presentation: Imagine it! A deep bowl, a swirl of sour cream, a sprinkle of fresh cilantro, and maybe a few thinly sliced radishes for a pop of colour and crunch.
- Sides and Drinks: This chili colorado loves friends. Warm tortillas are a must. Mexican rice is a great shout. A crisp salad balances the richness. And let's not forget drinks! A cold beer or a classic margarita? Yes, please!
Storage Tips: Don't Let That Goodness Go to Waste!
Life happens and leftovers are a blessing.
- Refrigeration: Cooled chili colorado will happily live in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes better the next day, you know? All the flavors get to know each other better.
- Freezing: Oh my gosh, freezing is a game changer! Portion it out into freezer-safe containers or bags, and it'll keep for up to 3 months. Hello, easy weeknight dinner!
- Reheating: Gently reheat on the stovetop over medium heat or in the microwave. If it seems a little thick, add a splash of beef broth or water.
Variations: Let's Get Creative!
Feeling adventurous? Here are a couple of ideas to shake things up:
- Dietary Swaps: Trying to cut carbs? Serve it over cauliflower rice instead of tortillas.
- Seasonal Swaps: In the fall, roast some butternut squash and throw it in for a sweet and earthy twist.
And, if you're looking for something completely different, maybe a nice Sourdough Brioche Bread Recipe or some Sourdough Brioche Hamburger Buns to serve on the side?
Nutrition Basics: Fueling Up!
I'm no nutritionist, but a little info never hurts:
- Simplified Nutrition: This is packed with protein from the beef. Also, those chilies are loaded with vitamins.
- Key Benefits: Remember that slow cooking helps break down the meat fibers. This is easier on your digestion.
I hope these notes helped. the key to amazing chili colorado is time, patience, and taste often. experiment, have fun, and don't be afraid to mess up! after all, it's just food! now, if you’ll excuse me, all this talk about buns has me craving a sour dough buns easy recipe, or maybe even something quicker like quick sourdough buns using some sourdough discard brioche buns .
You got this!.

Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is chili colorado and what makes it so special?
Chili Colorado is a deeply flavorful, rich stew primarily made of beef braised in a vibrant red sauce made from dried chilies. Unlike Tex-Mex chili, it doesn't typically include beans. Its magic lies in the complex, earthy flavors of the chilies and the incredibly tender beef that results from a long, slow simmer. It's like a warm hug on a cold day – a proper taste of the Southwest!
I can't find all the specific dried chilies. Can I still make chili colorado?
Absolutely! While the combination of ancho, guajillo, and pasilla chilies is traditional, don't let it stop you. Ancho chilies are generally the most readily available, so you can lean heavier on those. The flavour will shift, but it will still be delicious. Think of it like improvising a guitar solo – the key is to keep the soul of the dish alive!
How do I make my chili colorado extra tender? My beef is always tough.
The secret to fork-tender beef in chili colorado is all in the braising. Ensure the beef is submerged in the sauce, maintain a very low simmer (barely a bubble), and be patient! A good 3-4 hours of slow cooking will break down the tough connective tissues, resulting in melt-in-your-mouth goodness. Think of it as giving your beef a spa day in a chili bath!
Can I make chili colorado in a slow cooker or Instant Pot? How would the recipe change?
Yes, both are great options! For a slow cooker, sear the beef first, then add all ingredients and cook on low for 6-8 hours. For an Instant Pot, use the sauté function to sear the beef, then add the remaining ingredients, seal the lid, and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes, followed by a natural pressure release. With the Instant Pot, you'll get a similar result in a fraction of the time, but the slow cooker allows for a deeper flavour development. Choose your weapon!
How should I store leftover chili colorado, and how long will it last?
Leftover chili colorado is your best friend! Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. It actually tastes even better the next day as the flavors meld together. You can also freeze it for up to 2-3 months. Just make sure to cool it completely before freezing. Reheating is easy: simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave until heated through. It's the gift that keeps on giving!
Is chili colorado healthy? What are the nutritional considerations?
Chili Colorado can be part of a balanced diet, but portion control is key. It's a good source of protein from the beef, and the chilies provide some vitamins and antioxidants. However, it can be high in fat, depending on the cut of beef used. To lighten it up, trim excess fat from the beef before cooking, or use a leaner cut. Serve with healthy sides like a salad to balance the meal. As with everything, moderation is the name of the game!