• Home
  • About Me
  • Disclosure
  • Privacy Policy
  • Blog
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

The Foodie Affair

Easy low carb recipes for the whole family.

  • Recipe Index
    • Appetizer
    • Baking
      • Cookies
    • Crockpot Dish
    • Dessert
    • Drinks
      • Cocktails
      • Smoothie
    • Main Dish
      • beef
      • Breakfast
      • Chicken
      • Pasta
      • pork
      • Potluck
      • Seafood
      • Vegetarian
    • Salads
    • Sauces
    • Sea Salt
    • Side Dish
      • Fruit
      • Vegetable
    • Snack
    • Soup
  • Keto & Low Carb
    • Keto
    • Keto Vs. Low Carb
    • Keto Macro Calculator | FREE Tool
    • Low Carb
  • Saved Shopping Lists
  • Newsletter Members
  • Nav Social Menu

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • StumbleUpon
    • Twitter

Chili Colorado The Way Mom Makes It, But In An Instant Pot!

July 25, 2019 by Sandra Shaffer 13 Comments

Jump to Recipe
Spread the love
  • 1.6K
    Shares

Chili colorado recipe! A simple traditional Mexican stew made in a red chili sauce. Learn how to make this dish in an Instant Pot!

Mexican stew, chili colorado in a tin serving bowl

What Does Chili Colorado Mean?

Boy, you are in for a treat! Today I’m sharing a traditional dish that has been enjoyed in many household for generations!

“Colorado” means the color red in Spanish, which is the deep rich color of the chili sauce the meat simmers in while cooking.

Have tried Nana’s Pozole Mexican Soup? If so, then you already know to expect rich flavors in this chili colorado recipe.

If that pork stew is still on your must make list, get to it! Seriously, it’s FAN-FREAKIN-TASTIC!

For this recipe we’re using beef and follow the same method as cooking a stew without the vegetables!

No dicing and peeling carrots or potatoes!

A black dinner plate filled with rice, salad and chili colorado con carne.

Traditional Recipe With Modern Convenience

Do you remember the big pot on the stovetop simmering delicious meals for hours and hours growing up?

I do, especially when visiting my grandmothers’ homes. Every time we were over their kitchen waifed of the magical smell spices and foods that cooked ALL DAY LONG.

Those were the days, right? Simple, yet it wasn’t. I didn’t know then what I know now, but food needed to be stretched back then.

Both of my parents grew up in large families. Five kids each and they lived just two houses apart!

My grandmother and mother made their meals from scratch. I bet yours did too. It was just as common as opening a can of chicken broth is now!

Now we’re right smack in the middle of third and fourth Mexican-American generations. We have so many modern conveniences to help us savor homemade dishes like slow cookers and pressure cookers.

How To Make Chili Colorado In An Instant Pot

This recipe calls for the same ingredients previous generations did, but with a modern twist.

First, this tender beef stew is made in an Instant Pot. Second, we use some canned goods: broth and prepared chili sauce (as an enhancer to the homemade sauce).

Don’t have a pressure cooker? No problem! Check the recipe card for instructions on how to make chili colorado in a slow cooker or on the stovetop.

This recipe is adapted from my friend Eva as told to her by her mama! The original instructions were to cook this in a slow cooker.

Getting hungry? Let’s get cooking!

A black dinner plate filled with rice, salad and chili colorado con carne.

What Type of Beef Should You Use?

First, what type of beef should be purchased for this dish?

There is nothing worse than going from store to store looking for the right cut of beef. My advice? Choose what is on sale!

Also, don’t worry about purchasing a fattier beef in hopes of adding flavor. The sauce has you covered!

  • London Broil/Flank Steak – Lean cuts of beef with not a lot of fat, which is what is used in this recipe.
  • Beef Chuck roast – from the shoulder of the cow is fattier cut of meat, trim the disable fat
  • Top Round – from near the leg of the cow is leaner than the chuck roast.

London broil was on special at my grocery store – buy one and get one free!

So lucky to get that deal because I made this twice in two days!

Saute The Meat For Chili Colorado Recipe

Cut the beef into 1″ x 2″ pieces. In two to three batches brown the meat on saute mode.

Note that the beef will render water, so between browning take a paper towel to soak up the moisture, carefully.

Next, turn off the pressure cooker and prepare the chili sauce.

How To Make Chili Sauce

The chili sauce is made from dried chilis: California red also known as Anaheim chili and Pasilla“pah-SEE-yah”.

  • California Red Chili
  • Dried chili pods
    Pasilla Chili

You can find these in the spice section of most grocery stores where you will find pre-packaged Latin spices. Of course, Mexican markets will have an aisle dedicated to chilis and spices.

Steps To Make Chili Sauce

  1. Toast the chili pods over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
  2. Remove the stems and cut the chilis to remove the seeds.
  3. Place chili in a small sauce pan of boiling water. Remove from heat and cover for 15-20 minutes.
  4. Drain Chilis over a sieve and reserve 1 cup of the chili water.
  5. Place broth, chili water and spices in a blender.
  6. Pulse ingredients into a sauce.
  7. Pour into the Instant Pot over the beef.

CAUTION – handle chilis with care and be sure not to touch your face!

  • toasting chili pods in a iron skillet
    Lightly toast the chilis
  • Removing seeds and stems from chilis
    Remove the stems and seeds
  • Place chilis in boiling water and let sit for 15-20 minutes, then pour in a sieve
  • Add broth and water from chili, chilis and spices.
  • chili colorado sauce
    Blend all ingredients.
  • chili colorado in an instant pot
    Pour over seared meat

Cook In Meat/Stew Setting Mode

Finally, place the lid on the Instant Pot, seal the vent and use the meat/stew setting.

Once the pressure releases naturally, serve it up!

Chili colorado made in a pressure cooker on a black plate with rice and salad.

What To Serve Chili Colorado With

Serve chili colorado with a fresh green salad along with the following side dishes:

  • Spanish rice – traditional basic fluffy full flavored rice with or without additional vegetables.
  • 3 Ingredient Cauliflower Spanish Rice – Keep this meal low-carb and serve with rice made with cauliflower.
  • Mexican Pinto Beans – crock pot recipe with flavorful spices like cumin, oregano, and fresh chopped tomatoes.
  • Homemade Tortilla – tender and chewy traditional flour tortillas.
  • Low Carb Tortilla – check out these low carb pre-made tortillas.

Continue to Content
Yield: 6 servings

Chili Colorado Recipe - Traditional Mexican Dish Made In An Instant Pot

chili colorado in a serving pan

Tender beef with red chili sauce cooked in an Instant Pot. This traditional Mexican chili colorado meal has all the same flavors made for generations using some modern conveniences.

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 1 hour 15 minutes
Total Time 1 hour 35 minutes

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds beef (London Broil, Beef Chuck, Chuck Roast)
  • 2 tablespoons avocado oil
  • 10 ounce Red Chili Sauce (Las Palmas)*
  • 14.5 ounce broth **
  • 3 each California Red or Anaheim dried chilies
  • 3 each Pasilla chilies
  • Himalayan salt (to taste)
  • 3-4 garlic cloves
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 1 Bay leaf
  • 1/8 teaspoon all-spice

Instructions

Instant Pot Method

  1. Cube meat into medium size pieces, 1" X 2"
  2. Add oil to the Instant Pot and turn on saute mode. Lightly salt meat and brown on all side in 2-3 batches.
  3. Turn off the Instant Pot and add Las Palmas chili sauce.
  4. To prepare the chili sauce, heat a skillet on medium heat and lightly saute the chili pods until lightly fragrant (watch carefully so they don't burn).
  5. Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, remove the stems and cut chili to remove the seeds.
  6. Place a small saucepan filled with 3 cups of water on high. Once boiling, place chili in the pan and cover. Remove from heat and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
  7. Strain chili and reserve 1 cup of the chili water.
  8. In a blender add soften chilies, broth, 1 cup of chili water, garlic cloves, cumin and all-spice. Blend into a sauce.
  9. Pour sauce into Instant Pot and add 1 bay leaf.
  10. Place lid on and lock vent.
  11. Cook on stew/meat setting and let the pressure to naturally release.
  12. Season with additional salt

Slow Cooker Method

  • Cube meat into medium size pieces, 1" X 2"
  • Add oil to a large skillet or Dutch oven. Lightly salt meat and brown on all side in batches if needed.
  • Place meat in a slow cooker and add Las Palmas chili sauce.
  • To prepare the chili sauce, heat a skillet on medium heat and lightly saute the chili pods until lightly fragrant (watch carefully so they don't burn).
  • Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, remove the stems and cut chili to remove the seeds.
  • Place a small saucepan filled with 3 cups of water on high. Once boiling, place chili in the pan and cover. Remove from heat and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
  • Strain chili and reserve 1 cup of the chili water.
  • In a blender add soften chilies, broth, 1 cup of chili water, garlic cloves, cumin and all-spice. Blend into a sauce.
  • Pour sauce into slow cooker over meat and add 1 bay leaf.
  • Cover and cook on low for 7 hours or high for 4 hours.
  • Season with additional salt
  • Stovetop Method

  • Cube meat into medium size pieces, 1" X 2"
  • Add oil to a Dutch oven. Lightly salt meat and brown on all side in batches if needed.
  • Add Las Palmas chili sauce to the meat.
  • To prepare the chili sauce, heat a skillet on medium heat and lightly saute the chili pods until lightly fragrant (watch carefully so they don't burn).
  • Remove from heat and let cool. Once cool, remove the stems and cut chili to remove the seeds.
  • Place a small saucepan filled with 3 cups of water on high. Once boiling, place chili in the pan and cover. Remove from heat and let sit for 15-20 minutes.
  • Strain chili and reserve 1 cup of the chili water.
  • In a blender add soften chilies, broth, 1 cup of chili water, garlic cloves, cumin and all-spice. Blend into a sauce.
  • Pour sauce into Dutch oven over meat and add 1 bay leaf.
  • Bring to a boil, then cover, and reduce heat to simmer.
  • Simmer for 1-1/2 to 2 hours or until beef is tender.
  • Season with additional salt
  • Notes

    *Be sure to purchase chili sauce, NOT enchilada sauce

    **you can use chicken, beef, or vegetable broth

    Nutrition Information:

    Yield:

    6

    Serving Size:

    1

    Amount Per Serving: Calories: 406Trans Fat: 0gCarbohydrates: 4gProtein: 38g

    Please note that the nutritional information provided are guidelines and may vary based on the brand of products used. For your specific nutritional goals use My Fitness Pal or Verywell Fit recipe calculators. All content within this site is not intended as medical diagnosis or treatment and should not be considered a substitute for professional medical expertise.

    Did you make this recipe?

    If you like this recipe, don't forget to leave a review on the blog or share a photo and tag on @thefoodieaffair on Instagram

    © Sandra Shaffer
    Cuisine: Mexican / Category: Main - Beef

    Helpful Frequently Asked Questions

    Is Chili Colorado Keto Friendly?

    Yes! There is no thickener used in the sauce. It isn’t necessary, so it’s naturally low carb.

    Is Chili Colorado Gluten Free?

    Yes, there are no flours used in this recipe, but as a precaution ensure that the canned chili sauce and broth you use does not contain gluten in the ingredient list.

    Is Chili Colorado Spicy?

    No. Since we take out the seeds in the chilis, the skins add flavor. If you would like this dish to be spicy, then keep in the seeds and membrane from the chili or add additional chili spices like cayenne.

    Mexican chili with rice and salad on a black plate.
    Simple chili colorado recipe made with beef cooked in a red chili sauce. Learn how to make this traditional Mexican dish in an Instant Pot!
    Hugs Sandra Signature

     

    Filed Under: Main - Beef Tagged With: beef, instant pot, keto, low carb, Mexican dish, slow cooker

    Previous Post: « Taco Seasoning Mix Recipe
    Next Post: Asian Dressing For Salad Recipe »

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Gloria

      August 1, 2019 at 7:55 am

      Mom’s recipes are always so good. I don’t have an Instant Pot, but my daughter does. They love chili, so I will pass this along to her. She can make ME dinner for a change.

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        August 3, 2019 at 1:27 pm

        Good plan! If your daughter doesn’t break out the IP for you soon, there are instructions on how to make this in a slow cooker and on the stovetop!

        Reply
    2. Pam Greer

      August 4, 2019 at 12:00 pm

      What an amazing recipe!! This is so full of flavor and the meat comes out so tender!

      Reply
    3. [email protected]

      August 5, 2019 at 8:05 am

      Lovely recipe! I love love love adapting Mexican classics to the Instant Pot, so I’m all over this! I love that this uses pasilla chilies too – such a lovely, sweet flavour that works so nicely against the bright and acidic red chilies. Cheers!

      Reply
    4. Tracy

      August 5, 2019 at 9:39 am

      I have been looking for an authentic recipe like this that tastes like a grandmother slaved all day in a kitchen but instead it was something I could do with two small kids. Thank you!! The flavors are incredible. My family loved it so much!!

      Reply
    5. Marisa F Stewart

      August 6, 2019 at 4:32 am

      Mom’s recipes are always the best. You’ve done an excellent job of explaining and showing the process to make this chili. My daughter and family are coming over this weekend. They love chili — I’ll have to make your version.

      Reply
    6. Jenni LeBaron

      August 6, 2019 at 9:35 am

      I have such fond memories of eating Chili Colorado in California with friends but have rarely found a spectacular one up in the Northwest – all the more reason to make it myself! I love that you’ve adapted this one so I can make it in my Instant Pot. I can’t wait to try this.

      Reply
    7. Debra

      August 6, 2019 at 8:55 pm

      Oh, I like this method for making meat for tacos. Looks so moist and tender. I think I’ll use my slow cooker so the smell will have a chance to permeate the house. Totally going onto next Tuesday’s line up. We never miss a taco tuesday and I like to have new ideas. Thanks.

      Reply
    8. Trish Bozeman

      August 7, 2019 at 3:10 pm

      We are addicted to our Instant Pot for making slow cooked meals so fast. Incredible that this only takes an hour and half! And so easy that you can brown the meat directly in the pan.

      Reply
    9. Anthony Allen

      August 8, 2019 at 7:18 pm

      this must taste awesome with all the different kind of chillies used. and perfect food for this time of year and the cold winter temperatures

      Reply
    10. Aline

      September 23, 2019 at 6:59 pm

      I love my instant pot more than I love my family – there I said it ahahaha and this dish is now one of our favorites to make in it!! Thanks for the recipe!! xx

      Reply
    11. Lea

      November 24, 2019 at 3:36 pm

      How long on meat/stew setting in Instant Pot?

      Reply
      • Sandra Shaffer

        November 24, 2019 at 4:54 pm

        Hi Lea, the stew setting automatically sets the time, but for manual setting it would be 35 minutes.

        Reply

    Leave a Reply Cancel reply

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

    This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

    Primary Sidebar

     

    Hi! My name is Sandra. I’m a health enthusiast, a recipe tweaker, and a wine sipper!! On my website I share my favorite family dishes… some are healthy low carb recipes, some are sinful, but all are delicious!

    Read more about me here…

    Let’s connect!

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • StumbleUpon
    • Twitter

    More Recipes!

    11 Easy Chicken Brown Bag Lunch Ideas #lunch #chicken #brownbag | www.thefoodieaffair.com

    11 Easy Chicken Brown Bag Lunch Ideas

    14 Sizzling Winter Soup Recipes to Keep You Warm

    14 Sizzling Winter Soup Recipes to Keep You Warm

    15 One Pot Meals for Busy Moms!

    15 Weeknight One Pot Meals For Busy Moms

    Collection of low carb chicken recipes. Over 25 meals to choose from.

    25+ Easy Low Carb Chicken Recipes

    Helpful Free Tools

    • Keto Macro Calculator
    • Low Carb vs. Keto – What’s The Difference?

    Footer

    Privacy Policy

    Copyright © 2021 · Foodie Pro & The Genesis Framework