Texas Chili Recipe
If you’re craving a hearty, spicy dish that warms your soul, look no further than this classic Texas Chili recipe. Known for its bold flavors and lack of beans, Texas Chili is the perfect comfort food for family dinners, game days, or any time you want to impress your taste buds.
What Makes Texas Chili Unique?
Texas Chili stands out because it skips the beans and focuses on the star of the show: beef. Traditional recipes rely on chunks of meat, chili peppers, and a robust blend of spices to create a rich, thick stew. It’s a no-nonsense dish that delivers bold flavor with every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gather these key ingredients before you start:
For the Chili Base:
- 2 lbs of beef chuck or brisket, cut into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to your heat preference)
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (14 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 dried ancho chilies
- Salt and pepper to taste
Optional Garnishes:
- Shredded cheese
- Chopped green onions
- Sour cream
- Fresh cilantro
- Lime wedges
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Meat
- Season the beef chunks with salt and pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Sear the beef in batches until browned on all sides. Avoid overcrowding the pot, as this will steam the meat instead of browning it.
- Remove the meat and set it aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
- Add the remaining oil to the pot, then sauté the onions until softened (about 5 minutes).
- Stir in the garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices
- Sprinkle in the chili powder, paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic.
- Cook the spices for 1–2 minutes to enhance their flavor.
4. Combine and Simmer
- Return the beef to the pot.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth.
- Break up the dried ancho chilies and stir them into the mixture.
- Reduce the heat to low, cover, and simmer for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. The longer it cooks, the more the flavors meld.
Pro Tips for Perfect Texas Chili
- Use quality beef: Tough cuts like chuck or brisket work best because they become tender during the slow cooking process.
- Adjust the heat: Love spicy chili? Add extra cayenne or fresh jalapeños for an extra kick. For a milder version, reduce the chili powder.
- Thicken it up: If your chili isn’t as thick as you’d like, simmer it uncovered for the last 30 minutes.
- Toast your spices: Cooking spices briefly before adding liquid enhances their flavor and aroma.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Texas Chili with:
- Cornbread or tortilla chips for dipping.
- A bowl of steamed white rice for a hearty meal.
- Cold or sweet iced tea to balance the spice.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
This Texas Chili recipe is a crowd-pleaser that’s rich, smoky, and bursting with flavor. With simple ingredients and easy steps, you can whip up a dish that feels like a warm Texas hug in a bowl.
Try this recipe tonight, and let the bold flavors of Texas Chili spice up your dinner table!
