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Texas Chili Recipe

Texas Chili Recipe – A classic bean free chili that is loaded with flavor! A little smoky, a hint of spice, and tender chunks of beef. Hearty comfort food everyone will love!

There are so many different types of chili out there. Where I grew up you had a chili with ground beef, sometimes beans, and it was tomato based. Crock Pot Chili is pretty much what I grew up on.

Then there is something called Cincinnati Chili, that is served over spaghetti.  And it can be topped with onions, cheese, and even beans. Well this is Texas style, and it is hearty, filling, loaded with flavor and down right amazing!

texas beef chili in a bowl topped with sour cream, cheese and tortilla chips

 

What Makes Texas Chili Different

Let’s start with the basics. What is so special about Texas Chili. To start there are not any beans in it. And it isn’t tomato based like a more Northern or Mid-West version is. It uses a homemade chili paste that starts with a little tomato paste and lots of spices. But there are no diced tomatoes, canned tomatoes, tomato sauce or tomato juice anywhere to be found!

You will often see Texas chili that has real chunks of beef in it. Sometimes ground beef is used, but more often than not, you cook it low and slow using chunks of beef that get super tender and delicious.

Why Don’t They Put Beans In Texas Chili

Really it comes down to flavor. You don’t want to cover up all that delicious smoky, spicy, delicious spice blend with beans. So it is not use. That being said, it is your house and your kitchen. So if you really want beans in there, no one is going to stop you. It just isn’t the “traditional” way.

a bowl of beef chili topped with cheese and a lime wedge

What’s In Texas Chili

There are quite a few spices that make it into the chili recipe, so don’t get scared by the long list of ingredients. It is way easier to make than you probably think!

  • Chuck Roast or Stew Meat
  • Onion
  • Garlic
  • Jalapeno
  • Chipotle in Adobo
  • Tomato Paste
  • Beef Broth
  • Beer
  • Brown Sugar
  • Worcestershire Sauce
  • Masa Harina (or cornstarch)

Spice Mixture

  • Chili Powder
  • Ground Cumin
  • Smoked Paprika
  • Dried Oregano
  • Chipotle Chili Powder
  • Cocoa Powder
  • Cinnamon
  • Salt & Pepper
texas style chili with cheese and sour cream

How To Make Texas Chili

  1. Start by seasoning the beef with salt and pepper. Then heat a large pot over medium high heat, and add a little bit of oil. Working in batches, brown the meat for 4-5 minutes. Remove the meat and set aside.
  2. After all the meat is browned add a little more oil to the pot and sauté the onions and jalapeno for a few minutes until they are soft.
  3. Add in the garlic and seasoning mix and cook for 1 minute, until you can start to smell it.
  4. Now you add the beef back to the pot along with all of the remaining ingredients. Stir until everything is combined and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Leave the pot uncovered and simmer for 2 1/2 – 3 hours until the mixture is thick and the meat is tender. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to thin it out.
  6. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking and it is ready to serve.
bowl of texas chili with cheese and sour cream

How To Serve Chili

One of the best things about chili is all the toppings you can put on it! I like to serve with Southern Style Cornbread and then an array of toppings for people to pick from.

  • Sour Cream
  • Lime Wedges
  • Chopped Onion
  • Cheddar Cheese
  • Sliced Radish
  • Avocado
  • Green Onions
  • Fritos or Tortilla Chips

Storage

If you have leftovers, don’t worry this only gets better as it sits! It will last in the fridge for up to 5 days. Just keep it in an airtight container and reheat on the stove or even in the microwave.

Freezing works great to. Make sure to let it cool completely and store in an airtight container. It will last for 4-5 months. You can just pour it directly into a pot and heat over low to reheat. Or you can let it thaw in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave if you have more time.

close up texas style chili in a white bowl

More Hearty Chili and Soup Recipes

Yield: 5

Texas Chili Recipe

cropped image of beef chili topped with cheese and sour cream

Texas Chili Recipe - A classic bean free chili that is loaded with flavor! A little smoky, a hint of spice, and tender chunks of beef. Hearty comfort food everyone will love!

Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes

Ingredients

  • 2 pounds chuck roast, cut into cubes
  • 4 Tablespoons vegetable oil
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 1 jalapeno, finely chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 chipotle in adobo, minced
  • 3 Tablespoons tomato paste
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 1/2 cup beer
  • 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 Tablespoon brown sugar
  • 2 Tablespoons Masa Harina (or see notes for cornstarch)
  • Salt & Pepper

Spice Mixture

  • 2 Tablespoons Chili Powder
  • 1 Tablespoon Ground Cumin
  • 1 Tablespoon Smoked Paprika
  • 1 Tablespoon Dried Oregano
  • 2 teaspoons cocoa powder
  • 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
  • 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon

Instructions

  1. Mix together seasoning mix and set aside.
  2. Season beef with salt and pepper on all sides.
  3. Heat a large pot over medium high heat. Add 2 Tablespoons of oil. Once hot add about half of the beef, and brown for 4-5 minutes. Repeat with the remaining beef. Remove from heat and set aside.
  4. Reduce the heat to medium, add remaining 2 Tablespoons of oil to the pot and sauté the onions and jalapeno for 6-7 minutes, until they are soft.
  5. After the onions are soft , add in the garlic and seasoning mix and cook for 1 minute, until you can start to smell it.
  6. Next, add the beef back to the pot along with all of the remaining ingredients. Stir until everything is combined and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  7. Leave the pot uncovered and simmer for 2 1/2 - 3 hours until the mixture is thick and the meat is tender. If it gets too thick, you can add a little more beef broth to thin it out.
  8. Taste and adjust the salt and pepper to your liking and it is ready to serve.

Notes

If you don't have Masa Harina, you can use cornstarch. Once the meat is tender, mix 2 Tablespoons of Cornstarch with 2 Tablespoons of water and stir into the chili. Cook for 4-5 minutes until it starts to thicken. Then serve.

Nutrition Information

Yield

5

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving Calories 623Total Fat 41gSaturated Fat 13gTrans Fat 2gUnsaturated Fat 25gCholesterol 151mgSodium 1095mgCarbohydrates 16gFiber 4gSugar 6gProtein 49g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

Did you make this recipe?

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MARY TOGNAZZINI

Thursday 24th of February 2022

ONE CHIPOLTE IN ADOBO?, S CUP, TABLE SPOO, CAN?

Erin S

Thursday 24th of February 2022

1 of the chipotle in adobo peppers

Catalina

Wednesday 23rd of February 2022

It's my favorite dish! I can't wait to make it for my family!

Erik

Tuesday 22nd of February 2022

Nothing warms you up like fresh made chili!

Beti | easyweeknightrecipes

Tuesday 22nd of February 2022

I am loving the flavors in this! It sounds incredible!

katerina @ diethood.com

Tuesday 22nd of February 2022

Oh my, this looks so hearty and delicious!! YUM!

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