This Texas chili recipe is a true culinary gem that embodies the bold flavors of Texan cuisine. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners, this chili is rich and hearty without any beans to distract from its meaty goodness. With a blend of dried peppers and spices, this dish offers an authentic taste that will satisfy any chili lover.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Authentic Flavor: This Texas chili recipe captures the essence of traditional Texan cooking with its rich and spicy flavor profile.
- Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, making this chili is simple enough for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
- Versatile Serving Options: Serve it alone or with toppings like cheese, onions, or cornbread for a customized meal experience.
- Perfect for Meal Prep: This chili tastes even better the next day, making it ideal for make-ahead meals.
- Hearty and Filling: Packed with beef and peppers, this dish will keep you full and satisfied.
Tools and Preparation
To create your delicious Texas chili, you’ll need a few essential tools to help streamline your cooking process.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Large pot or Dutch oven
- Food processor
- Cutting board
- Sharp knife
- Measuring spoons
Importance of Each Tool
- Large pot or Dutch oven: Perfect for simmering your chili evenly over long periods, allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
- Food processor: This tool makes creating the chili paste quick and easy by blending your soaked peppers to the ideal consistency.
Ingredients
This Texas chili recipe is authentic, meaty, just the right amount of spicy, and not a chili bean in sight. Learn how to make your own Texas chili.
Ingredients:
– 3 ancho peppers
– 3 pasilla peppers
– 3 New Mexican dried peppers (See my NOTES above on the dried pepper choices – I prefer a variety)
– 2.5 pounds beef chuck (cut into bite-sized cubes)
– 2 teaspoons cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– 1 medium white onion (chopped)
– 3 jalapeno peppers (chopped)
– 2 serrano peppers (chopped (optional for extra heat – use extra jalapenos for milder))
– 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
– 2 cups beef stock (or use a dark beer)
– 2.5 cups water (+ more as needed (or use chicken or beef stock, or beer))
– 2 tablespoons masa harina (corn flour, for thickening if desired)
– 1 tablespoon brown sugar
– 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
How to Make Texas Chili Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chili Paste
- Lightly toast the dried peppers in a dry pan about 1–2 minutes per side to release their oils.
- Remove from heat and cool. Remove stems and seeds.
- Soak the peppers in hot water for 20 minutes until soft.
- Add soaked peppers to a food processor with ½ to 1 cup soaking water and salt. Process until smooth.
Step 2: Season the Beef
- In a large bowl, toss cubed beef with cumin, salt, and pepper until well coated.
Step 3: Sear the Beef
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat.
- Add seasoned beef; sear for 6–7 minutes until browned on all sides. Remove beef and set aside.
Step 4: Cook Vegetables
- Add remaining olive oil along with chopped jalapenos, serranos, and onion to the pot. Cook down for about 5 minutes.
- Stir in chopped garlic; cook for another minute.
Step 5: Combine Ingredients
- Return beef to the pot; stir in reserved chili paste. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes to develop flavors.
Step 6: Add Liquid Ingredients
- Stir in beef broth (or beer), water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and masa harina. Bring to a quick boil.
Step 7: Simmer
- Reduce heat; cover and simmer for about 2 hours until beef is tender. Stir every 30 minutes. If too thick, add water gradually. Thicken with more masa as needed.
Step 8: Serve
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings! Enjoy your homemade Texas chili!
How to Serve Texas Chili Recipe
Serving your Texas chili is just as important as preparing it. The rich flavors and hearty ingredients can be complemented with a variety of toppings and sides that enhance the overall experience.
Classic Toppings
- Chopped Onions: Freshly chopped white or green onions add a nice crunch and sharpness.
- Shredded Cheese: Cheddar or Monterey Jack provides creaminess and balances the spice.
- Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream can help cool down the heat while adding richness.
Bread Options
- Cornbread: A sweet, crumbly cornbread pairs perfectly with spicy chili.
- Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are great for scooping up chili or enjoying on the side.
Garnishes
- Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro adds a fresh burst of flavor that brightens the dish.
- Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice can enhance all the flavors and add brightness.
How to Perfect Texas Chili Recipe
Perfecting your Texas chili requires attention to detail and some cooking tricks. Follow these tips to elevate your dish.
- Choose Quality Meat: Use well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.
- Toast Your Spices: Briefly toasting spices before adding them helps to release their essential oils, enhancing their taste.
- Slow Cook: Allowing the chili to simmer for a longer time allows flavors to meld beautifully.
- Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you go, adding more peppers or spices based on your preference for heat.
Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Recipe
Pairing your Texas chili with side dishes can create a balanced meal. Here are some excellent options.
- Cornbread: This sweet bread complements the spiciness perfectly; consider serving it warm with butter.
- Rice: Fluffy white or brown rice can absorb the chili’s rich flavors, making for a filling dish.
- Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the hearty chili.
- Grilled Veggies: Seasonal vegetables grilled with olive oil add color and nutrition to your plate.
- Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip offers a cool counterbalance to spicy chili flavors.
- Pickled Jalapeños: For those who love extra heat, pickled jalapeños add zestiness and crunch.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making Texas chili can be a rewarding experience, but it’s easy to make mistakes that affect the final flavor.
- Not toasting the peppers: Toasting dried peppers enhances their flavor. Always toast them lightly before soaking for the best taste.
- Overcooking or undercooking the beef: The beef should be tender but not mushy. Simmer it long enough for tenderness, checking periodically.
- Skipping the chili paste: The chili paste is crucial for authentic flavor. Never skip this step; it adds depth and richness to your Texas chili.
- Using too much water: Adding too much water can dilute the flavors. Start with the recommended amount and add more only if necessary.
- Forgetting to season well: Seasoning throughout the cooking process is essential. Taste and adjust seasoning at various stages for a balanced dish.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container.
- Keep in the fridge for up to 4 days.
Freezing Texas Chili Recipe
- Freeze in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
- Can be frozen for up to 3 months for best quality.
Reheating Texas Chili Recipe
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in a covered dish and heat until warmed through.
- Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl, stirring occasionally until hot.
- Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring frequently until warmed thoroughly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about this Texas chili recipe.
What makes Texas Chili different from other chili recipes?
Texas chili is typically made without beans and focuses on meat, spices, and rich flavor. It emphasizes authenticity and traditional ingredients.
Can I customize my Texas Chili Recipe?
Absolutely! You can adjust spice levels, add different types of meats, or incorporate extra vegetables according to your preferences.
How long does it take to cook Texas Chili?
The total time is around 170 minutes, including prep and cooking. Allow sufficient time for simmering to achieve tender beef.
What are some great toppings for Texas Chili?
Consider topping your chili with shredded cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.
Final Thoughts
This Texas chili recipe is not only authentic but also incredibly satisfying. Its rich flavors make it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite ingredients for a personalized touch!
Texas Chili
Texas chili is a true representation of bold Texan flavors, making it a perfect choice for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners. This hearty dish is crafted without beans, allowing the rich meatiness to shine through. With a carefully selected blend of dried peppers and spices, this chili delivers an authentic taste that will delight any chili aficionado. Its straightforward preparation makes it accessible for novice cooks while also satisfying seasoned chefs. Serve it simply on its own or elevate your dining experience with toppings like cheese and onions. This chili not only satiates hunger but also improves in flavor when made ahead of time, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
- Total Time: 2 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Ingredients
- 3 ancho peppers
- 3 pasilla peppers
- 3 New Mexican dried peppers
- 2.5 pounds beef chuck (cubed)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 medium white onion (chopped)
- 3 jalapeno peppers (chopped)
- 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
- 2 cups beef stock
- 2.5 cups water
- 2 tablespoons masa harina
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
Instructions
- Toast dried peppers in a pan until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Blend soaked peppers with some soaking water until smooth.
- Season cubed beef with cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Sear seasoned beef in olive oil until browned; set aside.
- In the same pot, cook chopped onions and jalapenos until softened.
- Stir in garlic, then return beef and add chili paste.
- Pour in beef stock, water, brown sugar, and masa harina; bring to boil.
- Reduce heat and simmer for about 2 hours until beef is tender.
- Prep Time: 25 minutes
- Cook Time: 120 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Texan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 900mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 100mg
Keywords: For added heat, include serrano peppers in the mix. Adjust spice levels according to personal preference by modifying the amount of jalapenos used.
