Texas Chili Recipe

This Texas chili recipe is a true delight for chili lovers! It’s hearty, flavorful, and perfectly spiced without any beans. Ideal for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in, this dish showcases the rich flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. With tender beef and a blend of aromatic spices, you’ll impress friends and family with this authentic Texas chili.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Rich Flavors: The combination of dried peppers and spices creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to beat.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it on its own, over rice, or with cornbread for an easy weeknight meal.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward steps, you can whip up this chili without fuss.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This dish keeps well and tastes even better the next day, making it great for leftovers.
• Spicy Kick: Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer jalapeños to suit your taste!

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into your cooking adventure, gather your tools. Having everything ready makes the process smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Food processor
• Cutting board
• Knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the chili evenly and allowing flavors to meld beautifully.
• Food processor: Helps create a smooth chili paste from the dried peppers quickly and easily.

Ingredients

To make this delicious Texas chili recipe, gather the following ingredients:

For the Chili Paste

• 3 ancho peppers
• 3 pasilla peppers
• 3 New Mexican dried peppers (a variety is best)

For the Chili

• 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)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 2 cups beef stock (or dark beef broth)
• 2.5 cups water (or more as needed)
• 2 tablespoons masa harina (corn flour, for thickening if desired)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

How to Make Texas Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Chili Paste

1. Start by lightly toasting the dried peppers in a dry pan for about 1-2 minutes per side. This helps release their oils.
2. Remove from heat and let them cool enough to handle. Remove stems and pour out seeds.
3. Soak the toasted peppers in hot water for 20 minutes until they are soft.
4. Place them in a food processor with 1/2 to 1 cup of soaking water and a bit of salt. Blend until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Cook the Beef

1. In a large bowl, toss cubed beef with cumin, salt, and pepper until evenly coated.
2. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium heat.
3. Add seasoned beef to the pot and cook for 6-7 minutes until browned all over. Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables

1. In the same pot, add remaining olive oil along with jalapeños, serranos, and chopped onion.
2. Cook down for about 5 minutes until softened.
3. Stir in chopped garlic and cook for another minute.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Return seared beef to the pot with vegetables.
2. Stir in reserved chili paste and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance flavors.

Step 5: Simmer the Chili

1. Pour in beef stock, add water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and masa harina.
2. Bring mixture to a quick boil before reducing heat.
3. Cover pot and let it simmer for about 2 hours or until beef is very tender; stir occasionally.

Step 6: Final Touches

1. If chili becomes too thick during cooking, add additional water gradually until desired consistency is reached.
2. Adjust seasoning as necessary before serving.

Enjoy your warming bowl of homemade Texas chili!

How to Serve Texas Chili Recipe

Serving Texas chili can be a delightful experience, enhancing the flavors and creating a satisfying meal. Here are some great ways to enjoy this hearty dish.

Classic Garnishes

• Chopped Onions: Freshly chopped onions add crunch and a sharp flavor that complements the chili.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese on top creates a creamy, rich texture.
• Sour Cream: This adds a cool contrast to the spiciness of the chili.
• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro brings freshness and bright notes to each bite.

Accompanying Breads

• Cornbread: This sweet bread pairs excellently with spicy chili, absorbing flavors beautifully.
• Tortillas: Warm tortillas can be used for scooping or wrapping around the chili for a fun twist.

Hearty Add-ons

• Avocado Slices: Creamy avocado provides richness that balances the heat of the chili.
• Lime Wedges: Squeezing fresh lime over your bowl adds brightness and acidity.

How to Perfect Texas Chili Recipe

Perfecting your Texas chili recipe involves attention to detail and some helpful tips. Follow these suggestions for an exceptional dish.

• Use Quality Meat: Select high-quality beef chuck for better flavor and tenderness during cooking.
• Toast Your Spices: Toasting spices enhances their aroma and depth, making your chili more flavorful.
• Allow for Simmering Time: The longer you let it simmer, the more the flavors meld together; aim for at least two hours.
• Adjust Spice Levels: Taste as you cook—add more jalapenos or serranos if you want extra heat.

Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Recipe

Pairing side dishes with your Texas chili can elevate your meal. Here are some great options that complement its bold flavors.

1. Cornbread: A classic choice—the slight sweetness contrasts beautifully with spicy chili.
2. Fried Plantains: Their natural sweetness adds an interesting flavor balance.
3. Coleslaw: A refreshing slaw offers crunch and acidity that lightens up the dish.
4. Rice: Serve over white or brown rice to soak up every drop of delicious sauce.
5. Mixed Green Salad: A simple salad with vinaigrette provides freshness to counteract richness.
6. Grilled Vegetables: Smoky grilled veggies add depth and complement the meaty chili well.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Making Texas chili can be a rewarding experience, but there are some common pitfalls to watch out for.

• Bold Ingredients: Using the wrong type of meat or peppers can lead to an unbalanced flavor. Stick to beef chuck and a variety of dried peppers for authenticity.
• Bold Overcooking: Cooking the chili too long can make the beef tough. Aim for a simmer, and check tenderness every 30 minutes.
• Bold Forgetting Seasoning: Failing to season at different stages can result in bland chili. Season the beef before browning and adjust at the end.
• Bold Ignoring Thickness: Not adjusting the thickness can lead to a watery chili. Use masa harina wisely and add water gradually if it gets too thick.
• Bold Skipping the Paste: Neglecting to make a chili paste from dried peppers loses depth of flavor. Always toast and soak your peppers for maximum taste.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Lasts up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Texas Chili Recipe

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Keeps well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Texas Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat on high for 2-3 minutes; stir halfway through for even warming.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making this Texas chili recipe.

What makes a Texas Chili Recipe different?

Texas chili focuses on meat and spices without beans. This creates a rich, hearty dish that highlights beef’s flavor.

Can I customize my Texas Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can add more spices, use different types of meat like turkey or lamb, or adjust the heat by varying pepper types.

Is this Texas Chili Recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! It stores well in both the fridge and freezer, making it easy to enjoy later.

How do I thicken my Texas Chili Recipe?

You can use masa harina or let it simmer uncovered to reduce liquid. Adjust thickness based on your preference!

Final Thoughts

This Texas chili recipe is not just delicious but also versatile. It’s perfect for any occasion, whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner. Feel free to customize it with your favorite toppings or additional spices for a personal touch!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Texas Chili

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• Author: Amelia
• Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6

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Description

Indulge in the robust flavors of this authentic Texas chili recipe, a hearty and meaty dish that brings the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine to your table. Perfect for game days, family gatherings, or cozy nights in, this chili is made without beans, allowing the tender beef and aromatic spices to shine. Enjoy a delightful blend of dried peppers and fresh ingredients that create a thick, savory sauce sure to impress. Whether served over rice or paired with cornbread, this chili offers a versatile meal option that’s easy to prepare and even better as leftovers. With customizable spice levels, you can make it mild or spicy according to your taste preferences!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ancho peppers
• 3 pasilla peppers
• 2.5 pounds beef chuck (cut into cubes)
• 1 medium white onion (chopped)
• 3 jalapeño peppers (chopped)
• 4 cloves garlic (chopped)
• 2 cups beef stock
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 2 teaspoons cumin
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons masa harina (corn flour, for thickening if desired)

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Instructions

1. Toast the dried peppers in a pan for 1-2 minutes per side until fragrant. Cool, remove stems and seeds.
2. Soak the toasted peppers in hot water for 20 minutes until soft; blend with soaking water until smooth.
3. Season cubed beef with cumin, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large pot; brown the beef for about 6-7 minutes.
4. Sauté chopped onions and jalapeños in the same pot until softened; add garlic and cook for an additional minute.
5. Return browned beef to the pot; stir in chili paste and cook for another few minutes.
6. Add beef stock, water, brown sugar, and masa harina; simmer covered for about 2 hours or until beef is tender.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Tex-Mex

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 serving
• Calories: 380
• Sugar: 5g
• Sodium: 750mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 17g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 90mg