Texas Chili is a hearty dish that’s packed with bold flavors. Made with tender beef, beans, and a rich blend of spices, it’s perfect for warming you up on a chilly day!
I love to top it with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. It’s like a cozy hug in a bowl. Plus, it’s great for sharing with friends at a game night! 🎉
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Beef Chuck: This cut is perfect for chili because it becomes tender with long cooking. If you prefer, you can use ground beef or brisket instead, but I find chuck gives the best flavor.
Chili Powder: This is the star ingredient! You can try different blends to find your favorite. If you want more heat, use chipotle chili powder or additional cayenne.
Tomato Paste: This adds a deep flavor. If you don’t have tomato paste, you can swap it for an equal amount of pureed tomatoes or tomato sauce. It changes the texture a bit, but still works well!
Apple Cider Vinegar: It brightens up the flavors. If you’re out, feel free to use red wine vinegar or even a squeeze of lime for a fresh touch.
How Do I Get the Beef Just Right?
Browning the beef properly is key to building flavor in your chili. Follow these tips for best results:
- Don’t overcrowd the pan. Cook in batches if needed so that each piece has room to brown nicely.
- Let the beef sear without moving it for a few minutes to develop a rich crust.
- After browning, set the beef aside before moving on to the onions and spices. This helps prevent steaming and keeps the beef juicy.
Taking your time in this step ensures your chili has a deep, satisfying flavor that everyone will love!
Texas Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Chili:
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 3 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Optional Toppings:
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Sour cream
- Sliced jalapeños
- Chopped green onions or chives
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Texas Chili recipe takes about 15 minutes to prepare and approximately 2 to 3 hours to cook. The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully and the beef to become tender. It’s definitely worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Searing the Beef:
In a large heavy-bottom pot or Dutch oven, heat the vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Generously season the beef cubes with salt and pepper. Add the beef to the pot in batches, making sure not to overcrowd, and brown all sides well. Once browned, remove the beef from the pot and set it aside on a plate.
2. Sautéing Onions and Garlic:
In the same pot, add the chopped onions and sauté for about 5-7 minutes until they are softened and translucent. Next, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
3. Adding the Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, and oregano. Let the spices cook for about 30 seconds to bloom their flavors, making your kitchen smell amazing!
4. Mixing in Tomato Paste:
Next, mix in the tomato paste, cooking it for about 2 minutes while stirring constantly to combine it nicely with the spices and onions.
5. Combining Ingredients:
Return the browned beef to the pot and pour in the beef broth and crushed tomatoes. Give everything a good stir to combine.
6. Simmering the Chili:
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot partially. Allow it to simmer gently for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the chili has thickened to your desired consistency.
7. Final Seasoning:
Once the chili is almost done, stir in the apple cider vinegar and taste. Adjust the salt and pepper according to your liking.
8. Serving:
Serve the chili hot in bowls. Don’t forget to garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, sliced jalapeños, and chopped green onions or chives for a delicious finishing touch!
Enjoy your authentic Texas Chili, rich with tender beef and bold, smoky spices! It’s perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends!
Can I Use Ground Beef Instead of Beef Chuck?
Yes, you can definitely use ground beef! Just cook it until it’s browned before adding the onions and spices. Keep in mind that ground beef will result in a different texture, but it will still be delicious!
What Can I Do If My Chili Is Too Spicy?
If your chili ends up too spicy, you can balance it out by adding a dollop of sour cream, some shredded cheese, or even a little bit of sugar to tone down the heat. Adding additional canned tomatoes or some broth can also help dilute the spice.
How Long Can I Store Leftovers?
Leftover Texas Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well! Just make sure to cool it completely before transferring to freezer-safe containers, and it can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Can I Make Chili Ahead of Time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld even more. You can prepare the chili a day in advance, let it cool, and then refrigerate it. Just reheat it gently on the stove when you’re ready to serve!
