Texas Chili Recipe

This Texas chili recipe is a hearty, flavorful delight that perfectly balances spice and richness. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy family dinner, this dish is sure to impress. With its unique combination of dried peppers and tender beef, this chili stands out as an authentic representation of Texas cuisine. Dive into the world of bold flavors and comforting warmth with this satisfying dish.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Experience the depth of traditional Texas chili without any beans, letting the robust flavors shine.
• Easy to Prepare: Despite its rich taste, this chili is straightforward to make with simple steps.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or with your favorite toppings like cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day!
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spiciness by selecting mild or hot peppers according to your preference.

Tools and Preparation

To make your cooking experience smooth, gather these essential tools before you start. Having everything ready will help streamline the process and enhance your enjoyment as you cook.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Food processor
• Chopping board
• Sharp knife
• Measuring spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for simmering your chili evenly, ensuring all flavors meld beautifully.
• Food processor: Perfect for creating a smooth chili paste from the toasted peppers, enhancing the overall texture.
• Chopping board & knife: Essential for safely preparing your ingredients with precision.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to create this delicious Texas chili recipe:

For the Chili Base

• 3 ancho peppers
• 3 pasilla peppers
• 3 New Mexican dried peppers (a variety is best)
• 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 (+ 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 Your Chili Paste

Start by lightly toasting the dried peppers in a dry pan for about 1-2 minutes per side. This helps release their oils and enhances their flavor.

Step 2: Soak the Peppers

Remove the toasted peppers from heat and let them cool enough to handle. Once cooled, remove stems and seeds. Then soak the peppers in hot water for 20 minutes until soft.

Step 3: Blend the Chili Paste

Place the soaked peppers in a food processor along with ½ to 1 cup of soaking water and salt to taste. Process until smooth and set aside.

Step 4: Season the Beef

In a large bowl, toss cubed beef with cumin, salt, and pepper until well-coated.

Step 5: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Sear the seasoned beef for about 6-7 minutes until browned all over. Remove from pot and set aside.

Step 6: Cook Vegetables

In the same pot, add remaining olive oil along with chopped jalapenos, serranos, and onion. Cook for about 5 minutes until softened.

Step 7: Add Garlic

Stir in chopped garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 8: Combine Ingredients

Return seared beef to the pot along with reserved chili paste. Stir well and cook for another 2-3 minutes.

Step 9: Add Liquids

Pour in beef broth (or dark beef broth), water, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, and masa harina. Bring to a quick boil.

Step 10: Simmer

Reduce heat, cover, and let simmer for about 2 hours or until beef is tender. Stir occasionally; if it thickens too much, add more water as needed.

Step 11: Serve

Once done, serve hot with your preferred toppings!

Enjoy making this authentic Texas chili recipe that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion!

How to Serve Texas Chili Recipe

Serving Texas chili is all about enhancing its rich flavors and providing a satisfying experience. Here are some delicious ways to serve this hearty dish.

With Fresh Toppings

• Chopped Onions: Add a crunch with fresh diced onions that complement the spices.
• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheese adds creaminess and balances the heat.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream cools down the spice and adds richness.

Accompanied by Cornbread

• Classic Cornbread: This sweet, buttery bread pairs perfectly with the savory chili.
• Jalapeño Cornbread: For an extra kick, try cornbread infused with jalapeños.

Served in a Bowl

• Over Rice: Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal.
• With Tortilla Chips: Use crunchy tortilla chips for scooping up the chili, adding a delightful texture.

How to Perfect Texas Chili Recipe

Perfecting your Texas chili takes some practice, but these tips will help you achieve a fantastic result each time.

• Bold Flavor Base: Start with well-seasoned beef and sautéed vegetables for deep flavors.
• Properly Toast Spices: Toasting spices like cumin enhances their aroma and flavor.
• Let it Simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer for at least two hours helps meld the flavors beautifully.
• Adjust Heat Levels: Customize the spiciness by adding more or fewer peppers according to your taste.
• Thicken to Preference: If you prefer a thicker chili, add more masa harina as it simmers.

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 this hearty dish.

1. Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread absorbs the chili’s flavors wonderfully.
2. Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw provides a refreshing contrast to the warm chili.
3. Mexican Rice: Fluffy rice seasoned with spices adds substance and balances the meal.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies bring an earthy flavor that pairs nicely with spicy chili.
5. Avocado Salad: Creamy avocado salad offers a cool counterpart to the warmth of the chili.
6. Guacamole and Chips: A classic appetizer that brings creaminess and crunch to your table.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making your Texas chili recipe, it’s easy to stumble into common pitfalls. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Boldly skipping the spice: Forgetting to include enough spices can lead to bland chili. Always taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
• Boldly overcooking the meat: Overcooking can make the beef tough. Be mindful of cooking times and check for tenderness periodically.
• Boldly ignoring the paste: Not properly blending the chili paste can result in an undesirable texture. Make sure to process it until smooth for a well-integrated flavor.
• Boldly using water instead of stock: Substituting water for beef stock diminishes flavor depth. Always opt for stock or broth for a richer taste.
• Boldly neglecting to simmer long enough: Rushing the cooking process prevents flavors from developing fully. Allow your chili to simmer low and slow for the best results.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store your Texas chili in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Texas Chili Recipe

• Freeze chili in a freezer-safe container or bag.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months in the freezer.

Reheating Texas Chili Recipe

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C) and reheat in an oven-safe dish, covered with foil for about 25-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in a microwave-safe bowl on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Warm over medium heat in a pot, stirring frequently until heated through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about this Texas chili recipe:

What makes a great Texas Chili Recipe?

A great Texas chili recipe features robust flavors from spices, quality meat, and a rich chili paste without beans.

Can I customize my Texas Chili Recipe?

Absolutely! You can adjust spice levels, add different types of peppers, or include additional vegetables based on your preferences.

How do I thicken my Texas Chili Recipe?

Thickening can be achieved by adding masa harina or letting it simmer longer to reduce liquid.

How long does it take to make this Texas Chili Recipe?

This Texas chili recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and around 160 minutes of cook time.

Final Thoughts

This Texas chili recipe is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to make it your own with various spices and ingredients. Whether you prefer it milder or spicier, this dish is sure to please everyone at your table. Give it a try and enjoy a hearty bowl of flavor-packed chili!

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Texas Chili

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This Texas Chili Recipe is a bold and hearty dish that perfectly captures the essence of traditional Texan cuisine. With its rich blend of spices and tender beef, this chili is a celebration of flavors that warms your soul. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or enjoying a cozy night in, this bean-free chili is sure to impress. The unique combination of dried peppers adds depth and complexity, making every bite a satisfying experience. Serve it topped with cheese, sour cream, or fresh herbs for an elevated finish, or enjoy it with classic cornbread on the side. Dive into this comforting dish that embodies the spirit of Texas!

• Total Time: 2 hours 15 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 6 people 1x

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 3 ancho peppers
• 3 pasilla peppers
• 3 New Mexican dried peppers
• 2.5 pounds beef chuck (cut into 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
• 2.5 cups water (+ more as needed)
• 2 tablespoons masa harina (corn flour, for thickening if desired)
• 1 tablespoon brown sugar

Instructions

1. Toast the dried peppers in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes per side to enhance flavor.
2. Remove stems and seeds from cooled peppers and soak them in hot water for 20 minutes until soft.
3. Blend soaked peppers with some soaking water until smooth to create chili paste.
4. Season cubed beef with cumin, salt, and pepper.
5. Sear beef in olive oil over medium-high heat until browned; remove from pot.
6. Cook chopped onions and jalapeños in the same pot for about 5 minutes.
7. Add garlic; cook for another minute.
8. Stir in seared beef and chili paste; cook for an additional 2-3 minutes.
9. Add beef stock, water, brown sugar, and masa harina; bring to a boil.
10. Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for about 2 hours until beef is tender.

• Author: Juniper
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 120 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Texan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 850mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 7g
• Unsaturated Fat: 13g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 28g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: For added heat, incorporate serrano peppers or adjust the type of dried peppers used. This chili can be made ahead of time; it often tastes even better the next day after flavors have melded. Consider topping with diced onions, shredded cheese, or sour cream to enhance flavor.