The Best Texas Style Chili Recipe: Bold & Hearty Comfort

Chili enthusiasts know that a true Texas style chili recipe demands respect for tradition and bold flavors.

Authentic chili stands as a culinary champion of Lone Star State cuisine.

Beef takes center stage in this robust dish, promising layers of deep, smoky complexity.

No beans allowed – this is pure, unapologetic meat-driven deliciousness.

Rich spices dance through each bite, creating a symphony of warmth and intensity.

the secret lies in slow-cooking and selecting premium cuts of beef.

Prepare to savor a chili that tells a story of Texas cooking heritage and passionate flavor crafting.

Big Flavor Options for Texas Chili Fans

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like black beans, lentils, or tofu crumbles. Use vegetable stock instead of beef stock for a hearty meat-free version.
• Lean Protein Chili: Swap ground beef with ground turkey or chicken for a lower-fat alternative. Maintain the same spice blend and cooking method for a lighter protein option.
• Keto-Friendly Chili: Use ground beef or ground pork and replace tomato ingredients with low-carb alternatives like diced bell peppers. Increase healthy fats by adding extra olive oil or butter during cooking.
• Slow Cooker Adaptation: Transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker after initial sautéing. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours, allowing flavors to develop deeply and meat to become extra tender.

Serving Texas Style Chili with All the Fixings

• Cozy Comfort Bowl: Ladle the hearty chili into deep ceramic bowls for a warm, inviting meal that hugs your taste buds.
• Tex-Mex Fiesta Spread: Create a toppings bar with shredded cheddar, crispy tortilla strips, diced avocado, and fresh cilantro for a customizable dining experience.
• Game Day Champion: Serve alongside cornbread or crispy tortilla chips, making it perfect for watching sports or hosting casual gatherings with friends.
• Meal Prep Magic: Store leftovers in airtight containers for up to 4 days, enjoying the chili's rich flavors that intensify over time.

Storing Texas Chili for Another Day

• Store leftovers in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days. Cool chili completely before sealing to prevent bacterial growth.
• Transfer chili to freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags. Remove excess air, seal tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Label with date and contents.
• Place chili in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat on medium power in 30-second intervals. Stir between intervals to distribute heat evenly. Check internal temperature reaches 165°F for food safety.

FAQs

• What makes Texas style chili different from other chili recipes?

Texas style chili does not include beans, focusing purely on meat and robust spices. It’s traditionally made with chunks of beef instead of ground meat, emphasizing a pure, meaty flavor profile.

• Can I use different types of meat for this chili?

While ground beef works well, authentic Texas chili typically uses chuck roast or beef brisket cut into chunks. These cuts provide more texture and a richer, more traditional taste that captures the true essence of Texas chili.

• How spicy is this chili recipe?

The spice level depends on the number of jalapeños and chili powder you use. This recipe offers a moderate heat, but you can easily adjust by adding more or fewer peppers and adjusting the chili powder quantity to suit your personal spice preference.

What Sets Texas Style Chili Apart

• A Texas-style chili that brings robust flavors to your dinner table with minimal kitchen effort.
• Top this chili with an array of garnishes like cheese, sour cream, or jalapeños, making each serving a personalized culinary experience.
• Prepare a filling, protein-packed dish in under an hour that delivers bold southwestern flavors perfect for family dinners or casual gatherings.
• Layer complex spices like chili powder, cumin, and coriander to create a deeply aromatic and authentically seasoned chili that celebrates Texas cooking traditions.

Texas Style Chili Ingredient Roundup

• Ground Beef: A rich and flavorful meat that forms the base of this hearty Texas-style chili.

• Onions, Jalapenos, Garlic: A flavor-building trio that adds depth, heat, and aromatic complexity to the chili.

• Chili Powder, Cumin, Oregano, Coriander, Salt, Black Pepper: A robust spice blend that creates the signature bold and warm flavor profile of Texas-style chili.

• Tomato Paste, Diced Tomatoes, Beef Stock: Ingredients that provide moisture, tanginess, and rich liquid base for the chili.

• Cheese, Sour Cream, Red Onion, Green Onion, Jalapenos, Salsa, Salsa Verde: Garnishes that add extra flavor, texture, and personalization to the chili.

• Olive Oil: A healthy oil used to sauté the aromatics and prevent sticking in the cooking pot.

Tools for Authentic Texas Style Chili Making

• Dutch Oven or Large Soup Pot: Essential for cooking the entire chili recipe, provides even heat distribution and plenty of space for ingredients.
• Wooden Spoon or Spatula: Perfect for stirring ingredients, breaking up ground beef, and preventing sticking.
• Sharp Knife: Needed for chopping onions, jalapenos, and preparing garnishes.
• Cutting Board: Provides a clean surface for chopping ingredients safely.
• Measuring Spoons: Helps accurately measure spices for consistent flavor.
• Can Opener: Required for opening canned tomatoes and beef stock.
• Colander or Strainer: Optional for draining excess beef grease.

Texas Style Chili Recipe Directions

Step 1: Sizzle Onions and Peppers

Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat.

Toss in chopped onions and jalapeños, stirring constantly until onions turn soft and glassy, about 6-8 minutes.

Step 2: Unleash Garlic Magic

Drop minced garlic into the pot and cook for one minute, letting those incredible aromas fill your kitchen.

Step 3: Brown Beef Like a Pro

Add ground beef, salt, and black pepper.

Crush and break the meat, leaving some delicious chunky pieces.

Cook until beef turns from pink to a rich brown color, about 8 minutes.

Drain excess grease if needed.

Step 4: Awaken Spice Flavors

Sprinkle in chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander.

Stir vigorously and cook for one minute to intensify the spice profiles.

Step 5: Create Liquid Gold

Stir in tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef stock.

Blend everything together until perfectly combined.

Bring to a gentle simmer, then lower heat.

Step 6: Slow Simmer Spectacular

Let the chili bubble and dance for 30 minutes to an hour.

Stir occasionally, watching the broth reduce and thickness develop.

Step 7: Customize Your Chili Masterpiece

Top with mouthwatering garnishes.

Pro Tips for Bold and Hearty Texas Chili

• Toast whole spices before grinding to enhance their depth and complexity in the chili.
• Leave some larger beef chunks for a more authentic, rustic Texas-style chili experience.
• Adjust chili powder and jalapeños to match your preferred heat level without losing authentic flavor.
• Simmer chili at a gentle heat to help flavors meld and develop a rich, robust taste profile.
• Use a paper towel to absorb excess fat or carefully drain beef to keep the chili from becoming too greasy.

The Best Texas Style Chili Recipe – Bold and Hearty

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4.8 from 27 reviews

• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: 6 1x

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Description

Robust texas style chili delivers a complex flavor profile with tender beef and rich spices. Meat lovers will savor this authentic southwestern classic that brings warmth and depth to any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat:

• 2.5 pounds ground beef

Spices and Herbs:

• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 3 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 tablespoon oregano
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 1 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper

Other Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 jalapenos, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 3 ounces (85 grams) tomato paste
• 28 ounces (794 grams) diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef stock

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Instructions

1. In a large Dutch oven, warm olive oil over medium heat. Sauté chopped onions and jalapeños, stirring frequently until onions become translucent and slightly softened, approximately 6-8 minutes.
2. Introduce minced garlic to the aromatic mixture, cooking briefly until its fragrance intensifies, about 1 minute.
3. Incorporate ground beef, seasoning with salt and black pepper. Crumble meat while leaving some substantial chunks, cooking for 8 minutes until beef loses its pink coloration. Drain excess fat if needed.
4. Sprinkle chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander into the pot. Stir thoroughly and toast spices for 1 minute to enhance their deep, robust flavors.
5. Blend tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef stock into the meat mixture. Stir until ingredients are evenly distributed, bringing the liquid to a gentle simmer.
6. Reduce heat to medium-low and allow chili to develop its rich flavors, stirring occasionally. Let the mixture reduce and thicken for 30-60 minutes until it reaches a hearty, robust consistency.
7. Ladle the chili into serving bowls and garnish with optional toppings like shredded cheese, tangy sour cream, crisp red onions, fresh green onions, additional jalapeños, or vibrant salsa and salsa verde.

Notes

• Customize spice levels by adjusting jalapeños or adding cayenne pepper for extra heat.
• Select high-quality ground beef with 80/20 fat content for rich, robust flavor and perfect texture.
• Allow extended simmering time to develop deeper, more complex taste profiles and tenderize meat.
• Experiment with alternative protein options like ground turkey or plant-based crumbles for dietary preferences.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 1 hour
• Category: Dinner, Snacks
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Texan

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 6
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 800 mg
• Fat: 25 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 18 g
• Fiber: 3 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 90 mg