You can never go wrong with zesty soup recipes, whether it’s turkey chili, vegetarian chili, white chicken chili, green chile verde or this meaty Texas style version. Add a variety of toppings, then watch the rave reviews come in! There are so many different ways to enjoy chili, but Texas chili might be my very favorite. It’s all about the meat and spices, no beans to get in the way of anything. Best of all, it’s actually quite easy to make. All you need is a well stocked spice cabinet and some time to let things simmer.
Texas Chili Ingredients
To make this recipe, you will need chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cocoa powder, coriander, oregano, sugar, cornmeal, vegetable oil, beef stew meat, salt, black pepper, onion, poblano peppers, jalapenos, garlic, tomato sauce, chipotle pepper, beef broth and a bay leaf.
How Do You Make Texas Chili?
Start by mixing together a spice blend which includes chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, cocoa powder, sugar, coriander, oregano and cornmeal. This mixture flavors the chili, and the cornmeal helps thicken everything up. Brown the cubes of beef in a pan, then add onions, chili peppers and garlic. Place the spice mix in the pot and cook to deepen the flavors of the spices. Add beef broth, tomato sauce and a bay leaf, then let the mixture come to a simmer. Cook for 3 hours or until beef is tender and the chili is thick. Serve immediately with toppings of your choice, and enjoy!
Tips For The Perfect Chili
Choose a well marbled cut of beef such as stew meat, round roast, or chuck roast for best results. This dish will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. You can freeze the chili for 2 months. Let the frozen chili thaw in the fridge over night, then heat on the stove until warm. If the chili seems like it’s getting too thick before the meat is tender, you can add more beef broth or water, 1/4 cup at a time. I use both poblano and jalapeno peppers in this recipe. I remove the seeds and ribs for a milder chili. If you prefer chili with some heat, you can leave some of the seeds and ribs in the peppers. Serve your chili with honey cornbread on the side for a complete meal!
Flavor Variations
This chili is fabulous as-is, but you can add other flavors to make it your own.
Meat: While chunks of beef is traditional, I have also seen this dish made with ground beef. Sometimes I also add bacon for a smoky flavor. Beans: Yes, beans are not authentic here, but you can add a can of pinto or kidney beans if you really like the flavor and texture. Toppings: Finish your bowl of chili with diced onions, cilantro, cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, avocado or sliced jalapeno.
You simply can’t go wrong with Texas style chili. It’s full of rich flavor and ultra tender meat, and is great for feeding a crowd!
Texas Chili Video
