Texans are very serious about a couple of things: Barbecue, and Chili! The recipe for Texas Chili is different from the southwestern chili that you might be used to because there are a few big differences in how they are made.A true Texas chili uses big pieces of meat rather than ground meat, and almost never includes beans. If you’re looking for beans, check out my Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup Recipe. Or learn about what makes Cincinnati Chili so special (and definitely different than Texas chili). Depending on who you ask, there may be other important distinctions between “regular” chili and Texas chili, but what I’m concerned about is making sure that this is the tastiest Texas Chili recipe ever! So while my recipe may be a bit different than other Texas Chili Recipes, that’s just because Texas Chili is a bit different depending on who made it and where in Texas you are. I promise that you and everyone you serve it to will love this version made with stew meat, tomatoes, and a savory, spicy, smoky blend of herbs and spices. Looking for more hearty, meaty main dish recipes? Try making Italian Beef Sandwiches or Instant Pot Beef Stew next.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Key Ingredients
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
Chili Spice Mix: this delicious blend of spices is easy to mix up and way tastier than any pre-packaged spice mix you can buy at the store. It includes the spices you’d expect in chili (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander) as well as some interesting ones that make this recipe special, including Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon: These spices, usually reserved for baking, actually work really well with spicy spices to create balance and richness. Corn Starch: This is added to the spice mix, and acts as a thickener so that the broth in your texas chili is smooth and silky. Beef Stew Meat: Choose whatever cut of stew meat that you enjoy or is on sale this week. We’ll be simmering the cubes for long enough to tenderize any cut. I prefer using a cubed chuck roast when possible. Oil: For browning the meat. Onion, garlic, jalapeño: Fresh aromatic vegetables, chopped, make a flavorful base for Texas Chili. Canned Tomatoes: Both canned tomatoes and tomato paste are needed for my Texas Chili recipe. A 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes is perfect. Don’t drain the tomatoes, we want the juice as well. Chipotle in Adobo – These come usually in a jar or can. The can will have 2 or 3 peppers in it. You only need to use one of them. You can always add more for extra heat later. Bay Leaves: Simmer the chili with bay leaves to give it that cooked-all-day flavor. Beef Broth: Texas chili is a brothy stew, and beef broth complements the meat. Toppings: When I serve Texas Chili, I like to have shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream available for topping each bowl.
How to Make Texas Chili
What to Serve with Texas Chili
Toppings: Classic chili toppings are cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos, but you can add more if you like. Try crushed tortilla chips, french fried onions, or sliced avocado. Noodles: Macaroni and cheese is a great dish to serve with chili. I sometimes even put both the chili and the mac and cheese in a bowl together to make chili-mac! This Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe is the creamiest. Cornbread: Make this Southern Style Cornbread to enjoy with your Texas Chili. Cornbread always goes perfectly with Chili. Fresh homemade bread is delicious too!
How to Store Texas Chili
Fridge: You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or for several months in the freezer. Chili eaten the next day is often more delicious because the flavors have had more time to develop. Freezer: To freeze chili, separate it into either meal sized or individual serving size portions. Seal in a freezer safe, airtight container and freeze. To Reheat: Frozen chili can be reheated by allowing it to thaw first, then reheating it in the microwave or on low heat on the stove. Enjoy this savory and delicious Texas style chili with all of your favorite toppings! If you want more chili recipes, be sure to check out my Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili, Slow Cooker Turkey Chili, and meatless Vegan Chili! © Little Sunny Kitchen
