Texas Chili Recipe
This Texas chili recipe is authentic, meaty, just the right amount of spicy, and not a chili bean in sight. Learn how to make your own Texas chili.
The first time I had Texas chili was, shockingly, down in Texas. I was in the middle of my military training and they let me off base. I’d never tried it, so grabbed a bowl at a local restaurant and…
BOOM! Eyes opened! Talk about flavor.
I’ve been making a version of that exact bowl ever since. Please note that I am NOT a Texas chili purist. There are different ways to make true Texas chili, but this is how I like to make mine.
You’ll find argument after argument about what exactly makes up Texas style chili, and as with any recipe, the ingredients and preparation varies from cook to cook. See my Recipe Variations notes below on this.
The main thing that practically everyone agrees on, however, is that Texas chili has no beans! This is very important. You don’t put beans in Texas chili. See my further notes on that below as well.
Let’s talk about how we make Texas chili, shall we?
How to Make Texas Chili – the Recipe Method
Start your chili paste first by lightly toasting the dried peppers in a dry pan about a minute or 2 per side. This will help to release the oils.
Remove from heat and cool enough to handle. Remove the stems and pour out the seeds.
Soak the peppers in hot water for 20 minutes, or until they are nice and soft.
Add them to a food processor with 1/2 to 1 cup of the soaking water and a bit of salt to taste. Process until nice and smooth. Set aside for now.
Add the cubed beef to a large bowl and toss with the cumin and a bit of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is nice and coated.
Heat 1 tablespoon oil over medium high heat in a large pot and add the beef. Cook 6-7 minutes, searing the beef all over.
Remove the beef and set aside.
Add the remaining olive oil along with the jalapenos, serranos and onion. Cook them down about 5 minutes.
Add the garlic and stir. Cook another minute.
Pour in the reserved chili paste and stir. Cook it for 2-3 minutes to let the flavor develop a bit.
Stir in the beef broth (or beer), 2 cups of water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and masa and bring to a quick boil. If you are using the optional additions (see my NOTES below), add them in now.
Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the meat is tender. It could take longer if you are using tougher cuts of beef (see NOTES above). Give it a stir once every 30 minutes or so.
NOTE: You could also transfer everything to a slow cooker or Instant Pot and let it cook low and slow. I usually use my Dutch oven.
The chili will thicken up nicely as it simmers.
If it becomes too thick, add in a ¼ cup of water and stir. If it is too thin, thicken with more masa.
Serve with your favorite fixins! Get ready for an awesome “bowl o red”!
Now, I’m sure you have questions. Or comments. Let’s move onto the overall Texas Chili discussion, shall we?
Does Texas Chili Have Beans?
NO! Texas chili does NOT have beans.
However, as with any cook, you are the one making the recipe, so if you’d like to include BEANS in your Texas chili, go for it. Use just about any bean – kidney beans, black beans, several white bean varieties work nicely.
If you choose to include beans, though, be prepared for your Texas friends to tell you, vehemently, that it is NOT officially Texas chili. I’m sure you’ll be okay with that.
What Makes Texas Chili Different from Other Chilis?
Texas chili is unique from other chilis in that it does not contain beans or tomato sauce, or any tomato product. It is made primarily of meat and a thick and flavor chili paste made from dried peppers. It is more akin to a thick and hearty beef stew that most chilis with a focus on chili pepper flavor. Because of the reddish color from the chili, it is also known as Texas Red Chili or Cowboy Chili.
About the Dried Peppers
I used a combination of three different dried peppers – ancho, pasilla, and New Mexican peppers.
The ancho pepper is the dried form of the poblano chili pepper. It has a mild paprika flavor, with sweet to moderate heat.
Pasilla peppers offer a rich smoky flavor. They’re often used as a powder in Mexican salsas as well as in mole and adobo sauces, though they make a wonderful addition to not only Texas chili, but any style of chili.
The New Mexican peppers are earthy and a little sweet. Together, they build the delectable chili paste that makes this Texas chili recipe truly authentic.
You can easily use other dried pods to form your flavor base, or try it with only a single pepper. I’ve made some chili recipes with only pasilla peppers and with only ancho peppers, and was not disappointed.
About the Fresh Peppers
I used both jalapeno peppers and serrano peppers for both flavor and heat. They break down nicely as you cook them up, and they’re readily available.
Other peppers that would work very nicely here include the Anaheim pepper, cubanelle pepper, or the poblano.
Hatch chili peppers would be outstanding in a Texas chili, in my opinion. If you’re looking to introduce a nice level of heat, bring in a habanero or two.
Either work with them from fresh, or roast them for a more robust flavor. Feel free to experiment.
Choices of Beef
Chuck roast is always a popular option for Texas chili because it is a tougher meat that benefits greatly from the low and slow cooking process. I prefer beef chuck. All of that tough connective tissue breaks down and it becomes wonderfully tender and flavorful.
You can use any stew meat for this particular recipe.
I’ve enjoyed some Texas chilis with ground beef, and found them delicious, but it just isn’t the same in terms of taste and consistency. But if you’re in a bind, I say go for it. Better to have chili than NO chili.
It is still quite delicious.
Additional Ingredients and Recipe Variations
As mentioned, there are other ways to make Texas chili, and the recipe will vary from cook to cook. The largest variations I see involve the use of seasonings.
I rely mostly on the peppers, the meat, and a few simple seasonings to make my outstanding Texas chili (if I do say so myself!), but other ingredients I’ve encountered with other Texas chili recipes include:
- Coriander
- Mexican oregano
- Hot chili powder or flakes (Yes!)
- Vinegar (1-2 tablespoons usually)
- Chocolate or cocoa powder
- Coffee
- Beer (used instead of broth, or both – I’ve done this and love it)
- Worcestershire sauce
- Brown sugar/sugar
- Tomato paste/sauce/diced tomatoes/crushed tomatoes (usually a typical can or so)
- Masa (as a thickener)
Note that I did not list BEANS among those ingredients.
How Long Does it Take to Make Texas Chili
Once you’ve got your pot of Texas chili simmering, it will take a least a good two hours of simmering time for the meats to break down, depending on the type of meat you are using. The key is to let the flavor develop, and for the tough connective tissues (collagen) to break down and become tender.
I’ve had some of my chilis take nearly 4 hours for it to get to where I wanted it, flavor-wise. Just keep tasting and testing.
If your chili becomes too thick from the simmering process and it still needs developing time, just add a bit of water here and there, about a quarter cup or so at a time, as needed.
Speaking of flavor and simmering time…
Try it the Next Day
Texas chili is GREAT right off the bat, but you can develop even MORE flavor by cooling it and setting it into the refrigerator, covered. Leave it overnight, then reheat it the next day.
It is even better this way.
Serving Up Your Texas Chili
I don’t see any real RULES here when serving up Texas chili. Serve it up with whatever fixings you prefer. Fritos are fun and crunchy (Frito pie, anyone?), as are crispy tortillas, but go for the regulars like diced onion, spicy chopped peppers, chili flakes, fresh chopped herbs, limes, crema or sour cream, shredded cheese and more.
How Long Does Texas Chili Last in the Fridge?
Properly sealed in a container with a tight lid, chili should last a week in the refrigerator. If you’d like to keep your chili longer, it is best to freeze it in proper freezer containers. That way your chili will last a good 6 months.
That’s it, my friends! I hope you enjoy your Texas chili! Let me know how it turns out for you!
TRY SOME OF MY OTHER POPULAR CHILI RECIPES
- Chili con Carne
- Chili Colorado
- Chili Verde
- Cincinnati Chili
- Easy Black Bean Chili
- Chipotle Chili
- Carne Adovada
- Check out all of my chili recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Texas Chili Recipe
Ingredients
- 3 ancho peppers
- 3 pasilla peppers
- 3 New Mexican dried peppers See my NOTES above on the dried pepper choices – I prefer a variety
- 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 – use extra jalapenos for milder)
- 4 cloves garlic chopped
- 2 cups beef stock or use a dark beer
- 2.5 cups water + more as needed (or use chicken or beef stock, or beer)
- 2 tablespoons masa harina corn flour, for thickening, if desired
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon Worcestershire
- FOR SERVING: Chopped onion, spicy chili flakes, freshly chopped cilantro, lime wedges, crema or sour cream, Fritos or tortilla chips, whatever else you desire
Instructions
- Start your chili paste first by lightly toasting the dried peppers in a dry pan about a minute or 2 per side. This will help to release the oils.
- Remove from heat and cool enough to handle. Remove the stems and pour out the seeds.
- Soak the peppers in hot water for 20 minutes, or until they are nice and soft.
- Add them to a food processor with 1/2 to 1 cup of the soaking water and a bit of salt to taste. Process until nice and smooth. Set aside for now.
- Add the cubed beef to a large bowl and toss with the cumin and a bit of salt and pepper. Make sure everything is nice and coated.
- Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a large pot and add the seasoned beef. Cook 6-7 minutes, searing the beef all over. Remove the beef and set aside.
- Add the remaining olive oil along with the jalapenos, serranos and onion. Cook them down about 5 minutes.
- Add the garlic and stir. Cook another minute.
- Return the beef to the pot and stir in the reserved chili paste. Cook it for 2-3 minutes to let the flavor develop a bit.
- Stir in the beef broth (or beer), 2 cups of water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and masa and bring to a quick boil. If you are using the optional additions (see my NOTES above), add them in now.
- Reduce the heat, cover and simmer for about 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. It could take longer if you are using tougher cuts of beef (see NOTES above). Give it a stir once every 30 minutes or so. If it becomes too thick, add in a ¼ cup of water and stir. Thicken with more masa.
- Serve with your favorite fixins!
Video
Notes
Nutrition
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 2/5/21 to include new information, photos and video. It was originally published on 2/18/19.
37 comments
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I havent tried your Texas chili yet, but the color is beautiful. I’m originally from the Chicagoland area as well, but live in Texas now. I didn’t understand the “Texas Chili” concept until moving here, but it is in it’s own class. I’m a culinary school grad from long ago, Culinary Inst of America, same year Anthony Bourdain graduated, though I never met the guy. I just wanted to pay a compliment, from a pure love of food perspective, and years in numerous kitchens, I can tell looking through your recipes that you’ve done an excellent job on recipe development. Blending flavors as you’ve done takes real talent and usually formal training. Its impressive all that you and your wife have done to showcase chili peppers, great job!
Thank you very much, Henry. I greatly appreciate your comments. This is one of the best compliments I’ve received in a long time. You are very kind! Have a great day.
Everyone’s Chili had chunks of meat in it, with the ground beef. I don’t think i’d call it a texan chili if it was just ground meat, that would just be regular chili without beans.
In the end, it’s all semantics, Madison. People will argue or names, etc, ad nauseam. As long as it tastes good, I’m in!
Half way through simmering now…cannot wait to try this!!! Thanks
Yes!! This is to good, Stephen!! Enjoy.
This sounds amazing and will be making this for myself! I’m not able to find all the peppers you listed in the ingredients. I’m wondering what you would think if I replace the New Mexican with Anaheim peppers and replace the jalapeños with habanero?
Thanks, JimmySteve. Yes, you can use dried Anaheim peppers as well as habaneros for this recipe. Let me know how it goes for you. You’ll get quite a bit of extra heat with the habaneros, so keep that in mind. I would personally love it.
I would like to make this chili, but I think the heat level is too high for my family. A couple don’t like the heat, and 2 can only have mild heat due to digestive issues. Is there a way to keep the basic flavor but lower the heat level?
A hint for those who don’t have corn flour and have used corn starch — I exclusively use instant potatoes added in a teaspoon or tablespoon at a time (depending upon the amount of liquid), letting it simmer 3-5 minutes between additions. No mixing of a paste, never and problem with lumps, and used as a thickener adds no flavor. I use it in soups, chicken noodle soup broth, stews, even a spaghetti marinara that needs a little thickening.
Phil, I would skip the serranos (or jalapenos) and only focus on the flavor of the dried chilies. You won’t get too much heat from them. Also, serve with some sour cream on the side so they can tamp any heat, if needed. Great tip on the instant potatoes!
Hi Mike, your recipe looks amazing and I can’t wait to try making it. I had one question after watching the video and reading the recipe. In the video, you removed the pepper seeds first before toasting. The recipe calls for toasting the peppers first and then removing the seeds. Is there a preferred method for this? Thanks!
Hi, JD. Thanks. You can do it either way. Sometimes it’s easier to remove the beforehand. AS long as you remove them, as they can be somewhat bitter. I hope you enjoy it!
I respect your right to your opinion, but this is rich people chili, not family chili. Real chili has ground beef and beans. Love ya!
Hey, Paula. Nothing wrong with a nice ground beef chili with beans! I make that often. I love it. However, that’s not Texas Chili. Texas chili is it’s own thing, and definitely not rich. It’s made with stew meat, quite inexpensive.
I admit, I’ve been cheating several times adding beans and/or tomatoes. But not this time. And it’s a revelation, your recipe makes it easy to understand what chili con carne really is: meat and chili peppers (and barely anything else). This sumptuous and rich sauce does it all.
Thanks for this discovery Mike and I really liked your video.
I ran out of pasilla so I replaced it with guajillo and I couldn’t help but add a tiny but lovely ghost pepper
Fixing: sour cream, cilantro, raw onion and cheddar.
Excellent, Jérémie. Even though this is an iconic dish, it’s definitely easy to change up and make it your own. Glad you enjoyed it.
Absolutely OUTSTANDING. My grandfather used to tell me that a Bowl of Red typically didn’t have meat because cowboys didn’t carry much meat on the drives. He went on to say when you got a Bowl of Red with meat it was quite a treat. He told me Cowboys would add their own jerky if they wanted, but that was their snack while on the drives. Incredible pics and sure does bring back memories.
Our family has been here since 1864 and still raising cattle. Thanks again!
Thanks so much, David! Great story! I appreciate it!!
Outstanding ingredients! What makes homemade chili special are the multitude of variations. Everyone who loves it has their special way of putting together a pot of chili. Probably one of the greatest meals ever created. Keep up the good work Mike and thank you – your passion for spicy foods is much appreciated!
Thanks, Ken! I appreciate it! Yes, I LOVE a big pot of Texas Chili. So good.
Hi I want to make your chili, but only have dried Guajillo peppers, dried Ancho peppers and dried arbol peppers. How many of each should I use. I know the Arbols are hot. I do have fresh jalapenos and pickled serranos.
Linda, I would use 3 each guajillo and ancho, and a good handful of arbol, but those can be pretty hot, so maybe use those sparingly and add in extra ancho and guajillo. Let me know how it goes.
I was going to try to make your guajillo soup but I realized I wanted to try texas red.
Can one make Texas Red with only Guajillo? Heck yes, I strongly recommend it.
I omitted all tomatoes.
It’s heaven. It’s like eating green chile without the tomatillos: the chili taste is the star.
Other than all-guajillo and no tomatoes, I stayed close to your recipe. The slow cooker made the stew beef divine.
Thank you, good recipe.
Sounds awesome, Brent! Thanks for sharing.
I am a chile-with-beans lover but wanted to try this recipe. Loved it! Will do some things differently next time, though. I used the soaking liquid to grind my peppers but it was too bitter for me. Will use water or broth next time. Had to add tomato sauce to get rid of the bitterness. I used home canned beef broth for the base and used cubed left-over brisket, along with fresh ground beef,for the meat. I thought it was great fresh but not as flavorful leftover. Will add a little extra heat next time and will strain the chili sauce to get rid of some of the pepper skins.
Thanks for a wonderful recipe.
Sherry
Thanks, Sherryn! A great base recipe for you! So fun to experiment and make it your own.
My wife and I are both from Texas and our family’s have been in Texas since the 1800’s. Between the two of us we have lived in northwest, central, south, far west and southeast Texas and neither one of us has ever had chili with chunks of meat. We have always had chili grind meat, basically the same as hamburger but larger grind. The meat is about the size of your little finger. I’m not saying yours would not be great, but I have never seen it made that way. You are absolutely right, no beans!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I’m going to give your recipe a try.
Thanks for the input, Jim. Let me know how it turns out for you.
My entire family is from houstin and weve been apart of several cookouts. Everyone’s Chili had chunks of meat in it, with the ground beef. I don’t think i’d call it a texan chili if it was just ground meat, that would just be regular chili without beans.
I give you 5-stars without even trying your chili! It’s so much like mine that I know it’s great. (Sorry, but I love it with or without 2 cans of rinsed black beans.). As to serving, all you said but try my option. Split a potato, oil plus salt and pepper grill at 350-400 until ready (soft). Roughly dice the potato, pour over it at least a cup of the hot chili, add sour cream, shredded cheese, onion, diced cauliflower, cut up broccoli, corn or whatever you like. Just be sure the chili remains the dominant ingredient! One of my favorites and what I’m having tonight.
Haha, thanks, Rich! It’s such a GREAT RECIPE! I love it, and I LOVE your serving suggestion. Definitely going to try that next time I make a batch! Have a good one.
Enjoy! I came up with that while trying to “improve” our company cafeteria chili. Starting with great chili, it’s amazing! BTW, a good way to improve any chili is to use better beef. My current choice was diced chuck and NY strip. I cut 1/2 – 3/4″ strips, coat with my “Cajun” spice (much less salt), sear on the grill and dice. Then your recipe. So many ways to up-level good chili.
That’s awesome, Rich. I love it, and agree wholeheartedly. Keep on cooking, my friend!
Another tasty Chili. I rendered some bacon end in order to brown the beef. Liquid was a can of IPA to deglaze and 2 cups of chicken broth. I used a slow cooker and found this to actually be too much. But a little corn starch solved that. Oh, and I refrigerated the entire batch for reheating the day after. It made a big difference!
Excellent, Gerald! Thank you. I love the addition of the bacon.
This is even better than my father’s old recipe. Believe it or not. It’s THAT good. I recommend Mike’s Texas Chili recipe wholeheartedly!
Wow, thanks, Mabel! That’s a HUGE compliment! Super glad you love it.