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 Best Texas Chili Recipe
The first time I had Texas chili was in Texas during the middle of my military training. I'd never tried it, so when they let me off base, I grabbed a bowl at a local restaurant and...
BOOM! Eyes opened! Talk about rich flavor.
I've been making a version of that exact bowl ever since, over 30 years. Please note that I am NOT a Texas chili purist. There are different ways to make true Texas chili, but this is how I make mine - with big chunks of beef, lots of pureed chilies and spices, and no beans.
You’ll find many arguments about what makes up Texas style chili. Recipes, ingredients, and preparations vary from cook to cook.
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.
Let’s talk about how to make authentic Texas chili, shall we?
Award Winning Texas Chili Recipe
"Made this for a chili contest yesterday and won! This brought in an award for Judge's Choice! I am so excited! This was fabulous. Thank you so much for sharing it. I added a couple of things to this, but it is still the same basic recipe. Thank you again!" -- Ellen.
How to Make Texas Chili – the Recipe Method
The full ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
Make the Chili Paste. Lightly toast the dried peppers in a dry pan a minute or 2 per side. This will help to release the oils.
Cool, remove the stems and seeds, then soak in hot water to soften.
Add them to a food processor with some of the soaking water and a bit of salt. Process until smooth.
Toss the beef with cumin and salt and pepper, then sear in a large pot or large Dutch oven with vegetable or olive oil over medium high heat until browned.
Remove the beef then cook the jalapenos, serranos, onion, and garlic.
Add the chili paste, then beef broth or beef stock (or beer), water, brown sugar, Worcestershire, and masa and bring to a boil. If you are using the optional additions (see my NOTES below), add them in now.
Cover and simmer for 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 harina.
Serve with your favorite fixins! Get ready for an awesome "bowl o red"!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- Texas chili is GREAT enjoyed right away, but it is even better the next day. Cool it, cover, and refrigerate overnight, then reheat it the next day. It is even better this way.
- For the dried chiles, I used a blend of dried ancho, pasilla, and New Mexican peppers to build a rich, flavorful chili paste for this Texas chili. Ancho adds mild, sweet heat. Pasilla brings smoky notes. New Mexican peppers add earthiness and subtle sweetness. Together, they create an authentic base, but feel free to experiment. This recipe also works great with just one type of pepper, like pasilla or ancho. Chili powders can be used, too.
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. It is no beans Texas chili.
However, 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 beans - 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 authentic 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, tomato sauce, or any tomato product. It is made primarily of meat simmered in a chili sauce made from dried peppers.
It is more like a thick and hearty beef stew than other chilis. Because of its reddish color, it is also known as Texas Red Chili or Cowboy Chili.
Best Beef for Texas Chili
Beef chuck roast is my go-to for Texas chili. It’s a tougher cut that transforms into tender, flavorful meat with low and slow cooking.
While any stew meat will work, chuck really delivers that classic texture.
Ground beef can be tasty in Texas chili, but it doesn’t quite match the rich consistency you get from chunks of slow-cooked roast.
How Long Does it Take to Make Texas Chili
Once you've got your pot of Texas chili simmering, it will take at least two hours of simmering time for the meats to become tender, 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 tenderize.
I've had some chilis take nearly 4 hours for it to get to where I wanted it. Just keep tasting and testing.
If your chili becomes too thick from simmering and still needs developing time, add a quarter cup or so at a time, as needed.
Serving Texas Chili
There are no rules when serving 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.
Storage & Leftovers
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 my recipe for Texas chili! Let me know how it turns out for you!
This Recipe Is In our Cookbook - FLAVOR MADNESS
Did you know that you can find this recipe in our new cookbook FLAVOR MADNESS? It's waiting for you on PAGE 127.
Looking for More Beef Chili Recipes?
Try Some of My Other Popular 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 Information
NOTE: This recipe was updated on 4/14/25 to include new information, photos and video. It was originally published on 2/18/19.
Phil Grover says
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.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
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!
JD says
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!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
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!
Paula says
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!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
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.
Jérémie says
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.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
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.
David B says
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!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks so much, David! Great story! I appreciate it!!
Ken Kadan says
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!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Ken! I appreciate it! Yes, I LOVE a big pot of Texas Chili. So good.
Linda Peters says
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.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
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.
brent says
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.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Sounds awesome, Brent! Thanks for sharing.
Sherryn Frigon says
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
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks, Sherryn! A great base recipe for you! So fun to experiment and make it your own.
Jim Ables says
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.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Thanks for the input, Jim. Let me know how it turns out for you.
Amanda says
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.
Rich Beaudry says
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.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
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.
Rich Beaudry says
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.
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
That's awesome, Rich. I love it, and agree wholeheartedly. Keep on cooking, my friend!
Gerald Hayes says
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!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Excellent, Gerald! Thank you. I love the addition of the bacon.
Mabel says
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!
Michael Hultquist - Chili Pepper Madness says
Wow, thanks, Mabel! That's a HUGE compliment! Super glad you love it.