Texas Chili Recipe

4.88 from 71 votes

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.

Prep Time10

Cook Time2 40

Total Time2 50

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American

Keyword: chili, recipe, spicy, Tex-Mex

Servings:

Calories: 447kcal

Author: Mike Hultquist

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

Heat Factor: Mild-Medium, but Texas chili is HUGE on flavor.

Nutrition