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The Ultimate Texas Chili

Texas Chili That Defines Fall Comfort Food


  • Author: Lorena
  • Total Time: 2 hours 55 minutes
  • Yield: 6-8 servings 1x

Description

This Texas Chili That Defines Fall Comfort Food is a rich, hearty, and slow-cooked masterpiece, brimming with tender beef and robust spices. It’s the perfect savory dish to warm you up on a crisp autumn day.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) olive oil
  • 2 pounds (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 1 large (200g) onion, chopped
  • 2 bell peppers (1 red, 1 green), chopped (approx. 300g total)
  • 4 cloves (20g) garlic, minced
  • 1 jalapeño, seeded and minced (approx. 15g)
  • 1/4 cup (60ml) chili powder
  • 2 tablespoons (30ml) ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon (15ml) smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon (5ml) oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon (2.5ml) cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1 (28 ounce / 794g) can crushed tomatoes
  • 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can tomato sauce
  • 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can kidney beans, rinsed and drained
  • 1 (15 ounce / 425g) can black beans, rinsed and drained
  • 2 cups (470ml) beef broth
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced avocado

Instructions

  1. Heat olive oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Sear beef chuck in batches until browned on all sides. Remove beef from the pot and set aside.
  2. Add onion and bell peppers to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes. Add garlic and jalapeño and cook for another minute until fragrant.
  3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using). Cook for 1 minute, stirring constantly.
  4. Add crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, black beans, beef broth, and seared beef to the pot. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
  5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2-3 hours, or until beef is tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
  6. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. If the chili is too thick, add more beef broth. If it’s too thin, simmer uncovered for a bit to reduce the liquid.
  7. Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings.

Notes

  • Make Ahead: This chili tastes even better the next day as flavors deepen.
  • Spice Level: Adjust cayenne and jalapeño to your preference.
  • Troubleshooting: If too thick, add broth; if too thin, simmer uncovered to reduce.
  • Prep Time: 25 minutes
  • Cook Time: 2 hours 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Simmer
  • Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 bowl (approx. 1.5 cups)
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 8g
  • Sodium: 800mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Carbohydrates: 30g
  • Fiber: 10g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg

Keywords: Texas Chili, Fall Comfort Food, Beef Chili, Homemade Chili, Comfort Food, Hearty Dinner, Chili Recipe, Slow Cooked Chili, Easy Chili, Beef Stew