Original Texas Chili is a culinary masterpiece that captures the essence of Texan comfort food. This authentic Texas chili recipe delivers a bold, meaty, and deeply flavorful dish made with cubed beef and a rich chili pepper sauce, perfect for game days, cold nights, or hearty comfort food cravings. Imagine the aroma wafting through your kitchen as you prepare this dish; it’s a true crowd-pleaser that embodies the spirit of Texas.

Why You’ll Love This Original Texas Chili

This Original Texas Chili will become a staple in your home for many reasons. First, it’s straightforward to prepare, making it an Easy Texas Chili for Beginners. Second, the flavor profile is rich and complex, showcasing the best ingredients for Texas Chili. Third, it’s versatile, allowing for variations like Texas Chili with Beans or Texas Chili without Beans. Fourth, it’s perfect for meal prep, as it can be made in batches and stored for later. Fifth, it’s a low-carb option, fitting into many dietary plans. And lastly, it’s a comforting dish that warms you up on cold nights.

Ingredients for Original Texas Chili

Gather these items:

• 2.5 lbs chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
• 6–8 dried chili peppers (such as ancho, guajillo, or pasilla)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil

How to Make Original Texas Chili Step-by-Step

1. Step 1: Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Toast lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant.
2. Step 2: Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
3. Step 3: Blend softened chiles with garlic and a bit of soaking liquid to make a smooth chili paste.
4. Step 4: In a large Dutch oven, heat lard or oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches and set aside.
5. Step 5: Sauté onions in the same pot until soft and golden.
6. Step 6: Add the chili paste and cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.
7. Step 7: Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
8. Step 8: Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and chili thickens.
9. Step 9: Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Pro Tips for the Best Original Texas Chili

Keep these in mind:

• Perfect for game days or cold nights.
• Can be adjusted for spice preference.
• For a richer flavor, let it simmer longer.
• Pair it with cornbread for a classic Texas-style meal.

Best Ways to Serve Original Texas Chili

When it comes to serving your Original Texas Chili, there are endless possibilities. You can serve it as a main dish with rice or cornbread on the side. Alternatively, consider topping it with shredded cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. For a twist, try Texas Chili Serving Suggestions like nachos or as a hearty filling for burritos.

How to Store and Reheat Original Texas Chili

To store your Original Texas Chili, let it cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be kept in the refrigerator for up to 5 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. This dish’s flavors improve over time, making it ideal for meal prep.

Frequently Asked Questions About Original Texas Chili

What’s the secret to perfect Original Texas Chili?

The secret lies in the quality of the ingredients and the slow cooking process. Using fresh, high-quality dried chiles and allowing the chili to simmer for hours develops deeper flavors, making your Texas-style Chili Recipe truly authentic.

Can I make Original Texas Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making your Original Texas Chili ahead of time allows the flavors to meld beautifully. It’s an excellent choice for meal prep or hosting a crowd.

How do I avoid common mistakes with Original Texas Chili?

To avoid common pitfalls, ensure the beef is well-browned for maximum flavor. Also, be cautious with the salt and spices; adjust them gradually to suit your taste. This way, you can create the best Spicy Texas Chili Recipe without overwhelming the dish.

Variations of Original Texas Chili You Can Try

If you’re looking to mix things up, consider these variations of Original Texas Chili. You can create a hearty Vegetarian Texas Chili Recipe by substituting beans and vegetables for beef. Alternatively, try a Texas Chili with Ground Beef for a different texture, or opt for Texas Chili for a Crowd by doubling the recipe for larger gatherings. Each variation maintains the classic flavors while providing a unique twist.

For more information on the benefits of using fresh ingredients, check out this Healthline article. If you’re interested in meal prep ideas, visit our recipe category for more options. You can also explore homemade tomato sauce to complement your chili.

Original Texas Chili: 7 Secrets to Authentic Flavor

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This authentic Texas chili recipe delivers a bold, meaty, and deeply flavorful dish made with cubed beef and a rich chili pepper sauce, perfect for game days, cold nights, or hearty comfort food cravings.

• Author: Robert
• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 hours
• Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Texan
• Diet: Low Carb

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 2.5 lbs chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
• 6–8 dried chili peppers (such as ancho, guajillo, or pasilla)
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 large onion, finely chopped
• 3 cups beef broth or water
• 1 tbsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp Mexican oregano
• 1 tbsp paprika
• 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
• 1.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil

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Instructions

1. Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Toast lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant.
2. Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
3. Blend softened chiles with garlic and a bit of soaking liquid to make a smooth chili paste.
4. In a large Dutch oven, heat lard or oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches and set aside.
5. Sauté onions in the same pot until soft and golden.
6. Add the chili paste and cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.
7. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
8. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and chili thickens.
9. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Notes

• Perfect for game days or cold nights.
• Can be adjusted for spice preference.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 800mg
• Fat: 28g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15g
• Trans Fat: 1g
• Carbohydrates: 10g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 40g
• Cholesterol: 100mg