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Original Texas Chili: 7 Secrets to Authentic Flavor

Original Texas Chili

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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.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2.5 lbs chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
  • 68 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

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.

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