Description
Authentic Texas Chili recipe made with tender beef and a rich chili pepper sauce—no beans, no tomatoes, just bold flavor the Texan way.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 4 dried ancho chilies
- 2 dried guajillo chilies
- 1 dried pasilla chili
- 1 tbsp cumin seeds
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder (optional for richness)
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
- 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp oil (for searing)
Instructions
- Prepare the Chilies: Remove stems and seeds from the dried chilies. Toast them in a dry skillet over medium heat for 1–2 minutes until fragrant, then soak them in hot water for 20 minutes.
- Make the Chili Paste: Drain the soaked chilies and blend with 1 cup of beef broth, cumin seeds, oregano, paprika, cocoa powder, and garlic until smooth. Set aside.
- Sear the Beef: In a large Dutch oven, heat oil over medium-high heat. Sear beef cubes in batches, turning to brown all sides. Remove and set aside.
- Cook the Onion: In the same pot, add a little more oil if needed and sauté the onion until soft and translucent.
- Combine Ingredients: Return beef to the pot. Stir in the chili paste, remaining beef broth, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
- Simmer: Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more broth if the chili becomes too thick.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt, pepper, or vinegar to balance the flavors.
- Rest and Serve: Let the chili rest uncovered for 30 minutes before serving to intensify the flavor.
Notes
- Prep Time: 30 minutes
- Cook Time: 3 hours
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Texan
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 607
- Sugar: 2 grams
- Sodium: 800 mg
- Fat: 27 grams
- Saturated Fat: 10 grams
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 grams
- Trans Fat: 0 grams
- Carbohydrates: 11 grams
- Fiber: 3 grams
- Protein: 82 grams
- Cholesterol: 200 mg
Keywords: Original Texas Chili