Texas Chili
Authentic Texas Chili recipe — traditional bean-free chili made with tender beef, chili powder, and bold Southwestern spices. Perfect comfort food for dinner or game day.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900 g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for heat)
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (14 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (4 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tbsp masa harina (corn flour) or all-purpose flour (for thickening)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
Brown The Beef:
- Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown them on all sides. Remove and set aside.
Sauté Aromatics:
- In the same pot, add onions and cook until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in garlic and cook another minute.
Add Spices:
- Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, salt, black pepper, and cayenne. Stir well for 30 seconds to release the flavors.
Build The Base:
- Mix in tomato paste, crushed tomatoes, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Simmer:
- Return the browned beef to the pot. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
Thicken The Chili:
- Stir masa harina (or flour) with a bit of water to make a slurry, then add it to the chili. Simmer uncovered for another 10–15 minutes until thickened.
Serve:
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with chopped cilantro.