This Texas Style Chili is a bold, hearty dish, packed with ground beef, jalapeños, and a mix of spices for a classic, flavorful meal. Perfect for chili lovers, it’s thick, filling, and ideal for topping with cheese, sour cream, and fresh jalapeños.
INGREDIENTS
- Olive Oil: Used to sauté the onions and jalapeños, adding richness and flavor.
- Yellow Onion (chopped): Adds sweetness and depth, enhancing the savory flavors in the chili.
- Jalapeños (chopped): Provides a spicy kick, giving the chili its signature heat.
- Garlic Cloves (minced): Infuses the dish with a robust, aromatic flavor.
- Ground Beef: The hearty base of this chili, adding richness and depth.
- Salt and Black Pepper: Basic seasonings that enhance and balance the flavors.
- Chili Powder: A must-have spice for chili, adding warmth and depth to the dish.
- Oregano: Adds a subtle earthy note that complements the other spices.
- Ground Cumin: Adds a smoky, earthy flavor, making the chili warm and savory.
- Ground Coriander: Provides a fresh, slightly citrusy flavor that brightens the dish.
- Tomato Paste: Thickens the chili and intensifies the tomato flavor.
- Diced Tomatoes: Adds a fresh, juicy texture and rich tomato flavor to the base.
- Beef Stock: Adds savory richness to the chili, with extra stock optional for a thinner consistency.
INSTRUCTIONS
- Step 1:
- In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped yellow onion and jalapeños, cooking and stirring regularly until the onions are translucent, about 6-8 minutes.
- Step 2:
- Add the minced garlic to the pot and cook for an additional 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 3:
- Add the ground beef to the pot, along with the salt and black pepper. Break apart the beef, leaving some larger chunks for texture. Cook for about 8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink. If needed, drain excess grease from the pot.
- Step 4:
- Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Cook for about 1 minute, allowing the spices to toast and release their flavors.
- Step 5:
- Add the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef stock, stirring well to combine all ingredients.
- Step 6:
- Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Allow it to cook for 30 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally, until the beef broth has reduced and the chili reaches a thick consistency.
- Step 7:
- Serve hot with your favorite toppings, such as cheese, sour cream, diced red onion, chopped green onion, jalapeños, or salsa. Enjoy!
Serving and Storage Tips
- Serve the chili hot with your favorite toppings, like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or fresh jalapeños for an extra kick.
- Pair with a side of cornbread, crackers, or crusty bread to complement the hearty flavors.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
- To freeze, let the chili cool completely, then transfer it to a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
- Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, adding a bit of beef stock or water if the chili has thickened too much.
Helpful Notes
- If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the amount of chili powder or add an extra chopped jalapeño.
- For a richer flavor, let the chili simmer longer, allowing the spices to deepen and blend fully.
- Adjust the consistency by adding more beef stock if you like a thinner chili.
Tips from Well-Known Chefs
- Chef Aaron Franklin suggests using a mix of ground meats for added flavor in chili.
- Chef Bobby Flay recommends toasting spices before adding them to the pot for a more intense flavor.
- Chef Guy Fieri advises letting chili rest overnight for an even better taste the next day as the flavors meld.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Texas-style chili has a bold, robust flavor with just the right amount of spice and a thick, hearty texture.
- It’s a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, game days, or family dinners, with customizable toppings for everyone’s preference.
- Simple ingredients and a one-pot approach make it easy to prepare and perfect for busy days.
Variations
- For a leaner chili, substitute ground turkey for ground beef.
- Use fire-roasted tomatoes for an added smoky flavor.
- Add a splash of lime juice or a sprinkle of chopped cilantro for a fresh, tangy twist before serving.