Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This Texas chili is a celebration of deep, smoky, and spicy flavors. The combination of dried chilies like ancho, guajillo, and pasilla provides a complex and rich base for the chili, while the cocoa powder adds an unexpected depth of flavor. The tender beef chuck, slow-cooked in a savory broth, becomes melt-in-your-mouth tender, creating a hearty and satisfying meal. Plus, it’s naturally gluten-free and can be adjusted to suit different spice tolerances, making it perfect for any chili lover!

Authentic Texas Chili Recipe

Ingredients

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)

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Prepare the Chilies: Remove the 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 the 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.

Servings and Timing

Yield: 6 servings
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Texas Chili: For a vegetarian option, substitute the beef with a mix of mushrooms and beans or plant-based meat.
Extra Heat: Add extra spicy peppers like chipotle or serrano peppers if you prefer a hotter chili.
Topping Ideas: Serve with shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, or diced onions for added flavor and texture.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Reheating: Reheat on the stove over low heat, adding a little extra broth if the chili thickens too much. Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions.

FAQs

1. Can I use a different cut of beef for Texas chili?

Yes, you can use other cuts like brisket or round roast, but beef chuck is ideal for its tenderness and marbling.

2. Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. Simply store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.

3. What can I do if my chili is too thick?

Add more beef broth or water to thin it out to your desired consistency.

4. Is Texas chili gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free since it doesn’t contain any flour or wheat-based ingredients.

5. How can I adjust the heat level of the chili?

You can add more or less chili paste depending on your heat tolerance. You can also add extra spicy peppers to increase the heat.

6. Can I freeze this chili?

Yes, you can freeze Texas chili for up to 3 months. Let it cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container.

7. How do I make the chili less spicy?

If the chili is too spicy, add a little sugar or honey to balance out the heat. You can also add extra broth to dilute the spiciness.

8. Can I use store-bought chili powder instead of the dried chilies?

You can, but the flavor won’t be as rich and complex as using the dried chilies. The dried chilies offer a deeper, smokier flavor profile.

9. What should I serve with Texas chili?

Texas chili pairs well with cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. It also makes a great topping for baked potatoes or hot dogs.

10. Is it necessary to let the chili rest before serving?

Yes, resting the chili helps the flavors develop even more. It also allows the chili to thicken slightly.

Conclusion

This Texas chili recipe is the perfect way to enjoy an authentic, hearty, and flavorful dish that’s full of bold spices and tender beef. It’s simple to prepare, but the slow cooking process ensures every bite is packed with rich, smoky goodness. Whether you’re making it for a casual dinner or a festive occasion, this chili will undoubtedly be a crowd-pleaser.