True Texas Chili—often called Texas Red—is all about beef, chiles, and deep flavor. No beans. No tomatoes taking center stage. Just slow-simmered meat in a rich, chile-forward sauce that’s smoky, spicy, and unforgettable.
🧾 Ingredients (Serves 6)
Beef
- 2½ lb (1.1 kg) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- Salt & black pepper, to taste
- 2 tablespoons oil (beef tallow or vegetable oil)
Chile Base
- 3 tablespoons chili powder (pure ground chiles preferred)
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
- ½–1 teaspoon cayenne (to taste)
Aromatics & Liquid
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 cup water (or more as needed)
Optional Depth (Traditional Add-ins)
- 1 tablespoon masa harina (for thickening)
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon brown sugar (optional balance)
- 1 small square dark chocolate or 1 teaspoon cocoa powder (optional)
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
1️⃣ Season & Brown the Beef
Season beef generously with salt and pepper.
Heat oil in a heavy pot over medium-high heat.
Brown beef in batches until deeply browned. Remove and set aside.
2️⃣ Build the Flavor Base
Lower heat to medium.
Add onion and cook until softened (5 minutes).
Stir in garlic and cook 30 seconds.
Add chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, and cayenne.
Toast spices for 1 minute until fragrant.
3️⃣ Simmer
Return beef to the pot.
Add beef broth and water to just cover the meat.
Bring to a gentle simmer, cover, and cook on low 2–2½ hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
4️⃣ Thicken & Finish
If using masa harina, whisk it with a little water and stir in.
Add vinegar, optional sugar, and optional chocolate/cocoa.
Simmer uncovered 15–20 minutes until thick and glossy.
Adjust salt and heat to taste.
⭐ Texas Chili Tips
- Chuck roast only—it melts beautifully
- Toasting spices is essential
- Low and slow = tender beef
- No beans. Ever. 😉
🔁 Variations
- Extra Smoky: add chipotle powder
- Competition Style: use dried chiles (ancho, guajillo) blended into paste
- Spicy: add fresh jalapeño or serrano
🍽️ Serve With
- Cornbread or tortillas
- Chopped onions
- Shredded cheddar
- Sour cream (optional)
🏁 Final Thoughts
Texas Chili is bold, unapologetic, and deeply satisfying. If you love beef and chile flavor without distractions, this is the chili that delivers.