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A bowl of rich, hearty Texas beef chili, garnished with fresh cilantro

Proven Way to Grow Texas Beef Chili in 3 Steps

This Texas Beef Chili recipe delivers a rich, hearty, and flavorful chili with tender beef, a smoky spice blend, and no beans, offering a true taste of Texas in just three main steps.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 3 hours
Total Time 3 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Chili
  • 2.5 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1/2-inch cubes
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 14.5 oz whole peeled tomatoes crushed
  • 1 onion chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves minced
  • 3 tbsps chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
  • 1.5 tsps salt
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsps masa harina optional, for thickening
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
Optional Garnishes
  • shredded cheddar cheese
  • diced red onion
  • sour cream
  • jalapeños sliced
  • cornbread
For the spice mix
  • 2 tbsp ancho chili powder
  • 1 tsp chipotle powder
  • .5 tsp smoked paprika
  • .25 tsp cayenne pepper

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Cutting board
  • Knife

Method
 

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Aromatics
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat. Add beef cubes and brown on all sides in batches.
  2. Remove beef and set aside, then add chopped onion to the pot, cooking until softened (about 5 minutes). Stir in minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
Simmering the Chili
  1. Return the beef to the pot, then stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper, cooking for one minute until aromatic.
  2. Pour in beef broth and crushed tomatoes, bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2-3 hours, or until beef is very tender.
Finishing Touches and Serving
  1. If desired, stir in masa harina (mixed with a tablespoon of water) during the last 30 minutes of cooking to thicken the chili.
  2. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed, then serve hot with your favorite garnishes.

Notes

For an even richer flavor, prepare the chili a day in advance and reheat.