The Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) (2024)

This Texas Style Chili Recipe is thick and hearty with a rich beefy flavor. It has no beans but instead is infused with Mexican spices, packed with hearty ground beef, and loaded with flavorful veggies like garlic, jalapeños, onions, and tomatoes. This Texas Chili Recipe is perfect for feeding a crowd on game day or serving as a comforting family dinner.

You may have never heard of Texas Chili until now. Well, you're in good company because neither did I before I did my research.

I have many friends who don't enjoy beans so I wanted to find a chili recipe that would be something I could serve for gameday parties and get-togethers and make everyone happy. That's how this hearty Texas Chili became a Taste And See recipe.

Because I'm always interested in the history and culture surrounding recipes I did a deep dive to understand the background and origin of traditional Texas Chili.

Here's what I found...

The Background of Texas Chili

The history of Texas Chili is as rich and flavorful as the dish itself.

This chili has its roots in the early days of Texas when cowboys and settlers roamed the plains. As they ventured out on long cattle drives, they relied on portable, one-pot meals to fortify them on their journeys. Chili quickly became a favorite, offering a comforting blend of meat, and spices, that could easily be prepared over an open fire.

The birthplace of Texas-style chili can be traced back to the legendary San Antonio Chili Queens, who gained fame in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. These entrepreneurial women set up food stalls in the city's plazas, serving steaming bowls of chili to hungry locals and visitors. Their secret recipes passed down through the years, became the foundation of Texas Style Chili as we know it today.

What is Texas Chili?

You might be wondering, what is Texas Chili?

Texas Chili, also known as Texas Red, is a hearty chili that reflects Texan culture's bold flavors.

The first essential ingredient you'll need is quality meat. Traditionally, Texas Chili is made with chunks of beef, such as chuck roast, that are slow-cooked until tender. My recipe calls for ground chuck beef for a more approachable, and economical chili that requires less time to cook.

The other ingredients that traditionally contribute to the chili's rich big flavors are chili paste, spicy peppers, and spices.

As I mentioned authentic Texas chili does not contain beans or tomatoes. Although my version of this chili recipe has no beans I did add diced tomatoes and beef broth for a more balanced flavor.

This chili recipe was inspired by one of my other favorites... Stout Beer Chili - it's so robust with a rich beef flavor.

And what could be better with chili than cornbread!? My amazing Carribean Cornbread is the perfect side to serve alongside this Texas Chili.

Now that we're all caught up and have answered the question... What makes Texas Chili different than ordinary chili? Let's move on and get cooking!

Chili Ingredients

To create the perfect Texas Chili, you'll need the following ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 large yellow onion, chopped
• 3 jalapeños, chopped
• 5 garlic cloves, minced
• 2.5 pounds of ground beef
• 11/2 teaspoon salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 4 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 tablespoons oregano
• 3 tablespoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon ground coriander
• 3 ounces tomato paste
• 28 ounces canned diced tomatoes
• 2 cups beef stock (more for a thinner consistency)

How to Make Chili

I make this easy chili recipe on the stove top with a large soup pot or Dutch oven.

Add the olive oil, onions, and jalapeños to a large Dutch oven (or soup pot) on medium heat and cook and stir regularly until the onions are translucent about6-8 minutes.

Then add the garlic, and cook for1 minute.

Now add in the ground beef, salt, and pepper.Break apart the beef but leave some bigger chunks of meat.

Cook for8 minutesor until beef is no longer pink. (If there is an excess of grease in the pot, you can drain some off at this point.)

Add the spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Stir well, and cook for about 1 minute.

See Also

Best Homemade Salsa Recipe - Kristine's Kitchen

Mix in the tomato paste, diced tomatoes, and beef broth and bring to a simmer, reduce the heat to medium-low.Cook for 30 minutes (or up to 1 hour), stirring occasionally.

The chili is done when the beef broth is reduced and it takes on a thick chili consistency. You can add more beef broth if you would like it thinner.

With the perfect balance of flavors created, it's time to talk about toppings, sides, substitutions, and variations that can take your chili to the next level.

Let's dive into all the options that will elevate your Texas-style chili and make it a truly memorable meal.

Chili Toppings

• A few dollops of sour cream
• Some chopped green or red onions
• Chopped cilantro
• Sliced or chopped jalapeños
• Of course, cheese... I suggest sharp or smoked cheddar cheese, Monterey Jack Cheese, or Pepper Jack Cheese
• Pico De gallo, salsa or salsa verde

If you're wondering what to serve with this rich pot of yumminess. I've got you covered.

Sides to Serve with this Chili Recipe

• Cornbread is a classic companion to any chili dish. The sweet and crumbly texture of cornbread provides a nice contrast to the rich and savory flavors of Texas-style chili.
• Steamed white rice like Jasmine rice or basmati rice. Those starchy grains will soak up the flavorful sauce and provide a comforting base for each spoonful.
• What about corn chips? Their crunchy texture makes them perfect for dipping and doubling as a spoon. Or use the corn chips as your base and layer on the chili for some hearty nachos!
• Then of course there are warm flour tortillas or charred corn tortillas. These are fantastic for dipping and whipping your bowl clean so there's no chili left behind.
• And how about considering serving this Texas Chili with a refreshing beverage like a cold beer, sparkling water, or a glass of iced tea? The crisp, carbonation of a beer/ seltzer can help cut through the richness of the chili, while the sweetness of iced tea can provide a flavorful pause between spoonfuls.

Substitution and Variations

• Meat: If you're looking for an alternative to beef you could use ground turkey or ground chicken. I recommend using 90% or even 85% lean if possible. The more fat in the meat the more flavor it adds and gives the chili a better texture. Or for a more authentic Texas Chili, you can use a chuck roast that’s been chopped down to stew meat size. (The cook time will increase with this substation.)
• Spices: You can change up the spices by adding more or less of what is already in the recipe. Or add some smoked paprika ancho chili powder or pepper flakes for more heat.
• Chili peppers: You can swap out the jalapeños in this recipe for spicer or less peppers. Use habanero peppers, Serrano peppers, or Chipotle peppers in adobo to get a smoky, or strong spicy taste. For those who don’t like spice, you can swap out the jalapeños for Poblano peppers or green bell peppers. They are earthy, have little to no heat, and go well with the Texas Chili flavor.

Storing, Freezing, and Reheating Texas Chili

• Storing Chili:In the fridge, Texas Chili will stay good for up to 3-4 days in an airtight container. Also, allow the chili to cool completely to room temperature before you store it in the fridge.
• Freezing Chili:You can freeze Texas Chili for up to 4 months in an airtight sealable container. Make sure you let it cool first, and that you keep it securely sealed.
• Reheating Chili: When reheating it is best to let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before microwaving or reheating on your stovetop. If you are going to heat from frozen and you know this ahead of time it is best to freeze in a shallow container or re-heat on half power.

Top Tip

***It's important to use ground meat that is no more than 85% lean. The fat adds a smooth tenderness to the texture of the chili. If you're concerned about the fat content, you can always drain off some of the fat from the meat right after you cook it, and just before you add the spices.***

Now it's time to enjoy this meat-lovers chili creation!

Gather your ingredients, follow the cooking steps, and then sit back, prop your feet up, and savor the masterpiece that you have created - Texas-style chili.

Whether enjoyed on a chilly evening or at your next game-day gathering, this meat lover's dream will surely impress. Share this hearty and flavorful dish with all your friends and family, and make this Texas-style chili a new addition to your recipe collection.

Other Chili Recipes

Looking for other delicious chili recipes like this? Try these:

• Stout Beer Chili
• Instant Pot SmokyChicken Chili
• CreamyWhite Chicken Chiliwith Great Northern Beans
• Turkey Chiliwith Lentils
• Smoky Chicken Chili