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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 recipe delivers a hearty, spicy, and satisfying Texas Beef Chili that's perfect for a comforting meal. It focuses on deep flavor development with tender chunks of beef and a rich chili base.
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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
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 2 tbsp vegetable oil
  • 1 yellow onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 6 oz tomato paste
  • 2 tbsp masa harina
Chili Powder Blend
  • 3 tbsp ancho chili powder
  • 1 tbsp chipotle chili powder
  • 1 tbsp cumin
  • 1 tsp oregano
  • 0.5 tsp cayenne pepper or to taste
Seasoning & Heat
  • 1.5 tsp salt or to taste
  • 0.5 tsp black pepper
  • 1 jalapeño seeded and minced (optional)

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Method
 

Browning the Beef and Sautéing Aromatics
  1. Heat vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot over medium-high heat.
  2. Sear the beef chuck roast in batches until browned on all sides, then remove and set aside.
  3. Add chopped onion to the pot and sauté until softened; then add minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant.
Building the Chili Base
  1. Stir in the ancho chili powder, chipotle chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cayenne pepper, cooking for one minute until aromatic.
  2. Return the beef to the pot, then pour in beef broth and tomato paste, mixing well.
  3. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for 2-3 hours, or until the beef is fork-tender.
Finishing Touches
  1. Once the beef is tender, stir in the masa harina to thicken the chili, cooking for 10-15 minutes.
  2. Season with salt and black pepper to taste, and add minced jalapeño if desired for extra heat.
  3. Serve the Texas Beef Chili hot, garnished with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions.

Notes

For an even deeper flavor, prepare the chili a day in advance and reheat. The flavors meld beautifully overnight. You can also adjust the chili powder blend to your preferred spice level, adding more chipotle or cayenne for extra heat, or less for a milder version.