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Original Texas Chili Recipe

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★★★★★

4.8 from 55 reviews

This Original Texas Chili recipe delivers a rich, deeply flavored chili made with tender beef chuck and a blend of dried chilies and spices. Slow-simmered to perfection, it’s a hearty and authentic dish that showcases the bold flavors of traditional Texas-style chili without beans. The combination of toasted ancho, guajillo, and pasilla chilies with cumin, smoked paprika, and a hint of cocoa powder creates a complex and smoky profile that’s perfect for a comforting meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Meat

  • 3 lbs beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes

Chilies and Spices

  • 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)

Aromatics and Liquids

  • 1 medium onion, chopped
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 3 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar

Seasoning and Oil

  • 1 tsp kosher salt (more to taste)
  • 1 tsp freshly ground black pepper
  • 2 tbsp oil (for searing)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Chilies: Remove stems and seeds from the dried ancho, guajillo, and pasilla 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 to soften.
  2. Make the Chili Paste: Drain the soaked chilies and blend them with 1 cup of beef broth, cumin seeds, dried oregano, smoked paprika, cocoa powder, and minced garlic until smooth. Set this flavorful paste aside.
  3. Sear the Beef: Heat the oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. In batches, sear the beef cubes, turning them to brown all sides. Remove the seared beef and set aside to retain all the caramelized flavor.
  4. Cook the Onion: Using the same pot, add a little more oil if necessary and sauté the chopped onion until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes.
  5. Combine Ingredients: Return the seared beef to the pot. Stir in the prepared chili paste, the remaining 2 cups of beef broth, apple cider vinegar, kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Mix well to combine all flavors.
  6. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot and let it simmer gently for 2.5 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Add more beef broth as needed if the chili becomes too thick during cooking.
  7. Adjust Seasoning: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or vinegar as needed to balance the flavors perfectly.
  8. Rest and Serve: Remove the pot from heat and let the chili rest uncovered for 30 minutes. This resting time intensifies the flavors before serving your authentic Texas chili.

Notes

  • For a richer flavor, use the optional cocoa powder in the chili paste.
  • Do not skip toasting the dried chilies as it enhances their aroma and flavor.
  • If the chili is too thick toward the end of cooking, add small amounts of beef broth to reach desired consistency.
  • This chili is best enjoyed the next day as flavors deepen with resting time.
  • Serve with traditional toppings like shredded cheese, diced onions, or jalapeños if desired.

Keywords: Texas Chili, Beef Chili, Traditional Chili, Slow Simmered Chili, Chili Recipe

Find it online: https://delishfamilyrecipe.com/original-texas-chili-recipe/