Best Texas Chili Recipe - Little Sunny Kitchen (2024)

Texas Chili is spicy, savory, smoky, and packed with flavor that comes from a homemade chili spice blend and slow simmering on the stovetop. You can make a delicious Texas Chili in less than an hour that will blow everyone away with flavor.

Texans are very serious about a couple of things: Barbecue, and Chili! The recipe for Texas Chili is different from the southwestern chili that you might be used to because there are a few big differences in how they are made.
A true Texas chili uses big pieces of meat rather than ground meat, and almost never includes beans.

If you’re looking for beans, check out my Vegetarian 15 Bean Soup Recipe. Or learn about what makes Cincinnati Chili so special (and definitely different than Texas chili).

Depending on who you ask, there may be other important distinctions between “regular” chili and Texas chili, but what I’m concerned about is making sure that this is the tastiest Texas Chili recipe ever!

So while my recipe may be a bit different than other Texas Chili Recipes, that’s just because Texas Chili is a bit different depending on who made it and where in Texas you are. I promise that you and everyone you serve it to will love this version made with stew meat, tomatoes, and a savory, spicy, smoky blend of herbs and spices.

Looking for more hearty, meaty main dish recipes? Try making Italian Beef Sandwiches or Instant Pot Beef Stew next.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

1. Texas Chili is made without Beans: While most chili recipes include a mix of ground beef and kidney beans, chili in Texas is made specifically without beans. If you’re not a fan of beans then Texas chili is the recipe you’ve been looking for.
2. Big Chunks of Meat: Instead of ground beef, this texas chili uses cubed beef stew meat. You’ll be amazed at how amazing this chili tastes!
3. I’m Adding Tomatoes: Ok, I know that there may be some Texans out there who absolutely will never put tomatoes in their chili, but I for one enjoy the acidity that they add, so my recipe includes them! I’m sorry, but not really. It’s completely delicious with tomatoes in it.

Key Ingredients

Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.

• Chili Spice Mix: this delicious blend of spices is easy to mix up and way tastier than any pre-packaged spice mix you can buy at the store. It includes the spices you’d expect in chili (chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, coriander) as well as some interesting ones that make this recipe special, including Cocoa Powder and Cinnamon: These spices, usually reserved for baking, actually work really well with spicy spices to create balance and richness.
• Corn Starch: This is added to the spice mix, and acts as a thickener so that the broth in your texas chili is smooth and silky.
• Beef Stew Meat: Choose whatever cut of stew meat that you enjoy or is on sale this week. We’ll be simmering the cubes for long enough to tenderize any cut. I prefer using a cubed chuck roast when possible.
• Oil: For browning the meat.
• Onion, garlic, jalapeño: Fresh aromatic vegetables, chopped, make a flavorful base for Texas Chili.
• Canned Tomatoes: Both canned tomatoes and tomato paste are needed for my Texas Chili recipe. A 28 ounce can of diced tomatoes is perfect. Don’t drain the tomatoes, we want the juice as well.
• Chipotle in Adobo – These come usually in a jar or can. The can will have 2 or 3 peppers in it. You only need to use one of them. You can always add more for extra heat later.
• Bay Leaves: Simmer the chili with bay leaves to give it that cooked-all-day flavor.
• Beef Broth: Texas chili is a brothy stew, and beef broth complements the meat.
• Toppings: When I serve Texas Chili, I like to have shredded Cheddar cheese, sliced jalapeños, and sour cream available for topping each bowl.

How to Make Texas Chili

1. Make the spice mix: Mix all of the spices together with the cornstarch in a small bowl. Set aside.
2. Sear the Meat: Season the beef with salt and pepper. In a large pot over medium-high heat, heat 1 tablespoon of oil. Add the beef and brown on all sides, for about 5 minutes. Transfer the beef from the pot onto a paper towel lined plate.

1. Cook the veggies: Pour another tablespoon of oil into the pot and add the chopped onion and jalapeno and cook until tender, about 3 minutes. Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds or until fragrant.
2. Everything in the Pot: Add the spice mix and stir to combine. Then return the beef to the pot along with the diced tomatoes and juice, tomato paste, chipotle, beef broth, and bay leaves. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat to a simmer and cook for 30 minutes.
3. Serve: Remove the bay leaves and serve while still hot. Top with cheddar cheese, sliced jalapenos, and sour cream. Enjoy!

What to Serve with Texas Chili

Toppings: Classic chili toppings are cheese, sour cream, and sliced jalapenos, but you can add more if you like. Try crushed tortilla chips, french fried onions, or sliced avocado.

Noodles: Macaroni and cheese is a great dish to serve with chili. I sometimes even put both the chili and the mac and cheese in a bowl together to make chili-mac! This Velveeta Mac and Cheese Recipe is the creamiest.

Cornbread: Make this Southern Style Cornbread to enjoy with your Texas Chili. Cornbread always goes perfectly with Chili. Fresh homemade bread is delicious too!

How to Store Texas Chili

Fridge: You can store leftovers in the refrigerator for 3-4 days, or for several months in the freezer. Chili eaten the next day is often more delicious because the flavors have had more time to develop.

Freezer: To freeze chili, separate it into either meal sized or individual serving size portions. Seal in a freezer safe, airtight container and freeze.

To Reheat: Frozen chili can be reheated by allowing it to thaw first, then reheating it in the microwave or on low heat on the stove.

FAQs

Enjoy this savory and delicious Texas style chili with all of your favorite toppings! If you want more chili recipes, be sure to check out my Creamy Crockpot White Chicken Chili, Slow Cooker Turkey Chili, and meatless Vegan Chili!