Get ready to ignite your taste buds with these 18 bold and deliciously spicy Texas chili recipes! When it comes to Texan cuisine, chili is a staple dish that’s often associated with warmth, comfort, and flavor. From classic red chili to unique twists incorporating coffee, chipotle peppers, and bourbon glaze, there’s something for every palate in this comprehensive collection.
Whether you’re a fan of beef, chicken, or vegetarian options, our Texas chili recipes are sure to satisfy your cravings. With a focus on bold flavors, spicy kick, and tender textures, these chili recipes will transport you straight to the heart of Texas.
In this article, we’ll explore 18 mouth-watering Texas chili recipes that blend traditional flavors with modern twists. From classic combinations like ground beef and chiles to unexpected pairings like dark beer and venison, there’s no shortage of excitement in this culinary roundup. So grab your apron, get ready to spice things up, and let the fiesta begin!
Classic Texas Red Chili with Beef and Chiles
This hearty, slow-cooked chili is a staple of Texas cuisine, packed with tender beef, smoky chiles, and rich tomato flavor. Perfect for a chilly evening or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 2-3 dried ancho or guajillo chiles, stemmed and seeded
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add onions, garlic, chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper. Cook until onions are translucent.
3. Stir in beef broth, diced tomatoes, red beans, salt, and black pepper.
4. Reduce heat to low and simmer for 1 1/2 hours or overnight.
5. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
6. Add dried chiles and stir to combine.
7. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions.
Cooking Time: 1 1/2 hours (or overnight)
Slow-Cooked Texas Chili with Coffee and Cocoa
This slow-cooked chili recipe combines the deep flavors of coffee and cocoa with tender beef, onions, and bell peppers to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 large bell peppers, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
– 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 cup strong brewed coffee
– 2 tablespoons unsweetened cocoa powder
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Drain excess fat.
2. Add the onion, bell peppers, and garlic; cook until tender.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
4. Transfer the mixture to a slow cooker. Add diced tomatoes, beans, salt, and pepper.
5. Stir in coffee and cocoa powder. Cover and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.
6. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 6-8 hours (low) or 3-4 hours (high)
Smoky Texas Chili with Chipotle and Bacon
Get ready to ignite your taste buds with this bold and spicy chili recipe that combines the smokiness of chipotles, the richness of bacon, and the comfort of a hearty Texas-style chili.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, chopped
– 6 slices of bacon, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Cook the bacon in a large pot over medium heat until crispy. Remove from pot and set aside.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add the ground beef, chipotle peppers, chili powder, and cumin. Cook until browned, breaking up meat with spoon as needed.
4. Stir in diced tomatoes, beans, salt, and pepper.
5. Add water and bring mixture to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low; let cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
7. Stir in cooked bacon before serving.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Texas Venison Chili with Dark Beer
This recipe combines the rich flavors of venison with the deep, dark notes of beer to create a bold and satisfying chili. Perfect for a chilly evening or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb venison steaks or ground venison
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups beef broth
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup dark beer (such as porter or stout)
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the venison in a large pot over medium-high heat, then set aside.
2. Add onion and garlic; cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
3. Add beef broth, diced tomatoes, chili powder, and cumin. Stir to combine.
4. Add browned venison back into the pot, along with dark beer. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro or scallions if desired.
Cooking Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Texas-Style White Chicken Chili
Texas-Style White Chicken Chili: A hearty and flavorful chili that’s perfect for a chilly day in the Lone Star State.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless, skinless chicken breasts, cut into bite-sized pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup chicken broth
– 1/2 cup half-and-half or heavy cream
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large pot over medium-high heat. Add chicken and cook until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 5 minutes.
3. Stir in cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
4. Add diced tomatoes, chicken broth, and half-and-half or heavy cream. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until heated through.
Cooking Time: 25-30 minutes
Spicy Texas Chili with Habanero Peppers
This recipe brings together the bold flavors of Texas chili and the intense heat of habanero peppers, creating a spicy concoction that will leave you wanting more.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 habanero peppers, diced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up into small pieces.
2. Add the diced onion, minced garlic, and habanero peppers; cook until the vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the canned tomatoes, red kidney beans, and water (as needed); bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 20-25 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Texas Chili Con Carne with Homemade Chili Paste
This hearty, slow-cooked chili is a Texas classic, made even better by using homemade chili paste. This recipe combines rich beef broth, tender ground beef, and flavorful spices to create a warm, comforting dish perfect for any occasion.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp homemade chili paste (see below)
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapenos or hot sauce for added heat
Homemade Chili Paste:
– 2 cups dried ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
– 1/4 cup vegetable oil
– 2 cloves of garlic, minced
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the diced onion and cook until softened.
3. Stir in the homemade chili paste, chili powder, and cumin.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, beef broth, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a simmer and cook for 1 hour, or until the flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 1 hour
Texas Brisket Chili with Bourbon Glaze
Texas Brisket Chili with Bourbon Glaze: A rich and flavorful chili recipe that combines tender brisket with the deep flavors of bourbon and spices, perfect for a cold winter night.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb beef brisket, cut into 1-inch pieces
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup bourbon whiskey
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 300°F (150°C).
2. Heat olive oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Brown brisket pieces, then set aside.
3. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until tender.
4. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, diced tomatoes, beef broth, and bourbon whiskey.
5. Return brisket to pot; season with salt and pepper.
6. Cover and transfer to preheated oven for 2-3 hours or until brisket is tender.
Cooking Time: 2-3 hours
Texas Chili with Pinto Beans and Cornbread Crumbles
Savor the bold flavors of Texas with this hearty chili recipe, featuring pinto beans, ground beef, and a crunchy cornbread topping.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups chopped bell peppers (any color)
– 2 cups cooked pinto beans
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 teaspoon chili powder
– 1/2 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 8 cups beef broth
– 1 cup water
– Cornbread Crumbles (see below)
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add onion, garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, and cumin; cook until vegetables are tender.
3. Stir in pinto beans, diced tomatoes, salt, and pepper.
4. Add beef broth and water; bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 30 minutes.
5. Top with Cornbread Crumbles (see below) and serve hot.
Cornbread Crumbles:
– 1 cup crushed cornbread
– 2 tablespoons butter, melted
Mix crushed cornbread with melted butter until well combined. Use as topping for chili.
Cooking Time: 30 minutes
Texas Chili Verde with Pork and Tomatillos
Experience the bold flavors of Texas with this hearty chili verde recipe featuring tender pork and tangy tomatillos. Perfect for a cozy night in or a casual gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb boneless pork shoulder, cut into 2-inch pieces
– 2 large onions, chopped
– 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
– 2 cups tomatillos (husked and rinsed), chopped
– 1 red bell pepper, chopped
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes with green chilies
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1/4 cup water
Instructions:
1. Heat oil in a large Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
2. Add pork and cook until browned, about 5 minutes. Remove from pot.
3. Add onions, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are tender, about 8 minutes.
4. Stir in tomatillos, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper. Cook for 1 minute.
5. Add cooked pork, diced tomatoes with green chilies, and water. Bring to a simmer.
6. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until pork is tender.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Texas Chili with Ancho and Pasilla Peppers
Experience the bold flavors of Texas chili elevated by the depth of ancho and pasilla peppers. This recipe combines tender beef, aromatic spices, and a hint of smokiness to create a hearty and satisfying dish.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 Ancho chilies, stemmed and seeded
– 2 Pasilla chilies, stemmed and seeded
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 tablespoon chili powder
– 1 teaspoon ground cumin
– 1/2 teaspoon paprika
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5 minutes.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent, about 3 minutes.
3. Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the ancho and pasilla peppers, beef broth, and diced tomatoes; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours.
Cooking Time: 30-120 minutes
Texas Chili with Ground Turkey and Black Beans
Texas Chili with Ground Turkey and Black Beans: A hearty and flavorful twist on traditional chili, this recipe combines the richness of ground turkey with the depth of black beans and a hint of Texas spices.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground turkey
– 1 medium onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1/2 tsp ground cumin
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– Salt and pepper to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro (optional)
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground turkey over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks, until browned, about 5-7 minutes.
2. Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until the onion is translucent, about 3-4 minutes.
3. Stir in the chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, black beans, beef broth, salt, and pepper to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let the chili cook for 20-25 minutes or until flavors have melded together.
6. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot, garnished with cilantro if desired.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Texas Chili with Chorizo and Beer
This hearty chili recipe combines the bold flavors of chorizo sausage and rich beer with the classic Texan twist on chili. The result is a spicy, savory, and utterly delicious dish perfect for cold winter nights.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb Spanish chorizo, sliced
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
– 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 1 beer (any type, but darker beers work best)
– Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add chorizo, onion, garlic, and bell pepper; cook until vegetables are soft.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper; cook 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, and beer; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
6. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Cooking Time: 45-60 minutes
Texas Chili with Sweet Potatoes and Cumin
Get ready to spice up your chili game with this unique recipe that combines the bold flavors of Texas chili with the natural sweetness of sweet potatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled and diced
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 cup canned crushed tomatoes
– 1 tsp cumin
– 1 tsp chili powder
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Water, as needed
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat.
2. Add the chopped onion and cook until translucent.
3. Add the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
4. Stir in the diced sweet potatoes, crushed tomatoes, cumin, chili powder, salt, and pepper.
5. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 20-25 minutes or until the sweet potatoes are tender.
6. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Cooking Time: 20-25 minutes
Texas Chili with Smoked Sausage and Jalapeños
Satisfy your cravings with this hearty, flavorful chili recipe that combines tender smoked sausage, spicy jalapeños, and rich beef broth.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 2 cups water
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 large onion, chopped
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 smoked sausages (such as Andouille or Kielbasa), sliced
– 2 jalapeños, sliced
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the ground beef over medium-high heat until browned, breaking it up into small pieces as it cooks.
2. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, sliced smoked sausage, and sliced jalapeños to the pot. Cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
4. Add the diced tomatoes, water, and browned ground beef mixture to the pot. Bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30 minutes or until the flavors have melded together.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Texas Chili with Fire-Roasted Tomatoes
Get ready to spice up your chili game with this bold and flavorful recipe that combines the classic Texas-style chili with the rich flavor of fire-roasted tomatoes.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 cups fire-roasted crushed tomatoes
– 1 cup beef broth
– 1 tsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– Salt and pepper to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking it up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add the diced onion and minced garlic; cook until the onion is translucent.
3. Stir in the fire-roasted crushed tomatoes, beef broth, chili powder, and cumin. Bring to a simmer.
4. Reduce heat to low and let cook for 30-40 minutes or until the flavors have melded together and the chili has thickened slightly.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Add jalapeños or hot sauce if desired.
Cooking Time: 30-40 minutes
Texas Chili with Masa Harina for Thickening
This classic Texas chili recipe gets a boost from masa harina, adding a rich and creamy texture to the traditional dish. Perfect for a cozy night in or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– 2 cups beef broth
– 2 tbsp masa harina
– Salt and pepper, to taste
– Optional: jalapeños or hot sauce for added heat
Instructions:
1. Brown ground beef in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking up with a spoon as it cooks.
2. Add onion, garlic, chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper. Cook until onion is translucent.
3. Stir in diced tomatoes, red kidney beans, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low and simmer for 30 minutes.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together masa harina and 2 tbsp water until smooth. Stir into the chili mixture and cook for an additional 10-15 minutes or until thickened.
5. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve hot, garnished with chopped fresh cilantro, if desired.
Cooking Time: 45-50 minutes
Texas Chili with Three Types of Meat
This recipe combines the richness of beef, pork, and chicken to create a bold and satisfying Texas-style chili. Perfect for a cold winter’s night or a crowd-pleasing gathering.
Ingredients:
– 1 lb ground beef
– 1/2 lb ground pork
– 1/2 lb boneless, skinless chicken breast, cut into small pieces
– 1 large onion, diced
– 3 cloves garlic, minced
– 1 red bell pepper, diced
– 2 tbsp chili powder
– 1 tsp ground cumin
– 1/2 tsp paprika
– 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper
– 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
– 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
– Salt and black pepper, to taste
– 1 cup beef broth
Instructions:
1. Brown the ground meats in a large pot over medium-high heat, breaking up with spoon as needed.
2. Add onion, garlic, and red bell pepper; cook until vegetables are softened.
3. Stir in chili powder, cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper; cook for 1 minute.
4. Add diced tomatoes, kidney beans, salt, black pepper, and beef broth; bring to a simmer.
5. Reduce heat to low and let chili cook for at least 30 minutes or up to several hours.
Cooking Time: 30-60 minutes
Summary
Get ready to spice up your life with these 18 bold and delicious Texas chili recipes! From classic beef and chile combinations to innovative twists featuring dark beer, chipotle peppers, and bourbon glaze, there’s something for every taste bud. Whether you’re a fan of red, white, or green chilies, these mouth-watering dishes are sure to satisfy your cravings. Discover new flavors and cooking techniques with recipes like Texas Venison Chili with Dark Beer, Spicy Texas Chili with Habanero Peppers, and more!
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