Texas Chili Con Carne

This Texas Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly nights or gatherings with friends. Its robust flavors and hearty texture make it a standout dish that can be served with tortilla chips, cornbread, or your favorite toppings. Whether it’s game day or a family dinner, this recipe is sure to impress!

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• For Chilies and Broth
• For Beef and Vegetables
• For Spices and Flavorings
• For Optional Toppings
• How to Make Texas Chili Con Carne
• Step 1: Toast and Blend Chilies
• Step 2: Sear the Beef
• Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Spices
• Step 4: Simmer the Chili
• Step 5: Finish and Serve
• How to Serve Texas Chili Con Carne
• Classic Toppings
• Unique Serving Ideas
• How to Perfect Texas Chili Con Carne
• Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Con Carne
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Texas Chili Con Carne
• Reheating Texas Chili Con Carne
• Frequently Asked Questions
• What is Texas Chili Con Carne?
• How do I make my Texas Chili Con Carne spicier?
• Can I customize Texas Chili Con Carne?
• What should I serve with Texas Chili Con Carne?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavor: The rich combination of spices and chilies creates a depth of flavor that’s hard to resist.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it solo or pair with toppings like cheese and sour cream for added indulgence.
• Great for Meal Prep: With about 11–12 cups, this recipe is perfect for leftovers or meal prepping.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice by varying the types and amounts of chilies used.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with tender beef and vegetables, this chili is satisfying enough to be a meal on its own.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the cooking process, gather your essential tools. Having the right equipment makes preparation smoother.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Measuring spoons
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Ideal for toasting chilies and simmering the chili evenly.
• Blender: Ensures a smooth chile purée for an even distribution of flavor in the chili.

Ingredients

For Chilies and Broth

• 4 New Mexico chilies, stems and seeds removed (5–6 inches each)
• 3 Ancho chilies, stems and seeds removed (4 inches each)
• 3 cups low-sodium chicken broth, plus more as needed

For Beef and Vegetables

• 4 lbs boneless beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and black pepper
• 1 extra-large yellow onion, chopped (about 2.5 cups)
• 1 red bell pepper, chopped (about 1.5 cups)
• 2–6 jalapeños, seeds and ribs removed for less heat if desired, diced (optional)*
• 4 garlic cloves, minced (about 1.5 tablespoons)

For Spices and Flavorings

• 1 tablespoon ground cumin
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 ½ teaspoons ground coriander
• ½ teaspoon allspice
• 2 teaspoons Mexican oregano
• 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
• 2 cups tomato purée, plus more as needed

For Optional Toppings

• Tortilla chips
• Shredded cheddar cheese
• Chopped cilantro
• Lime wedges
• Sour cream
• Mexican hot sauce
• Diced onions (green, purple, or yellow)

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How to Make Texas Chili Con Carne

Step 1: Toast and Blend Chilies

Heat a large pot over medium heat. Add chilies and toast for about 2 minutes per side until slightly darkened and aromatic. Pour in chicken broth and bring to a boil. Remove from heat, cover, and let steep for 5–10 minutes until softened. Transfer the mixture to a blender. Remove the center insert of the lid, cover with a kitchen towel, and blend starting on low speed before increasing to high until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in the pot over medium-high heat. Pat beef dry with paper towels; season generously with salt and pepper. Working in batches, sear beef for about 3 minutes per side, avoiding overcrowding. Transfer seared beef to a bowl; repeat with remaining beef, adding more oil if needed.

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Spices

Return the empty pot to medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños (if using); sauté for about 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, and allspice; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Pour in tomato purée, blended chile mixture, Mexican oregano, and cocoa powder; stir to combine. Return seared beef along with any accumulated juices back into the pot. Bring chili to a simmer; reduce heat to low. Cook for 2–3 hours while stirring occasionally until beef is tender. Adjust consistency by adding more broth or tomato purée as desired.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Season the chili with salt and pepper to taste near the end of cooking time. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like tortilla chips or shredded cheese for an extra delicious experience!

How to Serve Texas Chili Con Carne

Texas Chili Con Carne is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in many ways. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or simply enjoying a cozy meal at home, there are plenty of delicious options for serving this hearty chili.

Classic Toppings

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy and perfect for scooping up the chili.
• Shredded Cheddar Cheese: Adds a creamy texture and rich flavor.
• Chopped Cilantro: Freshness that complements the bold flavors of the chili.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime brightens up the dish.
• Sour Cream: Provides a cooling contrast to the spicy chili.
• Diced Onions: Adds a bit of crunch and sharpness.

Unique Serving Ideas

• Over Rice: Serve the chili on a bed of fluffy rice for a filling meal.
• In a Burrito: Wrap the chili in tortillas with your favorite fillings.
• Chili Cheese Fries: Pour over crispy fries and top with cheese for an indulgent treat.

How to Perfect Texas Chili Con Carne

Perfecting Texas Chili Con Carne takes practice, but these tips will help you elevate your dish to new heights.

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh spices and herbs for vibrant taste.
• Quality Meat: Choose well-marbled beef chuck for tenderness and flavor.
• Long Simmer Time: Allowing the chili to cook low and slow enhances its depth of flavor.
• Adjust Heat Level: Tailor spiciness by controlling the number of jalapeños or adding chipotle chilies.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly sample your chili and adjust seasoning as needed.

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Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with Texas Chili Con Carne can enhance your dining experience. Here are some great options to complement this hearty meal.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and crumbly, cornbread soaks up all the delicious chili juices.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw balances out the richness of the chili.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice provides a neutral base that pairs well with spicy flavors.
4. Grilled Corn on the Cob: Smoky sweetness from grilled corn adds another layer of flavor.
5. Fried Plantains: Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with savory chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: A loaded baked potato topped with chili is a comforting option.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to overlook certain steps. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Not Toasting the Chilies: Skipping this step reduces the depth of flavor. Always toast your chilies to enhance their natural oils and aromas.
• Overcrowding the Pot: If you add too much beef at once, it won’t sear properly. Work in batches to achieve that perfect crust on your meat.
• Ignoring Spice Measurements: Using too much or too little of spices can throw off the balance. Stick to the recommended amounts for a well-rounded flavor.
• Not Allowing Enough Simmer Time: Rushing the cooking process can lead to tough meat. A long simmer allows the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
• Forgetting to Taste as You Go: Failing to taste your chili before serving could result in blandness. Adjust seasonings towards the end of cooking for a perfect finish.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keeps well for up to 4 days in the fridge.

Freezing Texas Chili Con Carne

• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Can be frozen for up to 3 months without losing flavor.

Reheating Texas Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C). Place chili in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Transfer chili to a microwave-safe bowl. Cover loosely and heat on high in 1-minute intervals until hot.
• Stovetop: Pour chili into a pot over medium heat. Stir occasionally until heated through, adding more broth if needed.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas Chili Con Carne?

Texas Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish made with chunks of beef, spices, and chilies, traditionally served without beans.

How do I make my Texas Chili Con Carne spicier?

To add heat, include more jalapeños or substitute some fresh chilies with canned chipotle chilies.

Can I customize Texas Chili Con Carne?

Absolutely! Add ingredients like bacon or beans if you prefer a twist on the traditional recipe.

What should I serve with Texas Chili Con Carne?

This dish pairs wonderfully with tortilla chips, cornbread, or topped with cheese and sour cream.

Final Thoughts

Texas Chili Con Carne is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile. You can customize it according to your taste preferences by adjusting spice levels or adding toppings. This recipe is perfect for gatherings or cozy evenings at home—give it a try!

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