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Original Texas Chili

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This authentic Texas chili recipe delivers a bold, meaty, and deeply flavorful dish made with cubed beef and a rich chili pepper sauce, perfect for game days, cold nights, or hearty comfort food cravings.

Ingredients

  • 2.5 lbs chuck roast or beef stew meat, cut into small cubes
  • 6–8 dried chili peppers (such as ancho, guajillo, or pasilla)
  • 4 garlic cloves
  • 1 large onion, finely chopped
  • 3 cups beef broth or water
  • 1 tbsp ground cumin
  • 1 tsp Mexican oregano
  • 1 tbsp paprika
  • 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional)
  • 1.5 tsp salt (or to taste)
  • 1 tsp black pepper
  • 2 tbsp lard or vegetable oil

Instructions

  1. Remove stems and seeds from dried chiles. Toast lightly in a dry skillet until fragrant.
  2. Soak toasted chiles in hot water for 20 minutes until softened.
  3. Blend softened chiles with garlic and a bit of soaking liquid to make a smooth chili paste.
  4. In a large Dutch oven, heat lard or oil over medium-high heat. Brown the beef cubes in batches and set aside.
  5. Sauté onions in the same pot until soft and golden.
  6. Add the chili paste and cook for a few minutes to deepen the flavor.
  7. Return the browned beef to the pot. Stir in beef broth, cumin, oregano, paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne if using.
  8. Reduce heat and simmer uncovered for 2 to 3 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender and chili thickens.
  9. Adjust seasoning to taste and serve hot.

Notes

  • Use a mix of chili peppers for a more complex flavor profile.
  • This chili tastes even better the next day after flavors meld.
  • For a spicier kick, add more cayenne or use hotter dried chiles like arbol.
  • To thicken, simmer uncovered or mash some of the beef into the sauce.
  • Can be made in a slow cooker after browning meat and sautéing the base.

Nutrition

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