Texas Chili Con Carne

This Texas Chili Con Carne is a hearty dish that embodies the bold flavors of Tex-Mex cuisine. It’s perfect for gatherings, cozy family dinners, or meal prepping for the week. With tender beef chuck simmered in a rich chile purée and an array of spices, this chili is sure to impress your guests or satisfy your cravings.

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Jump to:

• Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Tools and Preparation
• Essential Tools and Equipment
• Importance of Each Tool
• Ingredients
• Chilies and Broth:
• Beef and Vegetables:
• Spices and Flavorings:
• 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
• Sides for Dipping
• Serving Bowls
• 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?
• Can I use other meats in Texas Chili Con Carne?
• How spicy is Texas Chili Con Carne?
• Is Texas Chili Con Carne suitable for meal prep?
• What toppings go well with Texas Chili Con Carne?
• Final Thoughts
• 📖 Recipe Card

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of New Mexico and Ancho chilies creates a deep, rich flavor profile that is unique to Texas-style chili.
• Hearty and Filling: With generous chunks of beef and plenty of spices, this chili is a satisfying main course that will fill you up.
• Versatile Toppings: Customize your bowl with toppings like cheese, sour cream, and tortilla chips to suit your taste.
• Great for Meal Prep: This recipe yields 11–12 cups, making it ideal for leftovers or freezing for future meals.
• Slow-Cooked Goodness: The long simmering time allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a delicious chili that gets better with time.

Tools and Preparation

To make this Texas Chili Con Carne efficiently, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. Having the right equipment can make all the difference in preparing this flavorful dish.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Cutting board
• Sharp knife
• Wooden spoon

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for simmering the chili slowly, allowing all the flavors to combine effectively.
• Blender: Essential for creating a smooth chile purée that adds depth to the chili’s flavor.

Ingredients

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

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)

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

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 on low speed until smooth.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

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

Step 3: Sauté Vegetables and Spices

Return the empty pot to medium-high heat. Add onion, bell pepper, and jalapeños (if using) and sauté for 4 minutes. Stir in garlic, cumin, paprika, coriander, and allspice. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the tomato purée, blended chile mixture, Mexican oregano, and cocoa powder. Return the seared beef along with any accumulated juices back into the pot. Bring the chili to a simmer; then reduce heat to low. Cook for 2–3 hours until the beef is tender.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Season with salt and pepper to taste near the end of cooking. Serve hot with your favorite toppings like tortilla chips or shredded cheese.

Enjoy your homemade Texas Chili Con Carne!

How to Serve Texas Chili Con Carne

Texas Chili Con Carne is a versatile dish that can be enjoyed in various ways. Whether you prefer it simple or dressed up with toppings, there are plenty of serving suggestions to enhance your chili experience.

Classic Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of cheddar adds creaminess and richness.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro provides a burst of flavor and color.
• Lime Wedges: A squeeze of lime juice brightens the dish and balances the heat.

Sides for Dipping

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips are perfect for scooping up chili.
• Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread complements the spiciness of the chili.
• Guacamole: Creamy guacamole adds a cool contrast to the heat.

Serving Bowls

• Individual Bowls: Serve in personal bowls for a cozy dining experience.
• Family-Style Cookware: Presenting in a large pot encourages sharing and seconds.

How to Perfect Texas Chili Con Carne

Creating the perfect Texas Chili Con Carne requires some attention to detail. Here are tips to elevate your dish:

• Bold Flavors: Use fresh spices and ingredients for an authentic taste.
• Beef Quality: Opt for high-quality beef chuck for better texture and flavor.
• Adjust Heat Levels: Customize the heat by varying jalapeño quantities or types of chilies.
• Simmer Time: Allow ample simmering time for flavors to meld beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Regularly taste and adjust seasoning for balance.
• Rest Before Serving: Letting the chili rest enhances its flavors.

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Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with Texas Chili Con Carne can elevate your meal. Here are some great options:

1. Cornbread: This classic side is sweet and moist, perfect for soaking up chili juices.
2. Coleslaw: A crunchy, tangy slaw adds freshness and contrasts nicely with rich chili.
3. Rice: White or brown rice serves as a filling base that pairs well with spicy chili.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred veggies add smoky flavors that complement the chili’s richness.
5. Baked Potatoes: A fluffy baked potato topped with chili makes for a hearty meal option.
6. Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains provide a delightful contrast to spicy dishes like chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes. Here are some tips to help you succeed.

• Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting the chilies before blending can lead to a flat flavor. Always toast them for a couple of minutes to enhance their aroma and taste.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Searing too much beef at once can cause steaming rather than browning. Work in batches for a nice crust on your meat.
• Neglecting Seasoning: Forgetting to season the chili as it cooks can result in blandness. Taste regularly and adjust seasoning near the end of cooking.
• Rushing the Cooking Time: Cooking the chili for too short a time will leave the beef tough. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 hours for tender meat and deeper flavors.
• Ignoring Customization Options: Sticking strictly to the recipe may limit your creativity. Feel free to experiment with spices or add ingredients like beans or bacon.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Texas Chili Con Carne in an airtight container.
• It will last for 3–4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Texas Chili Con Carne

• Freeze in portions using freezer-safe containers or bags.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months.

Reheating Texas Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), transfer chili to an oven-safe dish, cover, and heat until warmed through, about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2–3 minutes. Stir halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat in a pot over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through, usually around 10 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is Texas Chili Con Carne?

Texas Chili Con Carne is a hearty stew made with beef chuck, chilies, and spices. It’s known for its rich flavor and lack of beans.

Can I use other meats in Texas Chili Con Carne?

Yes! While beef chuck is traditional, you can use other cuts like brisket or even chicken if you prefer.

How spicy is Texas Chili Con Carne?

The spice level depends on your choice of chilies. Adjust jalapeños or use milder varieties if you want less heat.

Is Texas Chili Con Carne suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely! This dish stores well and can be made ahead of time, making it perfect for meal prepping.

What toppings go well with Texas Chili Con Carne?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro, diced onions, and tortilla chips.

Final Thoughts

Texas Chili Con Carne is not just a meal; it’s an experience full of bold flavors that everyone will love. Its versatility allows you to customize it according to your taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this delicious recipe at your next gathering!