Texas Chili Con Carne

This Texas Chili Con Carne is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for any occasion. With its rich flavors and tender beef, it’s sure to impress friends and family at gatherings or cozy nights in. The homemade chile purée adds depth, making it a standout dish when paired with your favorite toppings. Whether you enjoy it with cornbread or tortilla chips, this hearty chili is a crowd-pleaser.

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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
• With Tortilla Chips
• Over Rice
• With Cornbread
• As a Chili Bowl
• On Nachos
• With Lime Wedges
• How to Perfect Texas Chili Con Carne
• Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Con Carne
• Common Mistakes to Avoid
• Storage & Reheating Instructions
• Refrigerator Storage
• Freezing Texas Chili Con Carne
• Reheating Texas Chili Con Carne
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Can I make Texas Chili Con Carne without meat?
• What is the best way to serve Texas Chili Con Carne?
• Can I add beans to Texas Chili Con Carne?
• How spicy is Texas Chili Con Carne?
• What are some good side dishes for 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 rich, smoky base that sets this chili apart.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can master this delicious dish.
• Versatile Serving Options: Perfect for parties, game day, or meal prep; serve with toppings to cater to everyone’s tastes.
• Hearty and Filling: Packed with tender beef and vegetables, this chili will satisfy any appetite.
• Meal Prepping Friendly: Makes a large batch; store leftovers easily for quick meals throughout the week.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into cooking Texas Chili Con Carne, gather your essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Wooden spoon
• Cutting board
• Knife

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for simmering the chili evenly without splatter.
• Blender: Needed for creating the smooth chile purée that enriches the flavor.
• Wooden spoon: Great for stirring without scratching your pot’s surface.
• Cutting board: Provides a safe surface for chopping vegetables.

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 the chilies and toast them for about 2 minutes per side until they are slightly darkened and aromatic.
Pour in the chicken broth and bring it 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 increasing to high until smooth. Set aside.

Step 2: Sear the Beef

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in the pot over medium-high heat. Pat the beef dry with paper towels and season generously with salt and pepper.
Working in batches, sear the beef for about 3 minutes per side while avoiding overcrowding. Transfer seared beef to a bowl and 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) then sauté for about 4 minutes.
Stir in garlic along with cumin, paprika, coriander, and allspice. Cook for about 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Pour in tomato purée along with blended chile mixture, Mexican oregano, and cocoa powder. Stir everything together. Return seared beef along with any accumulated juices back into the pot.
Bring chili to a simmer then reduce heat to low. Cook for about 2–3 hours stirring occasionally until beef is tender. You can add more broth if needed or tomato purée for a thicker consistency.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

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

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 enjoying a cozy night in, here are some excellent serving suggestions to elevate your chili experience.

With Tortilla Chips

• Crunchy Delight: Serve your Texas Chili Con Carne with crispy tortilla chips for a satisfying crunch that complements the rich flavors of the chili.

Over Rice

• Hearty Base: Spoon the chili over a bed of fluffy rice. It absorbs the sauce beautifully and adds a filling element to your meal.

With Cornbread

• Sweet Contrast: Pairing chili with warm cornbread creates a delightful contrast of flavors. The sweetness of the cornbread balances the spiciness of the chili.

As a Chili Bowl

• Comfort in a Bowl: Serve Texas Chili Con Carne in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a comforting and hearty meal.

On Nachos

• Ultimate Snack: Layer tortilla chips with Texas Chili Con Carne, cheese, jalapeños, and other toppings for delicious nachos that are perfect for sharing.

With Lime Wedges

• Zesty Finish: A squeeze of fresh lime juice brightens up the flavors of the chili, adding an extra layer of freshness to each bite.

How to Perfect Texas Chili Con Carne

Perfecting Texas Chili Con Carne requires attention to detail. Here are some helpful tips to ensure your chili turns out amazing every time.

• Bold Flavors: Use quality spices and fresh ingredients for deeper flavor. Freshly ground spices can enhance the overall taste significantly.
• Slow Simmering: Allow your chili to simmer low and slow. This helps tenderize the beef and melds all the flavors together beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Don’t forget to taste your chili throughout cooking. Adjust seasoning as needed for balance between spices and heat.
• Experiment with Heat: Customize the heat level by adjusting chilies used. If you prefer it milder, reduce or omit jalapeños or opt for sweet peppers instead.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow your chili to rest for at least 30 minutes after cooking. This lets flavors develop even more before serving.

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Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Con Carne

Texas Chili Con Carne pairs well with various side dishes that complement its robust flavor profile. Here are some great options to consider serving alongside your chili.

1. Cornbread Muffins: Light and fluffy muffins that add sweetness to balance the spicy chili.
2. Coleslaw: A refreshing salad with crunchy vegetables that provides contrast and coolness against hot chili.
3. Guacamole: Creamy avocado dip that enhances each bite while adding richness.
4. Mexican Rice: Flavored rice cooked with tomatoes and spices; it makes a great base for serving chili.
5. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal veggies grilled to perfection provide a healthy side option bursting with flavor.
6. Fried Plantains: Sweet plantains add an interesting twist and sweetness that works well with savory dishes like chili.
7. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad offers comfort and pairs nicely with bold flavors.
8. Salsa Verde: Bright tomatillo salsa adds acidity, cutting through the richness of the chili while providing extra zest.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas Chili Con Carne, it’s important to steer clear of common pitfalls that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish.

• Skipping the Toasting Step: Failing to toast the chilies means missing out on a depth of flavor. Always toast chilies briefly before blending them.
• Overcrowding the Beef: When searing beef, overcrowding the pot can lead to steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches for a better crust.
• Not Testing Seasoning: Ignoring seasoning adjustments can result in bland chili. Taste frequently and adjust salt and pepper as needed.
• Rushing the Simmer: Cooking too quickly can toughen the meat. Allow your chili to simmer on low heat for a tender result.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap cuts of meat or canned products can compromise taste. Opt for quality ingredients for a robust flavor profile.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

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

Freezing Texas Chili Con Carne

• item Freeze in portion-sized containers or zip-top freezer bags.
• item The chili can be frozen for up to 3 months for optimal freshness.

Reheating Texas Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C), place chili in an oven-safe dish, and cover with foil. Heat until warmed through, about 20-30 minutes.
• Microwave: Place chili in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on medium power for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat in a saucepan, stirring frequently until hot, about 10-15 minutes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about preparing and storing Texas Chili Con Carne.

Can I make Texas Chili Con Carne without meat?

Yes! You can substitute meat with mushrooms or lentils for a vegetarian version while maintaining bold flavors.

What is the best way to serve Texas Chili Con Carne?

Serve it hot with toppings like shredded cheese, cilantro, or tortilla chips for added texture and flavor.

Can I add beans to Texas Chili Con Carne?

Traditionally, Texas chili does not include beans. However, you can add them if you prefer a heartier dish.

How spicy is Texas Chili Con Carne?

The spice level depends on the type and amount of chilies used. Adjust jalapeños according to your heat preference!

What are some good side dishes for Texas Chili Con Carne?

Pair it with cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad to balance out the rich flavors of the chili.

Final Thoughts

Texas Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering or meal prep. Its versatility allows for various customization options based on personal taste preferences. Don’t hesitate to try this recipe and make it your own!

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