Texas Chili Con Carne

This Texas Chili Con Carne is a delicious blend of rich flavors and textures, making it the perfect dish for gatherings, game days, or cozy family dinners. With tender chunks of beef chuck simmered in a homemade chile purée, every bite bursts with mouthwatering goodness. Whether you serve it with tortilla chips, cornbread, or your favorite toppings, this chili is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Bold Flavors: The combination of New Mexico and Ancho chilies creates a rich and smoky flavor profile that is unmatched.
• Easy to Make: With simple steps and straightforward ingredients, anyone can whip up this hearty chili.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: This recipe yields about 11–12 cups, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep for the week.
• Customizable Heat Levels: Adjust the spice by adding jalapeños or using milder chilies based on your taste preferences.
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it with various toppings like cheese and sour cream or alongside crusty bread.

Tools and Preparation

Before getting started, make sure you have the right tools on hand to make this Texas Chili Con Carne a breeze to prepare.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Blender
• Wooden spoon
• Kitchen towel
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for sautéing and simmering the chili evenly without overcrowding.
• Blender: Necessary for creating the smooth chile purée that forms the base of this dish.

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 the chilies and toast them for about 2 minutes per side until 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 until smooth.

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; repeat with remaining beef using more oil if necessary.

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 along with cumin, paprika, coriander, and allspice; cook for an additional minute until fragrant.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the tomato purée along with blended chile mixture, Mexican oregano, and cocoa powder. Stir well to combine before returning seared beef along with accumulated juices to the pot. Bring everything to a simmer then reduce heat to low; cook for about 2–3 hours while stirring occasionally until beef is tender. Add more broth to thin or tomato purée for a thicker consistency as desired.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Season your chili with salt and pepper near the end of cooking according to taste preferences. Serve hot topped with your choice of tortilla chips, shredded cheese, or sour cream!

How to Serve Texas Chili Con Carne

Serving Texas Chili Con Carne is an opportunity to showcase its rich flavors and hearty texture. This dish can be enjoyed in various ways, allowing you to customize your meal according to your preferences.

With Tortilla Chips

• Crispy Delight: Serve the chili with crunchy tortilla chips for a satisfying contrast.
• Chili Dip: Use the chips to scoop up the chili, making it a fun finger food.

Over Rice

• Hearty Base: Ladle the chili over a bed of fluffy white or brown rice for a filling meal.
• Flavor Absorption: The rice absorbs the rich flavors, enhancing each bite.

With Cornbread

• Sweet Contrast: Pairing chili with cornbread offers a delightful sweet and savory combination.
• Dunking Option: Use cornbread as a tool to soak up every bit of chili.

Topped with Cheese

• Melted Goodness: Sprinkle shredded cheddar cheese on top of hot chili for delicious creaminess.
• Extra Flavor: Add sliced jalapeños for a spicy kick alongside the cheese.

Garnished with Fresh Herbs

• Bright Flavor: Top the chili with fresh cilantro or parsley to add freshness.
• Visual Appeal: The green herbs provide a beautiful contrast against the rich red chili.

With Sour Cream

• Cooling Effect: A dollop of sour cream helps balance the heat from the spices.
• Creamy Texture: It adds a smooth texture that enhances the overall experience.

How to Perfect Texas Chili Con Carne

Perfecting Texas Chili Con Carne involves attention to detail and some culinary techniques. Follow these tips for an exceptional dish.

• Bold Seasoning: Use generous amounts of spices to ensure deep flavors in every bite.
• Quality Meat: Choose high-quality beef chuck for tenderness and richness in taste.
• Slow Cooking: Allow ample cooking time on low heat for flavors to meld beautifully.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust seasoning during cooking for personalized flavor profiles.
• Consider Texture: For thicker chili, use less broth; add more if you prefer it soupy.
• Let It Rest: Allow the finished chili to sit for 30 minutes before serving. This enhances flavor development.

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Best Side Dishes for Texas Chili Con Carne

Pairing side dishes with Texas Chili Con Carne can elevate your meal experience. Here are some excellent options to consider.

1. Cornbread: A classic choice that complements the spicy flavors with its sweetness.
2. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf serves as a perfect base, soaking up all that rich sauce.
3. Fried Plantains: Sweet and crispy plantains offer a nice contrast to savory chili.
4. Coleslaw: A refreshing coleslaw adds crunch and balances out the heaviness of the dish.
5. Pickled Jalapeños: For those who enjoy more heat, pickled jalapeños add tanginess and spice.
6. Guacamole: Creamy guacamole pairs well, adding richness and flavor depth.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Texas Chili Con Carne, it’s easy to make a few common mistakes that can affect the flavor and texture of your dish. Here are some pitfalls to avoid.

• Skipping the Toasting Step: Not toasting the chilies can lead to a lack of depth in flavor. Always toast them until aromatic for the best results.
• Overcrowding the Pan: Searing too much beef at once can cause steaming instead of browning. Cook in batches to achieve a perfect sear.
• Neglecting Seasoning Adjustments: Failing to taste and adjust seasoning at the end can result in bland chili. Always check and modify according to your taste before serving.
• Using Low-Quality Ingredients: Cheap cuts of meat or canned tomatoes can impact quality. Invest in good ingredients for a richer flavor.
• Rushing the Cooking Time: Texas chili benefits from slow cooking. Don’t rush it; let it simmer for the full time for tender beef and blended flavors.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store Texas Chili Con Carne in an airtight container.
• It will last up to 5 days in the refrigerator.
• Allow it to cool completely before sealing and refrigerating.

Freezing Texas Chili Con Carne

• Freeze in portion-sized containers for easy reheating.
• It can be stored for up to 3 months.
• Label containers with the date for reference.

Reheating Texas Chili Con Carne

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and bake covered for about 30 minutes until heated through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring in between, until hot throughout.
• Stovetop: Reheat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, adding broth if needed for consistency.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What makes Texas Chili Con Carne different?

Texas Chili Con Carne is unique because it typically does not include beans. The focus is on meat, chilies, and spices.

Can I use other types of meat?

Yes, you can substitute beef chuck with brisket or even pork if you prefer. Just ensure it’s cut into similar-sized pieces.

How spicy is this Texas Chili Con Carne?

The spiciness depends on how many jalapeños or other hot peppers you use. You can adjust this based on your heat preference.

What toppings pair well with Texas Chili Con Carne?

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

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it properly according to storage instructions.

Final Thoughts

Texas Chili Con Carne is a hearty and flavorful dish that embodies Tex-Mex cuisine perfectly. Its versatility allows for various customization options like adjusting spice levels or trying different meats. We encourage you to try this recipe at your next gathering or as a cozy meal at home!

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