Name: Texas-Style Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 3 h 30 min
Total time: 3 h 50 min
Yield: 6
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons chili powder; 2 tablespoons smoked paprika; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder; 2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder; 1/2 teaspoon cumin; 1/2 teaspoon cinnamon; 4 pounds stew meat; Salt and pepper, to taste; 6 tablespoons olive oil, divided; 3 jalapeños, seeded and diced; 1/2 yellow onion, diced; 5 cloves garlic, minced; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 3 tablespoons tomato paste; 4 cups beef broth (more as needed); 2 bay leaves; Sour cream; Shredded cheese; Chopped green onions

Jump to Recipe

TEXAS-STYLE CHILI – This chili blends smoky spices, tender beef, and slow-simmered broth into a hearty, bold dish. Top with sour cream, shredded cheese, or green onions for the ultimate comfort food.

Ingredients

Seasonings

2 tablespoons chili powder
2 tablespoons smoked paprika
1 tablespoon dried oregano
2 teaspoons chipotle chili powder
2 teaspoons unsweetened cocoa powder
½ teaspoon cumin
½ teaspoon cinnamon

Chili Base

4 pounds stew meat (or chuck roast, cubed)
Salt and pepper, to taste
6 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
3 jalapeños, seeded and diced
½ yellow onion, diced
5 cloves garlic, minced
1 (28-ounce) can crushed tomatoes
3 tablespoons tomato paste
4 cups beef broth (plus more as needed)
2 bay leaves

Optional Toppings

Sour cream
Shredded cheese (cheddar, Monterey Jack, or your favorite)
Chopped green onions

Needed supplies

Essential

Large stock pot or Dutch oven
Medium mixing bowl
Cutting board
Sharp chef’s knife
Wooden spoon or heatproof spatula
Slotted spoon or tongs
Measuring spoons
Measuring cup
Ladle

Optional but Handy

Garlic press (if you don’t like mincing garlic by hand)
Small whisk (for blending the seasoning mix)
Soup bowls + soup spoons (for serving)
Serving platter of toppings (small bowls for sour cream, cheese, green onions, etc.)

What to serve with Texas-Style Chili

Classic Pairings

Cornbread – Sweet, buttery cornbread (or jalapeño cornbread) is a chili staple. Perfect for soaking up the sauce.
Tortilla Chips – Great for dipping or even crumbling on top for crunch.
Rice – White rice, Mexican rice, or even cilantro-lime rice makes a nice base to balance the spice.

Fresh + Cool Sides

Simple Green Salad – A crisp side salad with a tangy vinaigrette helps cut through the richness.
Coleslaw – Adds a cool, crunchy contrast, especially if you go for a vinegar-based slaw.
Guacamole & Salsa – Fresh dips bring creaminess and brightness alongside the deep chili flavors.

Hearty Add-Ons

Baked Potatoes – Split one open and ladle chili over the top for a comfort-food combo.
Mac & Cheese – Chili and mac together = ultimate cozy food.
Quesadillas or Grilled Cheese – A cheesy side for dipping.

Tips for Texas-Style Chili

Toppings matter: Sour cream cools the spice, shredded cheese melts into creamy richness, and green onions add a fresh bite. Don’t be shy—load it up!

Adjust the heat to your taste: Three jalapeños will give you a good kick, but you can use fewer (or even swap in poblanos) if you prefer it milder. On the other hand, for true Texas heat, add an extra dash of chipotle chili powder.

Thick or soupy—your choice: If you like a heartier chili, let it cook uncovered until it reduces down. For a looser consistency, just add more beef broth as it simmers.

Rest before serving: If you can resist diving in right away, let the chili sit for about 15 minutes after cooking. The flavors settle, and it thickens up just a bit more.

More recipes you’ll love…

Spicy Dr. Pepper Pulled Pork

Carne Asada

Steak Fajitas with Chimichurri and Grilled Peppers