Real Texas Chili with Beans: A Filling & Tasty Recipe
Few foods can match a bowl of meaty, smoky, and spicy Texas chili when it comes to comfort food. This recipe incorporates beans for extra heartiness while maintaining the bright Texan flavors, although traditional Texas chili (or “Bowl of Red”) does not include beans.
The meat, spices, and beans combine to create a rich, savory dish in this Texas chili with beans, which is perfectly slow-cooked. This recipe is guaranteed to be a hit whether you’re preparing it for a nice supper, game day, or a chili cook-off.
Let’s get started on this genuine but packed with beans Texas chili dish that works well for any gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe for Texas Chili
✅ Deep & Hearty – Slow-cooked to perfection for a rich, chunky texture. ✅ Great for Meal Prep – Tastes even better the next day! ✅ Bold & Smoky Flavor – A great blend of spices, beef, and beans
Perfect for Freezing ✅ Customizable Heat Level – Tailor the spice to your taste. Prepare a large quantity and store any leftovers in the freezer.
Ingredients You’ll Need🛒
To make the chili base, chop 2 pounds of beef chuck into ½-inch cubes (or use ground beef).
Vegetable oil 2 tablespoons
- One large chopped onion – three minced garlic cloves – one large chopped bell pepper – two 14.5 oz cans of diced tomatoes
One fifteen-ounce can of tomato sauce
Two cups of beef broth – two tablespoons of tomato paste
One (15 oz) can of washed and drained kidney beans and one (15 oz) can of rinsed and drained pinto beans
For the Blend of Chili Spices:
Three teaspoons of chili powder
Smoked paprika 1 teaspoon
One teaspoon of cumin
Oregano 1 teaspoon
One-half teaspoon of cayenne pepper (Adapt to personal preference)
An additional teaspoon of black pepper
One teaspoon of salt
A single teaspoon of brown sugar (Rebalances acidity)
A single teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce (provides depth)
One teaspoon of optional cocoa powder (which adds richness)
Optional garnishes: – Chopped fresh cilantro – Cornbread or tortilla chips – Shredded cheese (either Monterey Jack or cheddar) – Sour cream
🔥 Detailed Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Meat 1. In a large heavy-bottomed saucepan or Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of oil over medium-high heat.
- Put in the ground meat or beef cubes and sear until browned all over. Work in groups to prevent crowding.
- Take out and reserve the beef.
Step 2: Aromatic Sautéing
- Put another tablespoon of oil in the same saucepan.
- Sauté the bell peppers and onions until they are tender and have a hint of caramel.
- Cook for 30 seconds until aromatic, after stirring in the garlic.
Build the Chili Base in Step Three
- To improve the flavor, add the tomato paste and heat for 1 minute.
- Include the beef broth, tomato sauce, and diced tomatoes.
- Put back into the pot the browned beef.
Step 4: Include the seasonings
- Add the Worcestershire sauce, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper, black pepper, smoked paprika, salt, brown sugar, cocoa powder, and chili powder.
- Give the steak and veggies a good stir to coat them evenly.
Simmer the chili in step five.
- Reduce the heat to low after bringing the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Simmer, covered, stirring occasionally, for 1.5 to 2 hours.
Add the beans in step six
Add the kidney and pinto beans and stir until the beef is soft.
- Simmer the chili uncovered for 30 minutes so that it thickens.
Step 7: Adjust Seasoning & Taste
- If necessary, taste and adjust the sweetness, salt, or spice.
- Add a little extra beef broth if the chili is too thick.
- Simmer it uncovered for an additional 15 minutes if it’s too thin.
Step 8: Enjoy & Serve!”
Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with cilantro, sour cream, cheese, and jalapeños.
- Serve over rice, tortilla chips, or cornbread.
🍽️ Top Side Dishes with Beans and Texas Chili
This chili goes nicely with:
✔️ Cornbread: A traditional side dish that is both sweet and savory.
✔️ Steamed Rice – Counterbalances the strong flavors of the chili.
The Garlic Bread is ideal for dipping.
✔️ The crispy texture is supplied by the tortilla chips.
✔️ Baked Potatoes: For an added delight, stuff them full of chili.
🥡 Tips for Storing and Reheating
To Store: – Store leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 4 days in a airtight container.
To Freeze: – Before freezing, let the chili cool fully.
Keep for up to 3 months in freezer-safe containers.
Before reheating, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
In order to reheat, place it in a pot over low heat and stir from time to time.
A little broth or water can be added if it thickens too much.
The microwave can also be used to reheat in 30-second increments.
🔥 Expert Advice for the Greatest Bean-Based Texas Chili
✔️ Adds a rich, smokey taste by searing the meat thoroughly.
✔️ Slow Cook for Best Results – The depth of flavor increases with simmering time.
✔️ Modify the Heat Level – If necessary, use mild chili powder or add extra cayenne.
✔️ Thicken with Masa Harina – To achieve a thicker consistency, add a teaspoon of masa harina (corn flour).
The next day, chili usually tastes better! ✔️ Let It Rest
2. Is it possible to utilize other beans?
Definitely! Try chickpeas, white beans, or black beans.
3. How can I lessen the heat in the chili?
When serving, add a spoonful of sour cream and less cayenne and chili powder.
4. Is it possible to substitute ground turkey for beef?
Indeed! A leaner alternative that works nicely in this recipe is ground turkey.
5. How do you thicken chili?
You can either toss in some masa harina, cornstarch, or crushed tortilla chips or let it simmer uncovered.
⭐ Concluding Remarks
Easy to prepare and suitable for any occasion, this Texas Chili with Beans is a rich, smokey, and satisfying dish. This hearty chili won’t let you down, whether you’re preparing extra for meal prep or feeding a crowd!
Tell me how it goes once you give it a try! 😊🔥