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A bowl of rich, hearty Texas beef chili, garnished with fresh cilantro

Proven way to grow Texas Beef Chili in 3 steps

This Texas Beef Chili recipe delivers a hearty, flavorful dish perfect for a comforting meal. It's packed with tender beef and a rich, spicy sauce, making it an ideal choice for chili lovers.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 2 hours
Total Time 2 hours 15 minutes
Servings: 6 people
Calories: 450

Ingredients
  

Main Ingredients
  • 2 lbs beef chuck roast cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 strips bacon chopped
  • 1 large onion chopped
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 4 cups beef broth
  • 2 tbsp tomato paste
  • 3 tbsp chili powder or more, to taste

Equipment

  • Dutch oven
  • Large pot
  • Spatula

Method
 

Preparation
  1. In a large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot, cook the bacon over medium heat until crispy; remove bacon and set aside, reserving the rendered fat in the pot. Sear the beef cubes in batches until browned on all sides, then remove the beef and set it aside.
Cooking
  1. Add the chopped onion to the pot and cook until softened, about 5-7 minutes; stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. Return the browned beef to the pot, then stir in the beef broth, tomato paste, chili powder, and any other desired seasonings.
Simmer & Serve
  1. Bring the chili to a simmer, then reduce heat to low, cover, and cook for at least 2 hours, or until the beef is very tender. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and add more broth as needed to maintain desired consistency. Serve hot, garnished with crumbled bacon and any other preferred toppings.

Notes

For an extra kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped jalapeƱo with the onions. This chili tastes even better the next day, so consider making it ahead of time. Adjust the amount of chili powder to your preferred spice level.