There's nothing better on a cold night than a big bowl of authentic Texas Chili! Make it as spicy or mild as you like! The secret ingredient is included in the recipe....
I've been making chili for 25 years, experimenting with different ingredients, and this BY FAR is my best version yet! The enchilada sauce gives it a really nice flavor, as does the secret ingredient!
Here's what you'll need:
Sazon Goya is a seasoning usually found in the mexican food section of your grocer.
Here's how to make it:
In a large stockpot or Dutch oven, add a tablespoon of oil, chopped onions and beef. Cook until the beef is brown; drain and return to stockpot.
Next, add dry seasonings: cumin, chile powder, Sazon Goya Annatto, paprika and cumin
Next, pour in the red enchilada sauce and green chiles...
Then the tomato sauce...
Cook on medium heat until all the flavors are well-combined. Taste for salt. Want it hotter? Add more cayenne pepper!
Expert tips:
What grade of beef do I use?
Ground beef is labeled: 80/20, 70/30 or 90/10. In case you're wondering, 80/20 means the beef has 20% fat and 80% lean meat. A little bit of fat reserve enhances the flavor of the chili. If you prefer a lean chili, use 90/10 ground beef, ground sirloin or ground turkey. No matter what grade beef you use, you'll still need to drain off the excess oil; DO NOT RINSE IT.
Beans or no beans?
Beans add fiber to the dish and fiber is a good thing. It's really up to you. True Texas Chili does not have beans. If you elect to add canned pinto, kidney or black beans, be sure to rinse them first. The brine in canned beans impacts the texture and flavor of this recipe.
Want it thicker?
There are two ways to make the chili thicker. One uses cornstarch. The other uses Masa flour. Whichever one you use, you'll need to make a slurry first. A slurry is a mixture of a powdered ingredient and water.
How to make a slurry:
In a measuring cup, combine 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, flour or Masa flour with one cup of water. Mix well, then add it to the cooked chili. This slurry will not impact the flavor.
Want it thinner?
If you like a thinner version, just add a little water or beef broth.
Too spicy?
Chile powder and cayenne add some heat to this dish. If your guest cannot tolerate the spicy heat of homemade Texas Chili, offer them a dollop of sour cream to put in their bowl-the dairy offsets the heat.
Variations and substitutions for Texas chili
Here's some different ways to make this Texas chile recipe!
- Add Rotel® tomatoes (stewed tomatoes and green chiles); original, hot or fire roasted
- Chop and saute a green bell pepper with the onion
- Throw in a few slices of jalapeno
- Add a can of drained corn
- Make Frito pie by adding in some corn chips
If you're missing an ingredient look here:
- No tomato sauce? Use a can of tomato paste and water or beef broth or
- Add a can of diced tomatoes, or
- Don't add any tomatoes! Chili without tomatoes is just fine
- No onion? Use onion powder or minced onion
Related recipes:
♥ If you make this recipe, please leave a comment and rating! I love to hear from you!
True Texas Chili
Ingredients
- 3 lbs. ground beef
- 1 tablespoon oil
- 1 cup yellow onion chopped
- 1 10 oz. can of tomato sauce
- 1 small can diced green chiles
- 1 28 oz. can red enchilada sauce mild or spicy
- 1 tablespoon ground paprika smokey
- 3 tablespoons ground cumin
- 3-6 tablespoons ground chili powder start with 3; add more after chili has rested
- 1 package Sazon Goya (Coriander and Annatto seasoning)
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a large Dutch oven, add oil and onions and cook on medium high heat, until onions are tender
- Add beef to onions and cook until beef is browned all the way through
- Drain mixture and put back into Dutch oven
- Add dry seasonings, tomato sauce, green chiles, enchilada sauce
- Allow to cook on medium heat for at least 10 minutes
- *Add water if you prefer a thinner consistency
- Add salt and pepper to taste
- Serve and garnish with cheese, sour cream, avocado
Notes
- If you prefer a hotter version of Texas Chili, add more chili powder and/or cayenne pepper
- If the chili is too spicy for you, add a dollop of sour cream on top, or a lot of cheese
- If you prefer a thinner consistency, add water or beef broth
- Use leftover chili to make Chili Spaghetti Pie
Nutrition
Linda Mangold says
I’m a Native Texan transplanted to California and have to make my own chili because no one understands good chili here! This is an awesome and easy way to make it and I will be using this recipe from now on! Thank you! I didn’t change a thing and it was perfect.
Anecia says
Oh My Stars, Linda! You just made my day!!! Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! Would you mind rating the recipe if you haven't already? Bless You!