Lone Star Chili
A hearty Texas-style chili with tender beef, green chilies, and robust spices, perfect for chili lovers craving bold flavors and comfort food. Ideal for casual gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. beef chuck, cut into 1/2-inch cubes ⓘ
- 1 medium onion, chopped ⓘ
- 2 cloves minced garlic ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 28 oz. can whole tomatoes, chopped ⓘ
- 8 oz. tomato sauce ⓘ
- 4 oz. can chopped green chilies ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. cumin ⓘ
- 1/8 to 1/4 tsp. ground red pepper ⓘ
- 15 1/2 oz. Mexican-style chili beans ⓘ
Instructions
- In a Dutch oven, brown the beef chuck with chopped onion and minced garlic in vegetable oil until tender.
- Add chopped tomatoes, tomato sauce, chopped green chilies, chili powder, cumin, and ground red pepper.
- Bring the mixture to a boil.
- Reduce heat, cover, and simmer for 1 hour or until the meat is tender, stirring occasionally.
- Add the chili beans and continue to simmer for an additional 10 to 15 minutes.
- Serve topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and sour cream.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of Worcestershire sauce or a splash of beer while simmering. If you prefer a vegetarian version, substitute the beef chuck with lentils or mushrooms. You can also adjust the heat level by varying the amount of ground red pepper or using a milder chili powder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Lone Star Chili topped with shredded Cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream for added creaminess. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or tortilla chips. For a fun twist, serve it over a bed of Fritos for a Super Frito Pie or alongside Stuffed Mexican Burgers for a hearty meal.
Storage & Reheating
Leftover chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or microwave in a microwave-safe bowl until heated through. It also freezes well for up to 3 months.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Lone Star Chili contains roughly 352 calories, with 17g protein, 44g carbohydrates, and 17g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (127% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (83% of the Daily Value), and vitamin A (53% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1343mg per serving (58% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use ground beef instead of beef chuck?
Yes, you can use ground beef for a quicker cooking time, but be aware that it may alter the texture slightly. Brown the ground beef in the same way, but reduce the simmering time after adding the beans to about 5-10 minutes.
What can I do if the chili is too spicy?
If your chili turns out too spicy, you can balance it by adding a bit of sugar or honey. Alternatively, stir in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt before serving to help mellow the heat.
Is there a way to make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! This chili can be made a day or two in advance. In fact, letting it sit enhances the flavors, so it's perfect for meal prep or gatherings. Just store it in the refrigerator and reheat it on the stovetop when ready to serve.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).