Texas Chile

Prep: 15 min Cook: 180 min Serves: 6 Cuisine: American

A hearty Texas chili packed with bold flavors from ground chuck, spices, and beans, perfect for a comforting meal that satisfies spice lovers and chili enthusiasts alike.

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Ingredients

  • 1 1/2 lb. ground chuck
  • 1 large onion
  • 1 green pepper
  • 1 jar pimentos
  • salt
  • pepper
  • garlic salt
  • 2 cans tomato sauce
  • 1 can whole tomatoes
  • 2 cans dark red kidney beans
  • 2 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

  1. Brown the ground chuck, chopped onion, green pepper, salt, pepper, garlic salt, Worcestershire sauce, and Tabasco in a large skillet.
  2. Transfer the browned mixture to a saucepan and place on low heat.
  3. Add the tomato sauce and whole tomatoes to the saucepan.
  4. Cook the mixture on low heat for 2 hours.
  5. Add the pimentos and kidney beans to the chili.
  6. Cook for another hour, then serve over rice.

Tips & Substitutions

For a deeper flavor, consider browning the meat in batches to avoid steaming. You can substitute ground turkey or a mix of meats if desired. If you like it spicier, add fresh jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce. For a vegetarian option, try using lentils instead of ground chuck. This dish pairs beautifully with 1, 2 Or 3 Alarm Chili for those who enjoy varying heat levels.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this hearty Texas Chile over a bed of fluffy rice for a comforting meal. Garnish with shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro for added flavor. This dish is perfect with cornbread or a simple green salad on the side. For a festive touch, pair it with Orange Pecan Balls during gatherings.

Storage & Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. To reheat, warm on the stove over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth if it’s too thick. You can also microwave it in short intervals, stirring in between to ensure even heating.

Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)

Each serving of Texas Chile contains roughly 506 calories, with 21g protein, 76g carbohydrates, and 14g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (159% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (63% of the Daily Value), and protein (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin A. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2214mg per serving (96% of the Daily Value).

506 kcal 25% DV
Protein Fat Carbs

Macronutrients

Protein 21.1g 42% DV
Total Fat 14.2g 18% DV
Carbs 76.1g 28% DV
Fiber 17.7g 63% DV
Sugar 11.3g 23% DV

Electrolytes

Sodium 2214.4mg 96% DV
Potassium 1152.1mg 25% DV
Cholesterol 0.6mg

Vitamins & Minerals

Vitamin A 135.5mcg 15% DV
Vitamin C 142.7mg 100% DV
Vitamin D 0.1mcg 1% DV
Calcium 121.3mg 9% DV
Iron 7.6mg 42% DV
Diet fit High-protein High-fiber Low-fat

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 freeze Texas Chile?

Yes, you can freeze Texas Chile for up to 3 months. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to a freezer-safe container. When ready to eat, thaw in the refrigerator overnight and reheat thoroughly on the stove or in the microwave.

What can I use instead of kidney beans?

If you don’t have kidney beans on hand, you can substitute them with black beans or pinto beans. Both options will still provide a delicious texture and flavor to the dish. Just make sure to rinse canned beans before adding them to the chili.

How can I adjust the spice level?

To adjust the spice level, you can add more or fewer spices according to your taste. For milder chili, reduce the amount of garlic salt and Worcestershire sauce. For more heat, incorporate chili powder or cayenne pepper, or serve with hot sauce on the side.

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).

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