Texas Chili Beef
A hearty and flavorful Texas-style chili featuring tender ground beef, smoky spices, and creamy cannellini beans. Perfect for cozy dinners or gatherings, this dish combines robust chili flavors with a rich tomato base, appealing to meat lovers and chili enthusiasts alike.
Ingredients
- 1 lb. lean ground beef ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil ⓘ
- 2 onions, finely chopped ⓘ
- 1 red pepper, seeded and cut into 2 x 1/2-inch strips ⓘ
- 1 clove garlic, crushed ⓘ
- 2 Tbsp. all-purpose flour ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. ground cumin ⓘ
- 1 tsp. dried oregano ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. tomato paste ⓘ
- 1 (8 oz.) can tomatoes
- 1 1/4 c. beef broth ⓘ
- salt to taste ⓘ
- 1 (17 oz.) can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed ⓘ
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed skillet. Add the chopped onions, red pepper strips, and crushed garlic if using, and cook gently for 5 minutes until the onion and pepper are soft.
- Add the ground beef to the skillet, turn the heat to high, and cook until the meat is evenly browned, stirring with a wooden spoon to break up lumps.
- Remove from heat and stir in the flour, chili powder, cumin, and dried oregano.
- Add the tomato paste, canned tomatoes with their juice, and beef broth to the skillet.
- Return to the heat and bring to a boil, stirring constantly.
- Season with salt to taste, but do not add pepper as chili powder provides the necessary spice.
- Cover the pan and simmer for approximately 40 minutes.
- Stir in the drained and rinsed cannellini beans and simmer for an additional 5 minutes to heat through.
- Serve immediately in a warmed dish.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a splash of Worcestershire sauce or a dash of hot sauce. If you prefer a spicier chili, increase the chili powder or add diced jalapeños. You can substitute ground turkey or chicken for a lighter version. Additionally, using fresh tomatoes instead of canned can enhance the dish's freshness.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the Texas Chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, or chopped green onions for added flavor. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or over rice for a heartier meal. Consider serving alongside a fresh salad or tortilla chips for a complete dinner. This dish also makes a great filling for a Chili Burger(Quick And Easy).
Storage & Reheating
Leftover Texas Chili can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it in portions for up to 3 months. To reheat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and warm on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it thickens too much.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Chili Beef contains roughly 592 calories, with 17g protein, 117g carbohydrates, and 19g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (222% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (188% of the Daily Value), and calcium (149% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2146mg per serving (93% 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 different types of beans in this chili?
Absolutely! While cannellini beans add a creamy texture, you can easily substitute black beans, pinto beans, or kidney beans based on your preference. Just ensure they are drained and rinsed if using canned beans to maintain the chili's consistency.
Is it possible to make this chili in a slow cooker?
Yes, you can adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. After browning the beef and vegetables, transfer everything to the slow cooker, add all ingredients, and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours. This method allows the flavors to meld beautifully over time.
How can I make this chili vegetarian?
To create a vegetarian version, simply replace the ground beef with an equal amount of chopped mushrooms or lentils, and use vegetable broth instead of beef broth. You can also add extra vegetables like zucchini or carrots for added texture and nutrition.
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).