Texas Ladies Champion Chili
A hearty Texas chili featuring tender meat, smoky spices, and bold flavors, perfect for satisfying a crowd and lovers of rich, spicy comfort food.
Ingredients
- 2 1/2 lb. meat ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. seasoned salt ⓘ
- 8 oz. can tomato sauce
- 2 Tbsp. paprika ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. onion powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. cayenne (red pepper)
- 1/4 tsp. jalapeno powder
- 2 tsp. beef base (bouillon) ⓘ
- 1 c. beef broth ⓘ
- 1 tsp. chicken base ⓘ
- 1 Tbsp. chili powder ⓘ
- 1/2 tsp. salt
- 4 tsp. cumin powder ⓘ
- 1 tsp. garlic powder ⓘ
Instructions
- Brown the meat with seasoned salt.
- Cook the meat for 15 minutes.
- Add tomato sauce and cook for 30 minutes.
- Add paprika, onion powder, cayenne, jalapeno powder, beef base, beef broth, chicken base, chili powder, and 1/2 teaspoon salt.
- Cook until the meat is tender.
- Add remaining ingredients and cook until the meat is done.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider using a mix of beef cuts like chuck and brisket. If you want a spicier kick, adjust the cayenne and jalapeno powder to your taste. You can also substitute the beef broth with homemade stock for deeper flavor. Don't skip browning the meat, as it enhances the chili's overall richness. For a twist, try adding a splash of beer or a tablespoon of cocoa powder.
Serving Suggestions
Serve the chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, diced onions, or fresh cilantro. It pairs beautifully with cornbread or crusty bread for a hearty meal. For a refreshing contrast, serve with a side of Lite Chicken Salad. This chili is also perfect for game day gatherings, easily doubling as a topping for nachos or baked potatoes.
Storage & Reheating
To store leftovers, let the chili cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days or frozen for up to 3 months. When reheating, simmer on the stove or microwave in short intervals, stirring frequently until heated through. Adding a little water or broth can help restore its original consistency if it thickens.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas Ladies Champion Chili contains roughly 1132 calories, with 127g protein, 156g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (253% of the Daily Value), dietary fiber (224% of the Daily Value), and iron (214% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin C. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1901mg per serving (83% 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 make this chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! Making chili a day in advance allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just refrigerate it after cooking and reheat before serving. Many find that chili tastes even better the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or gatherings.
What can I serve with Texas Ladies Champion Chili?
This chili is versatile and pairs well with various sides. Consider serving it with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice. For a lighter option, a simple green salad or coleslaw complements it nicely. It's also fantastic when used as a filling for tacos or burritos.
Is it possible to make this chili vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this recipe to be vegetarian. Replace the meat with a combination of beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein. Use vegetable broth instead of beef broth, and adjust the spices to your liking. This way, you can enjoy a hearty chili without the meat.
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).