Texas-Style Chili
A hearty, flavorful Texas-style chili featuring ground beef, tomatoes, and beans, perfect for family gatherings or casual dinners with a spicy, savory kick.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Brown the hamburger in a skillet and drain excess fat.
- Add salt and pepper to the cooked meat.
- In a blender, combine the large can of tomatoes, tomato sauce, and Ranch Style beans.
- Blend until smooth.
- Pour the blended mixture into the cooked meat and simmer for a while to develop flavors.
- Serve hot, topped with chopped onions and grated Cheddar cheese.
Tips & Substitutions
For a richer flavor, consider adding a tablespoon of chili powder or cumin to the meat while browning. You can substitute ground turkey for a leaner option or use canned diced tomatoes with green chilies for extra heat. If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered to reduce the liquid.
Serving Suggestions
Serve Texas-Style Chili hot, garnished with chopped onions and grated Cheddar cheese. It pairs beautifully with Brazos Baked Beans or a side of cornbread for a hearty meal. For a complete dinner, consider serving it alongside a refreshing Creamy Broccoli-Raisin Salad.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftover Texas-Style Chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, or in the microwave until heated through. For best results, add a splash of water to maintain moisture.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Texas-Style Chili contains roughly 291 calories, with 17g protein, 56g carbohydrates, and 0g fat. It is an excellent source of dietary fiber (59% of the Daily Value), protein (34% of the Daily Value), and potassium (26% of the Daily Value). Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 554mg per serving (24% 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 Texas-Style Chili ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare Texas-Style Chili ahead of time. In fact, it often tastes better the next day as the flavors meld together. Simply store it in the refrigerator and reheat when ready to serve.
Is there a vegetarian option for this chili?
Absolutely! You can replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Use vegetable broth instead of the meat mixture for a hearty vegetarian chili that still packs a punch.
What can I serve with Texas-Style Chili?
Texas-Style Chili is delicious on its own but can be enhanced with sides like cornbread, tortilla chips, or a simple green salad. For a heartier option, pair it with a Very Easy Casserole or some steamed rice.
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).