Authentic Texas-Style Beef Chili
This rich and flavorful Texas-style chili is a homage to the traditional slow-cooked dish known for its hearty beef cubes and robust flavors. Far from the ordinary, this recipe elevates the classic chili by using succulent beef stew meat instead of ground beef. It is simmered to perfection in a bold sauce with a touch of heat from jalapenos and a depth of flavor from a mix of spices. Perfect as a comforting meal for gatherings or a cozy dinner, this chili can be topped with creamy Cheddar cheese, tangy green salsa, fresh chopped red onion, creamy sliced avocado, cool sour cream, and vibrant cilantro sprigs.
8
Servings
487.5
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
Large onion
1 (chopped)
Garlic cloves
2 (minced)
Beef stew meat
3 lbs (cut into 1-inch cubes)
Cornmeal
1/4 cup (none)
Petite diced tomatoes with jalapenos
1 can (14 1/2 ounces) (none)
Tomato paste
1 can (6 ounces) (none)
Chili seasoning mix
1 package (1 1/4 ounces) (none)
Kidney beans
2 cans (15 1/2 ounces each) (drained)
Fresh cilantro
1/2 cup (chopped)
Instructions
1
Step 1: Begin by preparing your ingredients. Chop 1 large onion to yield about 1 1/2 cups, and mince 2 garlic cloves. Cut 3 pounds of beef stew meat into 1-inch cubes.
2
Step 2: In a 4-quart slow cooker, evenly layer the chopped onion and minced garlic at the bottom.
3
Step 3: In a large mixing bowl, toss the cubed beef stew meat thoroughly with 1/4 cup of cornmeal until the meat is fully coated.
4
Step 4: Place the coated beef over the onion and garlic layer inside the slow cooker.
5
Step 5: In a separate bowl, combine 1 can of petite diced tomatoes with jalapenos (14 1/2 ounces), 1 can of tomato paste (6 ounces), and 1 package of chili seasoning mix (1 1/4 ounces). Mix well to create a seasoned tomato sauce.
6
Step 6: Pour the seasoned tomato sauce over the beef in the slow cooker, ensuring the meat is mostly submerged.
7
Step 7: Drain 2 cans of kidney beans (15 1/2 ounces each) and add them to the slow cooker as the final layer.
8
Step 8: Cover the slow cooker with the lid and set it to cook on low for approximately 8 hours, allowing the beef to become tender and the flavors to meld.
9
Step 9: Once cooked, stir in 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro and serve with your choice of suggested toppings such as Cheddar cheese, green salsa, chopped red onion, avocado slices, sour cream, and cilantro sprigs.
Nutrition Information
21.25g
Fat
33.75g
Carbs
33.75g
Protein
10.625g
Fiber
4.375g
Sugar
900mg
Sodium
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes this chili 'Texas-style'?
This Texas-style chili is known for using hearty beef cubes instead of ground beef and focusing on robust, slow-cooked flavors without a heavy emphasis on vegetables besides onions and garlic.
What type of beef is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 pounds of beef stew meat, cut into 1-inch cubes, which becomes succulent and tender during the slow-cooking process.
How long does it take to cook in a slow cooker?
The chili should be cooked on the low setting for approximately 8 hours to allow the flavors to meld and the beef to become tender.
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
While the authentic texture comes from cubed stew meat, you could substitute ground beef if necessary, though it will change the traditional character of the dish.
What size slow cooker do I need for this recipe?
A 4-quart slow cooker is recommended to accommodate all the ingredients.
Why is cornmeal used in this chili recipe?
The beef is tossed in 1/4 cup of cornmeal to help thicken the sauce as it cooks and add a subtle depth of flavor.
Is this Texas-style beef chili spicy?
It has a moderate level of heat due to the inclusion of petite diced tomatoes with jalapenos and a package of chili seasoning mix.
What kind of beans are included in this recipe?
The recipe uses two 15 1/2-ounce cans of kidney beans.
What are the suggested toppings for serving?
Recommended toppings include Cheddar cheese, green salsa, chopped red onion, avocado slices, sour cream, and fresh cilantro sprigs.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to yield 8 servings.
How many calories are in one serving?
Each serving contains approximately 487.5 calories.
What is the protein content per serving?
There are 33.75 grams of protein in each serving of this chili.
Do I need to brown the beef before adding it to the slow cooker?
No, the recipe instructions state to coat the meat in cornmeal and place it directly into the slow cooker over the onions and garlic.
Should the kidney beans be drained before adding?
Yes, the instructions specify to drain the 2 cans of kidney beans before adding them as the final layer in the slow cooker.
How much fat is in each serving?
Each serving contains 21.25 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in a serving?
There are 33.75 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
What is the fiber content of this chili?
This chili is high in fiber, providing 10.625 grams per serving.
How much sodium is in this recipe?
There is 900mg of sodium per serving.
What kind of tomato products are used?
The recipe uses one 14 1/2-ounce can of petite diced tomatoes with jalapenos and one 6-ounce can of tomato paste.
How much garlic and onion should I prepare?
You will need 1 large onion (chopped to about 1 1/2 cups) and 2 minced garlic cloves.
When do I add the fresh cilantro?
1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro should be stirred into the chili after it has finished its 8-hour cook time.
What size should the beef cubes be?
The beef stew meat should be cut into 1-inch cubes for optimal cooking.
How is the seasoned tomato sauce made?
The sauce is created by combining the diced tomatoes with jalapenos, tomato paste, and the chili seasoning mix in a separate bowl before pouring it over the meat.
Is there any sugar in this recipe?
Each serving contains approximately 4.375 grams of sugar.
How do I layer the ingredients in the slow cooker?
Layer the onion and garlic first, then the cornmeal-coated beef, followed by the tomato sauce mixture, and finally the drained kidney beans.
Can I cook this on high if I'm in a hurry?
While the recipe specifies 8 hours on low for tenderness, typically slow cooker recipes can be adapted to 4 hours on high, though the beef may not be quite as tender.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
To make it gluten-free, you must ensure your cornmeal and chili seasoning mix are certified gluten-free.
What can I serve as a side for this chili?
While hearty on its own, it pairs well with cornbread or over rice.
Can I use different types of beans?
Yes, while kidney beans are called for, pinto beans or black beans can be used as a substitute.
What is the total count of ingredients needed?
This recipe requires 9 main ingredients plus your choice of optional toppings.