Ultimate Texas Chili Con Carne
This Ultimate Texas Chili Con Carne combines a perfect balance of flavors and spices that create a delightful, hearty dish. Inspired by years of chili experimentation, this recipe features a medley of beef, aromatic vegetables, and a complex mix of spices, all simmered to perfection. With deliciously smoky bacon, spicy sausages, and the rich depth of both coffee and cocoa, this chili is destined to become a crowd favorite. Perfect for gatherings, game days, or simply a cozy dinner with loved ones, serve it with your favorite toppings like onions, cheese, or cornbread for an unforgettable meal!
25
Servings
N/A
Calories
29
Ingredients
Ingredients
ground beef
3 lbs (lean)
chorizo sausage
1 lb (casings removed)
hot Italian sausage
1 link (casings removed)
bacon
6 slices (hardwood smoked)
sugar
1/4 cup
brown sugar
1/8 cup (dark)
beef bouillon
1 cup
strong black coffee
1/3 cup (brewed)
Tabasco bloody mary mix
16 ounces (extra spicy)
canned tomatoes
1 quart (home canned recommended)
Heineken lager beer
12 fluid ounces (optional)
dried celery flakes
1 tablespoon
cilantro
1 teaspoon (finely chopped)
onions
2 large (coarsely chopped)
jalapeno peppers
2-3 (diced)
green bell pepper
1/2 cup (cleaned out, chopped)
red bell pepper
1/2 cup (cleaned out, chopped)
thyme
1 teaspoon
ground cumin
1 teaspoon
garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
oregano
1 tablespoon
bay leaves
2
salt
to taste
cocoa powder
1 tablespoon
paprika
1 tablespoon
cayenne pepper
1 tablespoon (or to taste)
chili powder
1/3 cup
masa harina or flour
1/2 cup (optional, mixed with water to form a thin liquid)
water
as needed
Instructions
1
Begin by brewing a strong cup of coffee to enhance the flavors.
2
While the coffee brews, wash and carefully de-seed the jalapeno, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper. Coarsely chop the onions, and finely mince the garlic and cilantro.
3
In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon over medium heat until it is crisp. Remove it with a slotted spoon and let it cool on paper towels, retaining the bacon fat in the pot.
4
Brown the ground beef, chorizo sausage, hot Italian sausage, and chopped onions in the residual bacon grease, stirring frequently until the meat is browned.
5
Drain excess fat from the pot and discard.
6
Pour in the beer and add the minced garlic. Simmer until most of the liquid has evaporated.
7
Crumble the cooled bacon and add it back into the pot with the browned meat.
8
Add all remaining ingredients including the brewed coffee, Tabasco mix, canned tomatoes, diced jalapenos, and spices. Stir well and bring the mixture to a boil.
9
Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let it simmer slowly for at least 4 hours, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking.
10
For optimal flavor, allow the chili to cool, then refrigerate overnight. This resting period allows the flavors to develop.
11
The next day, reheat the chili until it comes to a boil, then reduce to a simmer again, uncovered, for 1-2 hours, stirring often.
12
If the chili becomes too thick, add more beer or water as needed. For a thicker consistency, mix 1/2 cup masa harina or flour with enough water to make a smooth mixture, then stir into the pot.
13
Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, and simmer for an additional 15 minutes.
14
Remember to remove the bay leaves before serving. Enjoy the chili hot, garnished with fresh onions, shredded cheddar cheese, and served alongside ice-cold Heineken and cornbread.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Ultimate Texas Chili Con Carne?
Ultimate Texas Chili Con Carne is a hearty, flavorful dish featuring a medley of beef, aromatic vegetables, and a complex spice blend enhanced by coffee and cocoa.
What types of meat are used in this recipe?
This recipe uses 3 lbs of lean ground beef, 1 lb of chorizo sausage, 1 link of hot Italian sausage, and 6 slices of hardwood smoked bacon.
How many servings does this chili recipe make?
The recipe is designed to yield approximately 25 servings.
Why is strong black coffee an ingredient in the chili?
Brewed strong black coffee is added to enhance the depth and richness of the savory flavors.
What kind of bacon is recommended?
The recipe calls for 6 slices of hardwood smoked bacon.
Is this chili recipe spicy?
Yes, it includes jalapeno peppers, chorizo, hot Italian sausage, extra spicy Tabasco mix, and cayenne pepper.
Which beer is suggested for this chili?
The recipe recommends using 12 fluid ounces of Heineken lager beer, though it is optional.
Can I make this chili without alcohol?
Yes, the beer is an optional ingredient and can be omitted or replaced with water or beef bouillon.
What is the purpose of adding cocoa powder?
One tablespoon of cocoa powder is used to provide a rich, earthy depth to the chili's flavor profile.
How long should the chili simmer initially?
After bringing the mixture to a boil, you should reduce the heat and let it simmer slowly for at least 4 hours.
Why is the chili refrigerated overnight?
Refrigerating the chili overnight allows the complex flavors to develop and meld more effectively.
How can I thicken the chili?
You can mix 1/2 cup of masa harina or flour with water to form a thin liquid and stir it into the pot.
What should I do if the chili is too thick?
If the chili becomes too thick during cooking, you can add more beer or water as needed.
What are the recommended toppings for serving?
It is best served hot with fresh onions and shredded cheddar cheese as garnishes.
How do I prepare the peppers for the chili?
The jalapenos, green bell pepper, and red bell pepper should be washed, de-seeded, and then diced or chopped.
Do I need to remove the bay leaves?
Yes, remember to remove the two bay leaves from the pot before serving the chili.
Can this chili be prepared in a slow cooker?
While the instructions focus on a Dutch oven, the recipe is tagged for crockpot use, making it suitable for slow cooking.
What sausages are required?
You will need 1 lb of chorizo sausage and 1 link of hot Italian sausage, both with casings removed.
What is the Tabasco bloody mary mix used for?
16 ounces of extra spicy Tabasco bloody mary mix are used as a primary liquid base for flavor and heat.
What role does masa harina play in the recipe?
Masa harina is an optional ingredient used to thicken the chili to your preferred consistency.
What type of tomatoes should I use?
The recipe suggests 1 quart of canned tomatoes, specifically recommending home-canned varieties.
What are the main spices in this chili?
The primary spices include 1/3 cup of chili powder, plus cumin, oregano, paprika, thyme, and cayenne pepper.
Does this chili contain sugar?
Yes, it uses both 1/4 cup of granulated sugar and 1/8 cup of dark brown sugar for balanced sweetness.
How should the jalapenos be handled?
You should wash, carefully de-seed, and dice 2 to 3 jalapeno peppers.
What do I do with the bacon fat?
After cooking the bacon, retain the fat in the pot to brown the beef, sausages, and onions.
What side dishes are suggested for serving?
The recipe recommends serving the chili alongside cornbread and an ice-cold Heineken.
When is the garlic added during cooking?
The minced garlic is added to the pot along with the beer after the meat and onions have been browned.
Can I use flour instead of masa harina as a thickener?
Yes, the recipe allows for either 1/2 cup of masa harina or flour to be used as a thickening agent.
How long is the second-day simmer?
On the second day, the chili should be simmered uncovered for an additional 1 to 2 hours after reheating.
What is the very first step of the recipe?
The first step is to brew a strong cup of coffee to enhance the flavor of the other ingredients.