Wick Fowler's Legendary Texas Chili
Get ready to impress your friends and family with Wick Fowler's Legendary Texas Chili, a recipe honed over decades of chili experimentation. This robust and flavorful chili stands out for its rich combination of ground beef and generous portions of aromatic vegetables, accented by the comforting taste of tomato juice and diced tomatoes. While you can customize the heat level to your preference, starting with the suggested base allows for a delightful exploration of flavors. With hints of garlic and the potential for added spices, this chili has consistently been regarded as the best in Texas. Prepare it for gatherings, game days, or a cozy night in—this chili will surely become a staple in your recipe collection.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Ground beef or cubed chuck roast
2 lbs (Chopped or ground)
Tomato juice
46 ounces (Campbell's or equivalent)
Diced tomatoes
15 ounces (Drained)
Onion
1 medium (Chopped)
Bell pepper
1 medium (Chopped)
Garlic cloves
3 (Chopped)
Seasoning packets
to taste (Chili seasoning, without red pepper or masa)
Masa flour
to taste (Optional for thickening)
Instructions
1
In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the ground beef over medium heat until fully cooked. If using cubed chuck roast, ensure it is browned on all sides.
2
Once the meat is browned, add the chopped onions, bell peppers, and minced garlic. Cook until the vegetables are softened, 5-7 minutes.
3
Drain any excess fat from the pot to keep the chili from being greasy.
4
Stir in the tomato juice and drained diced tomatoes until well combined.
5
Add the seasoning packets but omit the red pepper and masa for now. Taste the blend first—it's easier to ramp up the heat later based on your preference.
6
Cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution. The meat should be tender.
7
If you prefer a thicker consistency, mix the masa flour with 1/4 cup of warm water to form a slurry, and then stir it into the chili. Allow it to simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until thickened to your liking.
8
Taste and adjust seasonings as necessary, adding red pepper if desired for heat.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Wick Fowler's Legendary Texas Chili?
It is a robust and flavorful chili recipe perfected over decades, known for its rich combination of ground beef and aromatic vegetables.
What kind of meat should I use for this chili?
You can use either 2 lbs of ground beef or 2 lbs of cubed chuck roast.
How much tomato juice is required?
The recipe calls for 46 ounces of tomato juice, such as Campbell's or an equivalent brand.
Should the diced tomatoes be drained?
Yes, you should use one 15-ounce can of diced tomatoes and ensure they are drained before adding them to the pot.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes one medium chopped onion, one medium chopped bell pepper, and three chopped garlic cloves.
When should I add the seasoning packets?
Stir in the seasoning packets after adding the tomato juice and diced tomatoes, but omit the red pepper and masa at this stage.
Why should I omit the red pepper initially?
Omitting the red pepper allows you to taste the blend first and then ramp up the heat later based on your personal preference.
How do I thicken Wick Fowler's Texas Chili?
To thicken the chili, mix masa flour with 1/4 cup of warm water to form a slurry and stir it into the pot during the final 30 minutes of simmering.
How long should I brown the meat?
Brown the ground beef until fully cooked or ensure cubed chuck roast is browned on all sides before adding vegetables.
How long do the vegetables need to cook?
Cook the onions, bell peppers, and garlic for approximately 5-7 minutes until they have softened.
Should I drain the fat from the meat?
Yes, you should drain any excess fat from the pot after browning the meat and softening the vegetables to prevent the chili from becoming greasy.
What is the initial simmering time for the chili?
After adding the liquids and base seasonings, cover the pot and let the chili simmer gently for 30 minutes.
How long should I simmer the chili after adding the masa slurry?
Simmer for an additional 30 minutes or until the chili has reached your desired thickness.
Can I adjust the heat level of this recipe?
Yes, the recipe is designed to be customizable; you can add the red pepper at the end to reach your desired spiciness.
What type of pot is best for cooking this chili?
A large pot or a Dutch oven is recommended for preparing this recipe.
How many garlic cloves are needed?
The recipe requires 3 garlic cloves, which should be chopped or minced.
What is the purpose of the masa flour?
The masa flour is used as an optional thickening agent to give the chili a heartier consistency.
Is this chili suitable for game days?
Yes, it is specifically noted as a great option for gatherings, game days, or cozy nights in.
Can I use different types of meat?
The recipe recommends ground beef or cubed chuck roast for the best results.
What is the total number of ingredients?
The recipe features 8 primary ingredients, including meat, vegetables, tomato products, and seasonings.
How much masa flour should I use?
The amount of masa flour is 'to taste' depending on how thick you prefer your chili.
Are there specific tags for this recipe?
Tags include texas chili, beef chili, spicy chili, comfort food, hearty meals, game day recipes, and family recipes.
What should I do if the meat is sticking to the pot?
Stir the chili occasionally during the simmering process to prevent sticking and ensure even flavor distribution.
Is the garlic minced or chopped?
The ingredients list calls for 3 garlic cloves to be chopped.
Can I use any brand of tomato juice?
The recipe suggests Campbell's tomato juice or an equivalent substitute.
When do I taste and adjust the final seasonings?
Taste and adjust the seasonings, including adding red pepper for heat, after the final simmering period is complete.
Is this a traditional Texas chili?
Yes, it is regarded as a legendary Texas chili known for its robust flavors and beef-centric base.
How much water do I need for the masa slurry?
You should use 1/4 cup of warm water to create the masa slurry.
What size should the onion and bell pepper be?
The recipe specifies one medium onion and one medium bell pepper.
Can I make this chili for a family gathering?
Yes, this recipe is designed to impress friends and family and is perfect for large gatherings.