Texas Chili (No Beans)
Thick. Smoky. Fiercely beefy.
This is the legendary Texas chili — the real deal, the kind cowboys simmered over open flames and Texans still defend with pride. No beans, no fillers, no shortcuts. Just slow-cooked chunks of beef swimming in a deep red, spicy, flavorful chili gravy that warms you from the inside out.
If you want a chili that tastes like cold nights, campfires, and Texas tradition in every bite, this is the recipe.
Ingredients
For the Meat Base
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into small cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 onion, diced
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
Spices (the heart of the chili)
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
Liquids & Richness
- 2 tbsp tomato paste
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 2 cups beef broth
Instructions
1. Brown the Beef
Heat the oil in a heavy pot (like a Dutch oven) over medium-high heat.
Add the beef cubes in batches so they brown instead of steam.
Once they’re deeply caramelized on all sides, remove and set aside.
2. Build the Flavor Base
In the same pot, add the onion and sauté until soft and golden.
Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds — just until fragrant.
3. Add the Spices
Sprinkle in the chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and cayenne.
Stir well so the onions absorb the spices and release their aroma.
This step is what gives Texas chili its deep, smoky flavor.
4. Add Tomato Paste
Stir in the tomato paste and cook for about a minute to deepen the flavor.
5. Bring It All Together
Return the browned beef to the pot.
Pour in the diced tomatoes and beef broth.
Stir everything together.
6. Slow Simmer
Bring the pot to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low.
Cover and simmer for 1½ to 2 hours.
Stir occasionally until the beef becomes tender and the chili thickens into a rich, dark sauce.
7. Finish and Serve
Taste and adjust seasoning.
Serve hot with:
- cornbread
- shredded cheese
- chopped onions
- jalapeños
- or simply a spoon — it’s that good.