Easy Texas Chili that Hits the Spot
There you have it – a mouthwatering Texas chili recipe that’s easy to prepare and sure to hit the spot. Whether you prefer it spicy or mild, with or without beans, this chili recipe can be adapted to suit your tastes. With the right blend of spices and garnishes, you’ll have a delicious dish that captures the essence of Texas. So, fire up the stove, and get ready to savor a bowl of Easy Texas Chili that truly hits the spot!
Ingredients:
Here are the ingredients you’ll need to make this fantastic Texas Chili:
| INGREDIENT | QUANTITY |
|---|---|
| Ground beef (or diced beef chuck) | 2 pounds |
| Onion, finely chopped | 1 large |
| Garlic, minced | 3 cloves |
| Diced tomatoes | 2 cans (14.5 oz each) |
| Tomato sauce | 1 can (15 oz) |
| Kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional) | 2 cans (15 oz each) |
| Chili powder | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground cumin | 1 teaspoon |
| Paprika | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Cayenne pepper (adjust to taste) | 1/2 teaspoon |
| Salt and black pepper to taste | To taste |
| Shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and sour cream for garnish (optional) | As desired |
Instructions:
Now, let’s get cooking. Follow these simple instructions to make Easy Texas Chili:
Brown the Meat
- In a large, heavy-bottomed pot, cook the ground beef or diced beef chuck over medium-high heat until it’s nicely browned. If using diced beef, make sure it’s browned on all sides. Remove any excess fat.
Sauté the Aromatics
- Add the finely chopped onions to the pot and sauté until they become translucent, about 3-4 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute.
Spice it Up
- Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, paprika, and cayenne pepper (to your desired level of heat) over the meat and onions. Stir well to coat the meat evenly with the spices.
Add Tomatoes and Sauce
- Pour in the cans of diced tomatoes and tomato sauce. Stir to combine all the ingredients.
Simmer and Season
- Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Season with salt and black pepper to taste.
Optional Beans
- If you prefer beans in your chili, add the drained and rinsed kidney beans during the last 15 minutes of cooking. This is entirely optional, as traditional Texas chili does not include beans.
Serve and Garnish
- Ladle your piping hot Texas Chili into bowls and garnish with shredded cheddar cheese, chopped onions, and a dollop of sour cream if desired.
