Ken's Texas Chili

Get ready to savor the bold, smoky flavors of Ken's Texas Chili—a hearty, no-bean chili recipe that’s packed with tender chunks of seared beef and layers of rich spices. Perfect for a game day feast or a cozy family dinner, this Tex-Mex classic delivers a powerful punch with ingredients like chipotle peppers in adobo, fire-roasted tomatoes, and a blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika. Simmered low and slow in a savory broth, this chili gets even better with optional masa harina for a silky, thick texture. Garnish with fresh cilantro, a squeeze of lime, or your favorite toppings for a vibrant finish. With just 20 minutes of prep and a deeply satisfying flavor profile, this authentic Texas-style chili is sure to become a family favorite.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:20 mins

Cook Time:120 mins

Total Time:140 mins

Servings: 6

Ingredients

• 2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1.5 teaspoons salt
• 1 teaspoon black pepper
• 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 3 tablespoons chili powder
• 2 teaspoons ground cumin
• 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 3 tablespoons tomato paste
• 2 cups beef broth
• 1 15-ounce can diced fire-roasted tomatoes
• 1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
• 2 tablespoons masa harina (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons water (optional, for mixing with masa harina)
• 1 tablespoon lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh cilantro (optional, for garnish)

Directions

Step 1

Season the beef chuck cubes evenly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2

Heat the vegetable oil in a large, heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. When hot, add the beef cubes in batches to avoid overcrowding and sear on all sides until browned. Remove the beef and set aside.

Step 3

Reduce the heat to medium and add the chopped onion to the pot. Sauté for 5-7 minutes, or until softened and golden.

Step 4

Add the garlic and cook for 30 seconds, stirring constantly to avoid burning.

Step 5

Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Stir well to coat the onions and garlic in the spices. Cook for another 30 seconds to toast the spices.

Step 6

Add the tomato paste and stir to combine. Cook for 1-2 minutes, allowing the paste to darken slightly.

Step 7

Pour in the beef broth and diced fire-roasted tomatoes. Add the minced chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. Stir thoroughly to combine.

Step 8

Return the seared beef to the pot along with any accumulated juices. Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low and cover the pot.

Step 9

Simmer gently for 1.5 to 2 hours, stirring occasionally, until the beef is tender and the flavors have developed.

Step 10

If a thicker chili is desired, mix the masa harina with water to form a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chili and simmer for an additional 10 minutes until thickened.

Step 11

Stir in the lime juice and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or pepper, if needed.

Step 12

Serve hot, garnished with fresh cilantro if desired. Enjoy Ken's Texas Chili with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced jalapeños on the side.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1709.8g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2906.1

Total Fat 210.5g	0%
Saturated Fat 76.7g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 16.8g
Cholesterol 680.4mg	0%
Sodium 5472.8mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 90.0g	0%
Dietary Fiber 24.1g	0%
Total Sugars 27.1g
Protein 174.6g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 331.4mg	0%
Iron 37.4mg	0%
Potassium 4180.1mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 64.2%

Protein: 23.7%

Carbs: 12.2%