Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
This Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili is a warm and inviting dish that perfectly blends robust flavors and spices for a true taste of the Southwest. Packed with beef, beans, and a medley of spices, this chili is comforting, satisfying, and just the right level of spicy. Whether you’re preparing for a cozy family dinner or a gathering with friends, this chili will be a hit with everyone.
Why You’ll Love This Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
This Tex-Mex beef chili has a fantastic combination of flavors and textures. The savory ground beef pairs wonderfully with various beans, making it a filling meal. The blend of spices, including chili powder, cumin, and cayenne pepper, brings out a delightful heat that can be adjusted to your preference. Plus, it’s easy to make and allows for customization with your favorite toppings. This recipe is perfect for meal prep or a comforting dinner after a long day.
How to Make Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
Follow these simple steps to whip up a pot of delicious Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili that will warm your soul.
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 ½ pounds ground beef
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 (14.5-ounce) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15-ounce) can tomato sauce
- 1 (15-ounce) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15-ounce) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- ¼ cup chopped fresh cilantro
- 1 lime, juiced
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir to combine everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will help the flavors meld together.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the chili seems too thick, add additional beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice. This will add freshness to the chili.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or tortilla chips.
How to Serve Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
This chili is incredibly versatile. Serve it in bowls topped with shredded cheese, sour cream, and fresh cilantro for a classic presentation. You can also offer tortilla chips on the side for dipping or crumbling. For a heartier meal, pair it with cornbread or steamed rice. Add some sliced jalapeños or hot sauce for those who prefer an extra kick.
How to Store Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
To store leftover chili, let it cool completely and transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate it for up to 3 days. Chili can also be frozen for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, thaw in the refrigerator overnight, then reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave until hot. You may need to add a splash of beef broth to return it to the desired consistency.
Tips to Make Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili Perfect
- Meat Options: You can use ground turkey or chicken as a lighter alternative instead of beef.
- Bean Variety: Feel free to mix and match beans. Pinto beans or chickpeas can also work well in this recipe.
- Spice Level: Adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to suit your taste. For a milder chili, reduce or omit the cayenne.
- Slow Cooker: For a hands-off version, transfer everything to a slow cooker after browning the beef. Cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Flavor Variations
- Vegetarian Version: Substitute ground beef with lentils or your favorite meat substitute, and keep the beans to add protein.
- Smoky Flavor: Add a chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky depth to the dish.
- Sweetness: Add chopped bell peppers or corn for a hint of sweetness and a pop of color.
Pro Tips for Success
- Cook Time: Allow the chili to simmer longer for deeper flavors; a longer cooking time helps blend the spices beautifully.
- Flavor Development: For best results, make the chili a day ahead. Letting it sit overnight enhances the taste as the flavors meld.
- Garnishing: Fresh garnishes can elevate the dish, so don’t skip on the lime, cilantro, or avocado.
FAQs About Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
Can I make this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this chili recipe is naturally gluten-free. Just ensure your beef broth is gluten-free if using store-bought.
How can I thicken my chili?
If your chili is too thin, you can let it simmer uncovered for a while to reduce the liquid. Alternatively, mash some of the beans in the chili to thicken it naturally.
Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?
Yes, canned beans work great for this recipe. Just be sure to rinse and drain them to reduce sodium content and improve flavor.
Final Thoughts
Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili is the perfect comfort food for any occasion. It’s simple to make, packed with flavors, and easily customizable to suit every taste. Whether you’re sharing it during a family gathering or enjoying a quiet night at home, this chili is sure to be a highlight. Get ready to savor every bite of this delicious dish!
Hearty Spicy Tex-Mex Beef Chili
Ingredients
Base Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1.5 pounds ground beef
Spices
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper adjust to taste
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
Main Ingredients
- 1 14.5-ounce can diced tomatoes
- 1 15-ounce can tomato sauce
- 1 15-ounce can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 15-ounce can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 cup beef broth
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 0.25 cup chopped fresh cilantro for garnish
- 1 lime juiced for freshness
Instructions
Preparation
- Heat the olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add the chopped onion and cook until tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional minute until fragrant.
- Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is browned and fully cooked. Drain excess fat if necessary.
Cooking
- Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2 minutes to allow the spices to become fragrant.
- Add the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, black beans, kidney beans, beef broth, and brown sugar. Stir to combine everything well.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to low. Cover the pot partially with a lid and let the chili simmer for at least 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If the chili seems too thick, add additional beef broth to achieve your desired consistency.
- Before serving, stir in the chopped cilantro and lime juice.
- Serve hot, garnished with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, diced avocado, or tortilla chips.
