Name: Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 1 h
Total time: 1 h 15 min
Cuisine: Texan
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 large yellow onion, chopped; 3 jalapeños, chopped; 5 garlic cloves, minced; 2.5 pounds of ground beef; 1 1/2 teaspoon salt; 1 teaspoon black pepper; 4 tablespoons chili powder; 1 tablespoon oregano; 3 tablespoons ground cumin; 1 teaspoon ground coriander; 3 ounces tomato paste; 28 ounces diced tomatoes; 2 cups beef stock (more for a thinner consistency)

If you’re on the hunt for a true, hearty bowl of comfort that captures the heart of Texas, this Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) is as authentic as it gets! Packed with deep, robust spices and tender beef, each spoonful delivers bold flavors layered with just the right amount of heat—all without a single bean in sight. This recipe is perfect for casual gatherings or a quiet night in, and it’s guaranteed to wow friends who crave the rich, beefy chili experience Texas is famous for.

Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) are delightfully straightforward, yet each one plays a crucial role in building the signature taste and satisfying consistency. Don’t be tempted to skimp—every component adds something magical to the pot!

Olive oil: Helps everything start off sizzling with a rich, smooth base and brings out the flavors of the other ingredients.
Large yellow onion, chopped: The onion provides sweet depth and aroma, melting into the chili as it cooks.
Jalapeños, chopped: Adds vibrant, gentle heat and a Texas-style kick you can’t do without.
Garlic cloves, minced: Essential for sharpness and complexity, garlic truly lifts the whole chili.
Ground beef (2.5 pounds): The classic backbone of this dish; look for 85% lean for the perfect balance of flavor and texture.
Salt: Pulls all the layered flavors together and brings balance to every bite.
Black pepper: Gives a subtle bite that complements the other spices.
Chili powder: The star spice—rich, earthy, and iconic to every true Texas chili.
Oregano: Lends a warm, slightly herbal note that makes the beef and tomato flavors sing.
Ground cumin: Deepens the flavor with smoky undertones, infusing the chili with southwestern soul.
Ground coriander: Adds citrusy brightness and a touch of warmth; don’t skip it for that extra Tex-Mex flair.
Tomato paste: Intensifies the tomato flavor and thickens the chili for a luxurious texture.
Diced tomatoes: Brings fresh, juicy acidity and body to the chili—use quality canned tomatoes for best results.
Beef stock: Creates a savory richness and allows you to adjust the thickness of your final chili.

How to Make Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a large Dutch oven or soup pot, heat the olive oil over medium. Once shimmering, toss in your chopped onions and jalapeños. Stir regularly for 6 to 8 minutes, letting everything sweat together until the onions become fragrant and translucent. This gentle start builds a savory base and sets up those Texas chili flavors.

Step 2: Add the Garlic

Sprinkle in the minced garlic, and give everything a good stir. Let it cook for just about a minute—any longer, and the garlic can burn. That quick burst of heat wakes up the flavors and ensures the garlic blends seamlessly into every mouthful.

Step 3: Brown the Beef

Now, add the ground beef, salt, and pepper. Break up the meat with your spoon, but don’t go overboard; leaving some larger pieces gives the chili a heartier texture. Cook for 8 minutes, or until the beef is no longer pink—in true Texas fashion! If you notice a lot of grease, you can spoon some off, but wait until the meat is cooked so you don’t pour away any precious flavor.

Step 4: Add the Spice Mixture

Time for the chili’s bold personality! Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, and coriander. Let the spices toast with the beef just for a minute, releasing their essential oils and deepening the color of your chili.

Step 5: Bring it All Together

Mix in the tomato paste, then pour in the diced tomatoes and beef stock. Stir until well combined. Bring everything up to a simmer, then reduce the heat to medium-low. Let your Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) gently bubble away for at least 30 minutes, up to an hour. This simmering time allows the broth to reduce and the flavors to meld into a luscious, thick chili that tastes like it’s been cooking all day.

How to Serve Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans)

Garnishes

When it comes to toppings, the sky’s the limit! Freshly shredded cheese, dollops of cool sour cream, thinly sliced green onions, vibrant salsa, and a few extra slices of jalapeño take every bowl from great to downright irresistible. Don’t be afraid to experiment; set up a garnish bar so everyone can create their perfect bowl.

Side Dishes

A bowl of this Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) is hearty enough to shine solo, but it’s also fantastic with fluffy cornbread, warm flour tortillas, or crispy tortilla chips for dipping. For a lighter option, a simple green salad with a zesty vinaigrette balances the richness beautifully.

Creative Ways to Present

Chili night doesn’t have to be routine! Try ladling your chili over baked potatoes for a Texan twist, use it as a nacho topping, or serve it in bread bowls for a dramatic, edible presentation at gatherings. It’s even a hit spooned over rice for a simple, filling meal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover chili is almost better the next day! Simply let your Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) cool to room temperature, then transfer it into airtight containers. Pop it in the fridge, and it will keep beautifully for up to four days—just enough time for flavors to mingle even more.

Freezing

This chili freezes like a dream. Let it cool completely, then pack it into freezer-safe bags or containers, leaving some room for expansion. Label and date your containers, and you’ll have a quick, hearty meal ready for up to three months—a lifesaver for busy weeks!

Reheating

To reheat, spoon your chili into a saucepan, add a splash of extra beef stock (if needed), and warm gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until steaming hot. If reheating from frozen, thaw overnight in the fridge first for best texture.

FAQs

Can I make this chili in advance for a party?

Absolutely! In fact, preparing this Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) a day ahead actually improves its flavor. Let it cool, refrigerate, then gently reheat before serving—it’ll be even more delicious.

Is it possible to make this chili less spicy?

Yes, you control the heat! Simply use fewer jalapeños or choose mild chili powder. You can always add extra spice at the table for those who like a kick.

Can I use a different kind of meat?

Definitely. Try substituting ground turkey or even diced chuck roast for a twist. Just be sure your chosen cut is hearty enough to stand up to long simmering and bold spices.

What if my chili seems too thick?

No worries—simply stir in more beef stock, a little at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, Texas chili should be thick and hearty, but not dry!

Are there any vegetarian adaptations?

While traditional Texas chili skips both beans and veggies, you can try a plant-based ground beef substitute and vegetable stock for an impressive meatless chili that still mimics that deep, satisfying flavor.

Final Thoughts

This Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) is a must-try for anyone who loves honest-to-goodness, robust chili flavor. It’s hearty, bold, and endlessly customizable, making it the star of any dinner table or game day feast. Give it a whirl, and you’ll find yourself coming back to this classic Texas bowl of comfort again and again!

Best Texas Style Chili Recipe (No Beans) Recipe