A thick and hearty Texas Style Beef Chili that's perfect for making Frito Pie, chili cheese dogs or topping baked potatoes. This easy Texas Chili recipe is made with ground beef, a savory blend of spices and some canned tomatoes. Let this chili simmer until it thickens into a traditional Texas chili with no beans.
There's something about making that first batch of Texas Chili in October that just feels right. From Friday Night Lights to the Halloween meal before Trick or Treating, Frito Pie is classic Texas comfort food for these occasions.
There are a million chili recipes in Texas, from championship chili cook-off recipes to simple weeknight pots of ground beef and spices. This recipe is for a thick Texas Style Chili (no beans, of course) that would be used to make Frito Pie or top hot dogs.
Why you'll love this Texas Chili Recipe
This chili recipe is easy to make and uses ground beef, dried spices and canned tomatoes. It doesn't make a huge batch, so if you are cooking for a crowd or hosting a party, consider doubling the recipe.
For this version, I was aiming for that classic Wolf Brand Chili taste, so I skipped the fresh onions and jalapeños and opted for dried spices for that nostalgic, smooth, flavor and texture.
Ingredients
- Ground beef: I like to make this chili with a 90/10 ground sirloin but any ground beef you have on hand will work. Buy the ground beef that's in your budget and drain off the excess fat.
- Chili powder: I prefer the Gebhardt Chili Powder for my Texas Chili. It is widely available and makes the best classic Texas chili in my opinion.
- Dried spices: Other dried spices you will need for the chili are ground cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, black pepper and Mexican oregano.
- Diced tomatoes: I recommend using the petite diced tomatoes for this chili. Some people also like to use Rotel and that works too.
- Beef broth: I like the rich, hearty beef flavor the beef broth adds to this quick chili. Some people prefer water or a combination of water and beer.
- Water: I like to use water, along with the broth, in the chili so the dish does not become too salty.
- Tomato paste: Enhances the flavor of the chili.
- Cornmeal or Masa Harina, optional: You can add cornmeal to thicken the chili if desired. I usually just let it cook down, it will continue to thicken as it cools.
How to make
Cook ground beef.
In a Dutch oven, cook ground beef until it is not longer pink. Drain grease. Stir in dry spices and cook for one minute.
Add tomatoes and liquid ingredients.
Add tomatoes, tomato paste, broth and water. Bring to a boil and then reduce heat to a simmer.
Let chili simmer.
Simmer until desired thickness of chili is reached.
Variations
- Add diced onions and jalapenos in with the meat.
- Many Texans like to add beer to their chili, frequently Lone Star. You can replace some of the water or beef broth with beer.
- This recipe also works well with game meats such as ground venison or axis.
- To make this to use for a enchilada topping: Add ¼ cup flour with the spices. Skip the cornmeal.
Serving & Storage
To make Texas Frito Pies: Place a handful of Fritos in a bowl, top with ½ cup Texas Chili and toppings of choice. Common toppings include shredded cheddar cheese, diced white onions, sour cream and jalapenos.
Pairs well with: Cornbread, saltine crackers, tater tots and baked potatoes.
Storage: Store leftover chili in the fridge in an airtight container for up to 4 days. Freeze chili for up to 3 months.
To freeze: Let chili cool completely. Place in freezer safe containers allowing some room at the top of the container. Date, label and freeze for up to 3 months.
Serving a crowd? This recipe makes 3 ½ cups of chili or about 7- ½ cup servings. For a larger group, you will want to double or triple this recipe.
📖 Recipe
Texas Style Chili for Frito Pie
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 2 Tablespoons chili powder*
- 2 teaspoons ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon table salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried Mexican oregano
- 1 - (14.5 ounce) can petite diced tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 ½ cups water
- ¼ cup tomato paste
- Optional: 2 Tablespoons cornmeal or masa harina
Instructions
- Using a Dutch oven, cook ground beef over medium heat until it is fully browned and no longer pink. Drain off excess fat as necessary.
- Stir in spices (chili powder, cumin, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, pepper and oregano). Cook stirring occasionally for one minute.
- Add tomatoes, beef broth, water and tomato paste. Bring chili to a boil over medium heat and then reduce heat to low and allow dish to simmer for 30-60 minutes or until desired thickness is reached.
Notes
Nutrition
My sons thinks Frito Pie with Texas Chili is a perfectly acceptable breakfast option.
I hope you enjoy this easy Texas Chili recipe no matter what time of day you enjoy it! It's perfect for when you want a thick chili with simple ingredients.
Alaine
More recipes you may enjoy:
Debbie says
This made a great chili for Frito Pie! Thank you!