Hearty Texas Chili (No Beans) 🌶️🥩

When the weather cools down and comfort food cravings hit, nothing satisfies quite like a hearty bowl of **Texas Chili**. This classic recipe is all about **bold, smoky flavors**, tender beef, and a slow-simmered richness that feels like a warm hug in a bowl. Made with simple pantry staples and plenty of spices, it’s the kind of meal that will have everyone coming back for seconds.

Why You’ll Love This Texas Chili

**Rich, Bold Flavor:** A perfect blend of spices, smoky bacon drippings, and slow-simmered beef.
**Customizable Heat:** Mild enough for the whole family, but easy to turn up with cayenne or extra chili powder.
**Versatile Leftovers:** Fantastic on nachos, in enchiladas, or for a Tex-Mex breakfast.
**Hearty & Filling:** Comfort food at its best, packed with tender beef.

Ingredients

**3 Tbsp** **bacon drippings** (or olive oil)
**3 lb** **ground sirloin or beef chuck**
**2 cans** (6 oz each) **tomato paste**
**1 can** (14.5 oz) **beef broth** or stock
**1 large** **onion**, chopped
**1 can** (4.5 oz) **green chilies** (optional)
**1 can** (10 oz) **Rotel diced tomatoes & green chilies**
**1 can** (8 oz) **Rotel zesty tomato & green chili sauce** (or tomato sauce of choice)
**1 Tbsp** chopped **garlic**
**1 tsp** **oregano**
**1 Tbsp** ground **cumin**
**½ tsp** dried **basil**
**Salt & black pepper**, to taste
**3 ½ Tbsp** **Gebhardt chili powder** (or preferred chili powder)
**⅛ tsp** hot **paprika** (optional)
**¾ cup** **water** (plus more if needed)
**1 pinch** **cayenne pepper** (optional, for heat)
Grated **cheddar** or **Monterey Jack cheese**, for topping

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Meat Base

Heat the **bacon drippings** in a large heavy pot over medium heat.
Add the **beef** and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks.
Stir in **onion** and **garlic**, sautéing until softened and fragrant.

Step 2: Add the Seasonings

In a small bowl, combine **oregano, cumin, basil, salt, pepper, chili powder**, and **paprika**.
Stir the spice blend into the meat and onions, **coating evenly**. Cook for 1 minute until fragrant.

Step 3: Build the Chili Base

Mix in the **tomato paste, beef broth, Rotel, tomato sauce, water**, and **green chilies** (if using).
Add **cayenne** for extra heat if desired.

Step 4: Simmer & Develop Flavor

Bring everything to a boil, then reduce heat to **low** and **simmer uncovered for 1–2 hours**.
The longer it cooks, the **richer the flavors** become. Add more water or broth if the chili thickens too much.

Step 5: Serve & Enjoy

Ladle chili into bowls and top with **grated cheese**, chopped onions, or sour cream.
Pair with warm cornbread, tortilla chips, or flour tortillas for the ultimate Texas-style meal.

Tips for the Best Texas Chili

**Use Quality Meat:** Ground sirloin or chuck adds rich, beefy flavor that stands up to the long simmer.
**Bacon Drippings:** Don’t skip them! They add essential **smoky, savory depth** to the base.
**Slow Simmer:** The **1–2 hour simmer** is crucial for deep, layered flavor. It allows the spices to bloom and the beef to tenderize.
**Make Ahead:** Chili tastes **even better the next day** as the flavors meld overnight.

Versatile Serving Ideas

This chili is fantastic on its own, but leftovers shine in creative ways:

Over **nachos** with jalapeños and queso.
Stuffed into **enchiladas or burritos**.
Served **Tex-Mex breakfast-style** with fried eggs and tortillas.

This **Texas Chili** is bold, hearty, and guaranteed to become a cozy staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the warmth! 🔥

Authentic Texas Chili