Texas Chili
This Texas chili is rich and hearty, with tender beef coated in a smoky, moderately spicy chile-and-chipotle paste. Cumin, garlic, onion, cinnamon, and dark brown sugar deepen the beef stock-based broth, while masa harina adds body and lime and sour cream provide a bright, cooling finish. Serve it as a warming main course on a cool day or for a casual gathering.
- Prep20 mins
- Cook2 hrs 30 mins
- Serves6
- DifficultyHard
easyChef Pro health score
Calculated from USDA-referenced nutrient data for the ingredients in Texas Chili, not estimated by an AI model. The same recipe returns the same score every time.
- Glycemic ImpactFair
- 44 / 100
- Carb quality, not quantity. Higher is better.
- Nutritional DensityPoor
- 9 / 100
- Nutrients per calorie. Higher is better.
- Energy DensityGood
- 93 / 100
- Calories by weight. Higher means more food for fewer calories.
- NOVA Unprocessed or minimally processed
- 1 / 4
- Processing level, 1 (whole) to 4 (ultra-processed). Lower is better.
How it scores for each health goal
The same recipe scores differently against different goals, because the goal changes the calculation rather than filtering a list. Set your goal in easyChef Pro and every recipe is scored against it.
- 27
- Heart Health
- 41
- Metabolic
- 45
- Digestive
- 29
- Inflammatory
- 59
- Performance
- 49
- General Wellness
- 1
Gather all ingredients.
- 2
Place peppers in a large skillet and heat over medium-low heat; cook, turning once, until lightly toasted and fragrant, 2 to 3 minutes per side. Transfer chiles to a bowl, cover with hot water, and let stand for 30 minutes.
- 3
Drain the chiles, reserving some of the soaking water. Use a paring knife to slice open each pepper, then remove and discard the stems and seeds under a gentle stream of tap water.
- 4
Combine the chiles, chipotle pepper, and reserved water in a blender; blend until a smooth paste forms, 15 to 30 seconds. Set aside.
- 5
Heat oil in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Toss beef cubes in a large bowl with salt and pepper until evenly coated. Add half of the beef to the Dutch oven and cook, stirring occasionally, until most sides are browned, about 3 minutes per side. Transfer to a large plate. Repeat with the remaining beef.
- 6
Add onions and garlic to the drippings in the Dutch oven and cook, stirring constantly, until soft and translucent, 3 to 4 minutes. Add cumin and cinnamon and cook, stirring constantly, until darkened and fragrant, about 1 minute.
- 7
Add the blended chili paste and cook, stirring constantly, for 1 minute.
- 8
Add some of the water and masa harina, whisking until incorporated to avoid lumps. Add stock and the remaining water, and stir to combine.
- 9
Add bay leaves and the reserved beef, and bring to a simmer over medium-high heat. Reduce the heat to maintain a very low simmer and cook, partially covered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens, about 2 hours. Stir in brown sugar and vinegar.
- 10
Remove from heat and let stand for 20 minutes before serving warm with sour cream and lime wedges.
- Calories 521.28 kcal High 26%
- Protein 68.44 g Good Source 137%
- Carbohydrate 20.29 g 7%
- Total Fat 18.81 g High 24%
- Saturated Fat 4.22 g High 21%
- Trans Fat 0.0 g Low Source 0%
- Cholesterol 199.61 mg High 67%
- Sodium 574.91 mg High 25%
- Dietary Fiber 6.15 g Good Source 22%
- Total Sugars 14.15 g --
- Added Sugars 9.11 g Moderate 18%
- Calcium 77.77 mg Low Source 6%
- Iron 8.0 mg Good Source 44%
- Potassium 144.13 mg Low Source 3%
- Vitamin A 7.18 mcg Low Source 1%
- Vitamin C 10.3 mg Moderate 11%
- Vitamin D 0.0 mcg Low Source 0%
Values are per serving. Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000-calorie diet.
- Citrus 🍊
- Milk 🥛
- Wheat 🌾
- Gluten
- Corn 🌽
- Garlic 🧄
- Onions 🧅
About This Recipe
Texas Chili is made with 21 ingredients and serves 6. It takes about 2 hrs 50 mins and is rated hard. Key ingredients include Beef Stock, Black Pepper, Canola Oil, and Chipotle Peppers in Adobo. Each serving provides about 521.28 kcal, and is a good source of protein.
Recipe Questions
- What is Texas Chili made of?
- The main ingredients are Beef Stock, Black Pepper, Canola Oil, Chipotle Peppers in Adobo, Chuck Roast. The full list of 21 is above.
- How long does it take to make Texas Chili?
- About 2 hrs 50 mins in total: 20 mins to prepare and 2 hrs 30 mins to cook.
- How many calories are in one serving?
- One serving provides about 521.28 kcal. The full nutrition breakdown is above.
- Is Texas Chili easy to make?
- This recipe is rated hard, with 21 ingredients and 10 steps.
- Is Texas Chili healthy?
- Texas Chili has an easyChef Pro health score of 50/100. Per serving, it provides 521.28 calories and 68.44 g of protein, or 137% of the Daily Value. It is a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Worth noting per serving: sodium at 574.91 mg (25% of the Daily Value), saturated fat at 4.22 g (21% of the Daily Value) and added sugars at 9.11 g (18% of the Daily Value). It contains Citrus, Milk, Wheat, Gluten, Corn, Garlic and Onions, so it may not be suitable for people with those allergies or dietary restrictions. Whether it fits your goals depends on your complete meal plan and nutritional needs. Remix it in easyChef Pro to adjust the ingredients and generate fresh nutrition and scores.
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The calculation evaluates nutrients, calorie density, processing level, and how well the food supports your selected health goal. Protein, fiber, vitamins, minerals and other beneficial nutrients can strengthen the score. High amounts of sodium, saturated fat, added sugar and other nutrients may lower it.
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