Texas Chili with Beans: A Spicy Tex-Mex Delight
Description
Texas Chili with Beans is a hearty, spicy, and flavorsome dish that is perfect for those chilly days when you need a bit of warmth and comfort. It can also turn up the heat on warmer days, making every bite a fiery delight. This chili is rich in flavor and packs a punch with its blend of spices, including jalapeno and serrano peppers, which you can adjust to your taste preference. Serve this robust chili with tortillas, over hamburger patties, or topped with fresh diced onions, cheese, and oyster crackers for a satisfying meal.
Ingredients and Quantities
For this recipe, you will need the following ingredients in the specified quantities:
- Pinto Beans – 2 cups
- Bacon Fat – 1/3 cup
- Ground Beef – 2 pounds
- Onion – 1 large, finely chopped
- Garlic – 3 cloves, minced
- Green Bell Pepper – 1, chopped
- Green Chili Pepper – 5, chopped (adjust based on heat preference)
- Rotel Tomatoes & Chilies – 1 can (10 oz)
- Beef Broth – 1 cup
- Diced Tomato – 2 cups
- Chili Powder – 1 tablespoon
- Ground Cumin – 1 tablespoon
- Black Pepper – 1 teaspoon
- White Pepper – 1/4 teaspoon
- Cayenne Pepper – 1 teaspoon (adjust based on heat preference)
- Red Pepper Flakes – 1 teaspoon
- Bay Leaf – 1
- Salt – 1 teaspoon (or to taste)
- Worcestershire Sauce – 1 tablespoon
- Red Wine Vinegar – 1 tablespoon
- Water – 1/2 cup
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
- Calories: 326.7
- Fat Content: 12.6g
- Saturated Fat Content: 4.7g
- Cholesterol Content: 51.4mg
- Sodium Content: 570.7mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 31.8g
- Fiber Content: 9.4g
- Sugar Content: 4.5g
- Protein Content: 23.6g
Servings and Yield
- Recipe Servings: 12
- Recipe Yield: Approximately 12 servings
Instructions
Preparing the Beans
- Boil the Beans: In a large kettle, bring water to a boil. Add the pinto beans and boil for about 10 minutes.
- Soak the Beans: Remove the kettle from the burner and let it sit for 1-2 hours to allow the beans to soak.
- Adjust Water Levels: After soaking, check the water level and add more if necessary to ensure the beans are covered. Add beef broth for added flavor.
Cooking the Chili
- Cook the Beans: Place the kettle back on the stove and cook the beans on low heat.
- Prepare the Meat and Vegetables: In a large skillet, heat the bacon fat over medium heat. Add the ground beef, green bell pepper, green chili peppers, garlic, and onion.
- Brown the Meat: Cook the mixture until the meat is browned and the vegetables are softened. Do not drain the fat, as it adds to the flavor of the chili.
- Combine Ingredients: Add the browned meat and vegetables to the pot with the beans. Stir in the Rotel tomatoes & chilies, diced tomatoes, and all the spices (chili powder, ground cumin, black pepper, white pepper, cayenne pepper, red pepper flakes, bay leaf, and salt).
- Add Liquids: Pour in the Worcestershire sauce, red wine vinegar, and water. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer the Chili: Cover the pot and let the chili simmer on low heat for approximately 3 hours, stirring occasionally. Ensure the beans are soft and all the flavors are well melded.
- Adjust Seasoning and Liquid: Taste the chili and adjust the seasoning as needed. If you prefer a thinner consistency, add more water. Continue simmering until you achieve the desired texture and flavor.
Serving Suggestions
Texas Chili with Beans can be enjoyed in various ways:
- With Tortillas: Serve with warm tortillas for a traditional Tex-Mex experience.
- Over Hamburger Patties: Spoon over grilled hamburger patties for a hearty meal.
- Topped with Fresh Ingredients: Garnish with fresh diced onions, shredded cheese, and oyster crackers for added texture and flavor.
- With Cornbread: Pair with a side of homemade cornbread to complement the chili’s spicy flavors.
Tips for the Perfect Chili
- Adjusting Heat: If you prefer a milder chili, omit or reduce the amount of jalapeno and serrano peppers. For extra heat, add more or include additional types of hot peppers.
- Bean Variations: You can substitute pinto beans with kidney beans or black beans if desired.
- Meat Choices: While ground beef is traditional, you can also use ground turkey or a combination of beef and pork for a different flavor profile.
- Slow Cooker Option: This chili can be prepared in a slow cooker. After browning the meat and vegetables, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours.
Final Thoughts
Texas Chili with Beans is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary experience that brings warmth and a burst of flavors with every spoonful. Whether you are serving it for a family dinner, a game day gathering, or simply craving a bowl of spicy comfort, this chili is sure to satisfy and impress. Adjust the heat to suit your preference and enjoy the robust, hearty flavors that make this dish a Tex-Mex classic.
