Tex-Mex chili is a delightful blend of bold spices, savory meat, and hearty beans, perfect for a comforting meal. This recipe captures the essence of Tex-Mex cuisine with layers of flavor and a rich, satisfying texture. It’s great for a family dinner or a gathering with friends.
Ingredients
- 1 lb (450g) ground beef (for a richer flavor, use a mix of lean and fatty beef)
- 1 large onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 green bell pepper, diced
- 1 jalapeño pepper, finely chopped (seeds removed for less heat, if desired)
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1 (14.5 oz) can diced tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 cup beef broth (or water)
- 1 (15 oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 (15 oz) can black beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lime juice (for a hint of freshness)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Beef: Heat the vegetable oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it up with a spoon. This should take about 6-8 minutes. Drain any excess fat.
- Sauté Vegetables: Add the chopped onion, bell peppers, and jalapeño to the pot with the beef. Cook for about 5 minutes, until the vegetables are softened. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute.
- Add Spices: Sprinkle the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, dried oregano, and cayenne pepper (if using) over the vegetables and beef. Stir well to coat everything with the spices.
- Incorporate Tomatoes and Beans: Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Add the beef broth and stir to combine. Bring the mixture to a simmer.
- Simmer: Reduce the heat to low and let the chili simmer uncovered for 30-45 minutes, stirring occasionally. This allows the flavors to meld and the chili to thicken.
- Add Beans: About 10 minutes before serving, add the kidney beans and black beans. Continue to simmer until the beans are heated through.
- Finish and Serve: Stir in the lime juice to brighten the flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and black pepper as needed.
- Garnish and Enjoy: Ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with chopped fresh cilantro. You can also add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions, or sliced jalapeños.
Tips for the Perfect Tex-Mex Chili
- Brown the Meat Well: Properly browning the beef enhances the flavor and gives a richer base to your chili.
- Balance the Heat: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and cayenne pepper according to your heat preference.
- Layer Flavors: Allowing the chili to simmer for longer helps develop deeper flavors. If you have time, letting it sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge can make the flavors even better.
- Garnish: Fresh garnishes like cilantro, lime, and cheese add a burst of flavor and texture.
Variations
- Spicy Tex-Mex Chili: For extra heat, add more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
- Vegetarian Version: Replace the ground beef with a mix of beans, lentils, or chopped vegetables.
- Smoky Touch: Add a bit of chipotle pepper in adobo sauce for a smoky flavor.
This authentic Tex-Mex chili recipe is sure to be a hit with its robust flavors and satisfying texture. Enjoy your cooking and the delicious results!