Tex-Mex Chili

Tex-Mex Chili is a rich and flavorful dish that brings together the best of hearty meats, vibrant vegetables, and a perfect blend of spices. With tender beef stew meat and ground pork or beef simmered in a savory tomato-based sauce, this chili is a comforting, satisfying meal.

The addition of smoky chipotle, cumin, and chili powder gives it a distinct Tex-Mex twist, while pinto beans add texture and heartiness.

It’s perfect for serving on a chilly evening, paired with your favorite toppings like sour cream, cheese, and tortilla chips for an extra burst of flavor.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

People will love this Tex-Mex Chili because it’s packed with bold, rich flavors and comforting ingredients that everyone can enjoy.

The combination of tender beef stew meat, ground pork, and pinto beans creates a hearty base, while the smoky chipotle and spices like cumin, cayenne, and paprika give it that irresistible Tex-Mex kick.

The thick, savory tomato sauce ties everything together, and the dish is made even more delicious with the option to garnish with sour cream, shredded cheese, and tortilla chips.

It’s the perfect balance of spice, warmth, and texture, making it an ultimate crowd-pleaser for any occasion!

Key Ingredients:

Beef stew meat and ground pork (or beef): The hearty base of the chili, providing rich, tender, and flavorful meat.

Pinto beans: Add a creamy texture and balance the richness of the meat.

Chipotle chiles in adobo sauce: Infuses the chili with smoky heat and depth of flavor.

Crushed tomatoes and tomato paste: Create a thick, savory base for the chili.

Spices: A blend of cumin, chili powder, cayenne, paprika, and oregano that delivers a bold Tex-Mex flavor.

Brown sugar and vinegar: Help to balance the acidity of the tomatoes and add a touch of sweetness to the dish.

Tex-Mex Chili

Ingredients:

3 tablespoons olive oil plus 1 tablespoon set aside

1 pound beef stew chunks, cut into 1-inch pieces

1 pound ground pork or beef

1 teaspoon kosher or coarse sea salt, or to taste

1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper, or to taste

1 white onion, chopped

1 red bell pepper, chopped

1 tablespoon chopped jalapeño (seeding optional)

4 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes

1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper

1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon chili powder (like ancho or chipotle)

1 tablespoon chipotle peppers in adobo sauce (or more to taste)

1/2 teaspoon ground cumin

1 teaspoon dried oregano

1 tablespoon tomato paste

1 can (28 oz) crushed tomatoes

1 tablespoon dark brown sugar

1 tablespoon white vinegar

4 cups beef broth

2 cans (15 oz each) pinto beans, drained and rinsed (or about 4 cups homemade)

For garnish:

Sour cream

Chopped fresh cilantro

Shredded cheddar cheese

Tortilla chips

Thinly sliced green onions

Instructions:

Step 1: Cook the Meat

In a Dutch oven or large pot, heat 3 tablespoons of oil over medium-high heat. Add the beef stew meat and brown it on all sides.

After about 2-3 minutes, add the ground pork (or beef), sprinkle with salt and pepper, and let it cook for another 5-6 minutes.

Allow the ground meat to release its juices and then let it cook until the liquid evaporates, stirring occasionally.

Step 2: Sauté the Vegetables

Make a space in the center of the pot, add the extra tablespoon of oil, and toss in the chopped onions and bell peppers.

Cook for about 5 minutes until the vegetables soften.

Push them to the side and add the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, cayenne, paprika, chili powder, chipotle sauce, cumin, and oregano.

Stir everything together and cook for about a minute.

Step 3: Add Tomatoes and Seasoning

Mix in the crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, brown sugar, and vinegar.

Stir everything well and let it cook for 3-4 minutes, allowing the tomato paste to dissolve and the sauce to thicken slightly.

Step 4: Simmer the Chili

Pour in the beef stock, bring the chili to a strong simmer, and reduce the heat to medium.

Add the drained beans and stir to combine.

Let the chili simmer uncovered on medium-low heat for an hour, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Serve

Once the chili has thickened and the flavors melded together, ladle it into bowls.

Let your guests garnish with sour cream, chopped cilantro, shredded cheddar cheese, tortilla chips, and thinly sliced green onions.

Notes:

Adjust the Spice Level: If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the jalapeño and chipotle chiles in adobo sauce. You can also control the heat by using less cayenne pepper.

Use Different Beans: While pinto beans are traditional, you can substitute with black beans, kidney beans, or even a mix of different beans depending on your preference.

Meat Variations: This recipe uses a combination of beef stew meat and ground pork (or beef), but you can experiment with other meats like turkey or chicken for a lighter version.

Slow Cooker Option: For convenience, this chili can be cooked in a slow cooker. After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables and spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 6-8 hours or high for 3-4 hours.

Make Ahead: Chili often tastes even better the next day as the flavors continue to meld. You can make this chili a day ahead and refrigerate it, then reheat before serving.

Toppings: Customize your chili with a variety of toppings like fresh cilantro, diced onions, avocado, or a squeeze of lime for added freshness.

Nutrition Information:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I make this chili ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, this chili often tastes better the next day as the flavors continue to develop.

You can make it a day ahead, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, and reheat it before serving.

Can I use a different type of meat?

Absolutely! While this recipe uses a combination of beef stew meat and ground pork, you can swap the meats for ground turkey, chicken, or even a vegetarian option like textured vegetable protein (TVP) for a meatless version.

How do I adjust the spiciness of this chili?

If you prefer a milder chili, reduce or omit the jalapeño and chipotle chiles in adobo sauce.

You can also adjust the amount of cayenne pepper to control the heat level.

Can I use canned beans instead of dried beans?

Yes, canned pinto beans work great. Just be sure to drain and rinse them before adding them to the chili.

If you want to use dried beans, cook them separately and add them in during the simmering step.

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Yes! After browning the meat and sautéing the vegetables and spices, transfer everything to a slow cooker.

Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours until the flavors have melded together and the chili is fully cooked.

Can I make Tex-Mex Chili without the chipotle chiles in adobo sauce?

Yes, you can skip the chipotle chiles if you prefer a less smoky flavor.

You can substitute with a bit more chili powder or use a mild chili sauce for flavor.

If you want to keep a bit of heat, add extra jalapeños or cayenne pepper.

How can I thicken the chili if it’s too watery?

If the chili is too thin, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to allow the liquid to reduce and thicken.

You can also mash some of the beans with a fork and stir them back into the chili for added thickness.

What can I use if I don’t have beef stock?

If you don’t have beef stock, you can substitute with chicken stock, vegetable broth, or even water.

Keep in mind that beef stock adds a deeper, richer flavor, so the taste may be slightly lighter with the alternatives.

Is it necessary to brown the meat before cooking the chili?

Yes, browning the meat adds depth of flavor by caramelizing the meat and enhancing the overall taste of the chili.

It also helps improve the texture.

However, if you’re short on time, you can skip this step and add the raw meat directly to the pot, though the flavor may not be as rich.

Can I make Tex-Mex Chili spicier?

Definitely! To increase the heat, you can add more jalapeños, cayenne pepper, or even a bit of hot sauce.

For an extra smoky heat, increase the amount of chipotle chiles or add a splash of hot pepper sauce.

Just taste as you go to find the perfect level of spiciness for you!