Voted Best Texas Chili //Step by Step❤️
Voted Best Texas Chili //Step by Step❤️ is a medium Tex-Mex recipe that serves 6. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Rachel's Step by Step on YouTube.
Prep: 30 min | Cook: 2 hrs 15 min | Total: 3 hrs
Cost: $26.50 total, $4.42 per serving
Ingredients
- 3 lb Chuck Roast (cut into 1‑inch cubes)
- 1 lb Ground Chuck (for added texture)
- 2 tbsp Bacon Grease (for searing; can substitute with vegetable oil)
- 1 medium-large Yellow Onion (diced)
- 1 large Green Bell Pepper (diced)
- 6 cloves Garlic (finely minced)
- 2 lb Diced Tomatoes (canned or fresh)
- 1.5 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Beef Base (dissolved in hot water)
- 2 tbsp Light Brown Sugar
- 1.5 tbsp Oregano
- 1.5 tbsp Paprika (homemade if available)
- 4.5 tbsp Chili Powder (homemade if available)
- 3 tbsp Ancho Chili Powder (homemade if available)
- 1.5 tbsp Onion Powder
- 2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 2.5 tbsp Ground Cumin (freshly ground)
- 1.5 tsp Allspice
- 2 tbsp Chipotle Peppers in Adobo (crushed)
- 5 cup Water (hot for broth, plus extra for simmering)
- 2 tbsp Masa Harina (instant corn masa flour)
- 2 tbsp Apple Cider Vinegar
- to taste Salt
- 1 tsp Ground Black Pepper
- 1 cup Shredded Kobe Jack Cheese (for topping)
- 0.5 cup Pico de Gallo (fresh, for topping)
- 0.5 cup Sour Cream (for topping)
Instructions
Cube the Chuck Roast
Trim excess fat, then cut the 3 lb chuck roast into roughly 1‑inch cubes and set aside.
Time: PT10M
Sear the Cubed Beef
Heat the Dutch oven over medium‑high, add 2 tbsp bacon grease, and sear the beef cubes in batches until deep golden, about 5‑7 minutes per batch. Transfer to a bowl.
Time: PT10M
Temperature: Medium‑high
Brown the Ground Chuck
In a stainless steel skillet, add a splash of bacon grease, brown the 1 lb ground chuck, breaking it up, then drain excess fat and set aside.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Sauté Onion
Add a little more bacon grease to the Dutch oven if needed, then add the diced yellow onion. Cook over medium heat until softened and lightly golden, about 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Add Bell Pepper
Stir in the diced green bell pepper and cook for 2‑3 minutes until it begins to soften.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Add Garlic
Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, just until fragrant.
Time: PT0.5M
Temperature: Medium
Add Tomatoes
Pour in the 2 lb diced tomatoes, stirring, and let cook for 2‑3 minutes.
Time: PT3M
Temperature: Medium
Prepare Beef Broth
In a separate bowl, dissolve 1.5 tbsp Better Than Bouillon Beef Base in 3 cups hot water, stirring until fully dissolved.
Time: PT3M
Add Chipotle Peppers
Stir the crushed chipotle peppers (2 tbsp) into the pot.
Time: PT1M
Add Spice Blend
Add all measured spices (oregano, brown sugar, paprika, chili powder, ancho chili powder, onion powder, garlic powder, cumin, allspice) and stir to coat the vegetables.
Time: PT2M
Combine Meats and Liquids
Return the seared cubed beef and browned ground chuck to the pot. Add the prepared broth, an additional 2 cups water, and a pinch of black pepper. Stir well.
Time: PT3M
First Simmer
Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium‑low, cover, and simmer for 45 minutes, stirring every 5‑7 minutes to prevent sticking.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: Medium‑low
Season and Adjust Salt
After 45 minutes, taste the chili and add salt as needed.
Time: PT2M
Make Masa Slurry
Whisk together 2 tbsp masa harina with 1/4 cup hot water until smooth.
Time: PT1M
Second Simmer with Masa
Stir the masa slurry into the chili, replace the lid, and continue to simmer on medium‑low for another 45 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Time: PT45M
Temperature: Medium‑low
Finish with Apple Cider Vinegar
Stir in 2 tbsp apple cider vinegar, taste, and adjust seasoning if needed.
Time: PT1M
Optional Beans
If you prefer beans, add cooked dark red or pinto beans now and heat through for 5 minutes.
Time: PT5M
Temperature: Medium
Serve
Ladle the hot chili into bowls, top with shredded Kobe Jack cheese, pico de gallo, and a dollop of sour cream. Serve with warm cornbread on the side.
Time: PT2M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 350
- Protein
- 30 g
- Carbohydrates
- 20 g
- Fat
- 15 g
- Fiber
- 4 g
Dietary info: Gluten‑Free, Nut‑Free
Allergens: Dairy, Corn
Last updated: June 14, 2026







