Texas Trinity Chili

Texas Trinity Chili is a medium American (Tex-Mex) recipe that serves 8. 350 calories per serving. Recipe by Pepperbellypete on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: 1 hr 40 min | Total: 2 hrs 15 min

Cost: $29.30 total, $3.66 per serving

Ingredients

  • 3 pounds Ground Chuck (85% lean, fresh)
  • 1 pound Hot Breakfast Sausage (Spicy, remove casing if needed)
  • 1 Large Onion (Diced, about 1 cup)
  • 3 Fresh Jalapeños (Seeds removed for milder heat, diced)
  • 4 cloves Garlic (Minced)
  • 44 ounces Diced Tomatoes (Canned, no added salt)
  • 4 ounces Hatch Green Chili (Canned, roasted)
  • 44 ounces Tomato Sauce (Canned)
  • 3 ounces Williams Chili Mix (Seasoning blend)
  • 6 ounces Tomato Paste (Canned)
  • 3 cans Bush's Best Chili Magic Medium Campfire Style Beans (Drain and rinse if desired)

Instructions

  1. Brown the Meat

    In a large pot over medium‑high heat, add the ground chuck and hot breakfast sausage. Break up with a wooden spoon and cook until fully browned, about 8‑10 minutes.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Drain Excess Fat

    Carefully pour off the rendered fat into a heat‑proof container or discard it, leaving the meat in the pot.

    Time: PT2M

  3. Sauté Aromatics

    Add the diced onion, jalapeños, and minced garlic to the pot. Sauté until the onion becomes translucent and the vegetables soften, about 5 minutes.

    Time: PT5M

  4. Add Tomatoes and Seasonings

    Stir in the diced tomatoes, Hatch green chilies, tomato sauce, Williams chili mix, and tomato paste. Mix thoroughly, scraping any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.

    Time: PT5M

  5. First Simmer

    Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for 1 hour. Stir every 15 minutes to prevent sticking.

    Time: PT1H

  6. Add Beans

    Open, drain, and (optional) rinse the three cans of Bush's Best Chili Magic beans. Add them to the pot and stir to combine.

    Time: PT5M

  7. Final Simmer

    Cover the pot again and simmer on low for an additional 30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until flavors meld and the chili thickens.

    Time: PT30M

  8. Rest and Serve

    Remove the lid and let the chili rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, cilantro, or your favorite toppings.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
350
Protein
20g
Carbohydrates
30g
Fat
15g
Fiber
8g

Dietary info: Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free, High-Protein, Nut-Free

Last updated: April 11, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Texas Trinity Chili

Recipe by Pepperbellypete

A hearty, crowd‑pleasing Texas‑style chili packed with ground chuck, spicy breakfast sausage, fresh jalapeños, Hatch green chilies, and a blend of tomatoes and beans. Perfect for chili cook‑offs, game day, or a comforting weeknight dinner.

MediumAmerican (Tex-Mex)Serves 8

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
17m
Prep
1h 45m
Cook
15m
Cleanup
2h 17m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$29.30
Total cost
$3.66
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Drain excess fat after browning the meat to avoid greasiness.
  • Simmer the chili uncovered for a full hour to develop depth of flavor.
  • Add beans and simmer an additional 30 minutes for proper texture.

Safety Warnings

  • Handle raw meat with separate utensils to avoid cross‑contamination.
  • Use oven mitts when handling the hot pot.
  • Be careful when draining hot fat; it can cause burns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Texas Trinity Chili in American (Tex-Mex) cuisine?

A

Texas Trinity Chili is a classic Tex‑Mex comfort dish that blends the beef‑heavy traditions of Texas chili with the bold heat of New Mexico’s Hatch chilies. It reflects the frontier cooking style where meat, beans, and chilies were simmered together for hearty meals during cattle drives and community gatherings.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Texas Trinity Chili in the United States?

A

In West Texas, chili often omits beans and focuses on pure meat and chili peppers. Central Texas versions may add tomatoes and a milder spice blend, while East Texas cooks sometimes include sweet onions and a touch of brown sugar. The Trinity version uniquely combines both beans and a mix of fresh and canned chilies.

cultural
Q

How is Texas Trinity Chili traditionally served in Tex‑Mex culture?

A

It is typically ladled into bowls and topped with shredded cheddar, a dollop of sour cream, chopped cilantro, and sometimes sliced jalapeños. It is often accompanied by cornbread, warm tortillas, or crusty bread for dipping.

cultural
Q

During what occasions or celebrations is Texas Trinity Chili traditionally enjoyed in Texas?

A

Chili cook‑offs, football tailgate parties, Fourth of July barbecues, and cold‑weather gatherings are classic occasions for serving Texas Trinity Chili. It’s also a popular dish for church pot‑lucks and community fundraisers.

cultural
Q

What makes Texas Trinity Chili special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?

A

The recipe’s blend of fresh breakfast sausage, Hatch green chilies, and a proprietary Williams chili mix creates a layered heat profile that balances smoky, earthy, and bright flavors, setting it apart from standard beef‑only Texas chilies.

cultural
Q

What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Texas Trinity Chili versus acceptable substitutes?

A

Authentic ingredients include ground chuck, hot breakfast sausage, fresh Hatch green chilies, and Williams chili mix. Acceptable substitutes are ground turkey for the chuck, Italian sausage for the breakfast sausage, roasted poblano peppers for Hatch chilies, and a homemade blend of chili powder, cumin, and paprika in place of the mix.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Texas Trinity Chili at home?

A

Common errors include not draining the rendered fat, which makes the chili greasy; simmering on too high a heat, causing scorching; and adding beans too early, which can over‑cook them. Follow the step‑by‑step simmer times and drain the meat for best results.

technical
Q

Why does this Texas Trinity Chili recipe simmer for a full hour before adding beans?

A

The initial hour allows the meat, tomatoes, and chilies to develop deep, integrated flavors and reduces the raw acidity of the tomatoes. Adding beans later prevents them from breaking down too much, preserving their texture.

technical
Q

Can I make Texas Trinity Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, the chili improves after resting. Cool it to room temperature, then refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4 days or freeze for up to 3 months. Reheat gently over low heat, adding a splash of broth if it looks thick.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Pepperbellypete focuses on bold, flavor‑forward American comfort foods, especially hearty stews, chilies, and barbecue‑style dishes. The host emphasizes simple techniques, ingredient storytelling, and cooking for gatherings.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Pepperbellypete blends classic Tex‑Mex recipes with personal twists like adding breakfast sausage and fresh Hatch chilies, while many other channels stick to traditional recipes. The channel also provides detailed cost breakdowns and encourages home cooks to experiment with heat levels.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Texas-Style Beef Chuck Chili (No Beans)
25

Texas-Style Beef Chuck Chili (No Beans)

A deep‑flavored Texas chili made with a blend of toasted dried chilies, coffee, cocoa, and aromatic spices. No beans, no searing – just slow‑braised, melt‑in‑your‑mouth chuck roast that’s perfect for chilly evenings.

3 hrs 56 minServes 6$20
Tex-Mex
Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl
139

Honey Chili Crisp Chicken Bowl

A flavorful, low‑calorie chicken bowl featuring boneless chicken thighs tossed in a sweet‑spicy chili‑crisp glaze, served over hot rice and topped with a fresh pineapple‑cucumber salsa. Perfect for meal‑prepping the week ahead.

43 minServes 4$12
American Fusion
Texas Beef Chili with Beans
17

Texas Beef Chili with Beans

A rich, hearty Texas‑style chili packed with ground beef, kidney beans, Guinness stout, and a homemade spice blend that includes roasted chipotle and ancho chilies, cumin, cinnamon, and a touch of dark chocolate for depth. Perfect for a comforting dinner and even better the next day.

2 hrs 50 minServes 6$18
Tex-Mex
Best Damn Chili
62

Best Damn Chili

A hearty, one‑pot beef chili packed with smoky spices, beer‑enhanced broth, fire‑roasted tomatoes and tender kidney beans. Topped with a cilantro‑cumin sour cream, shredded cheese and fresh jalapeño for extra zing.

1 hr 57 minServes 6$21
American
Award-Winning Texas Style Chili (Slow Cooker)
88

Award-Winning Texas Style Chili (Slow Cooker)

A slow‑cooker Texas‑style chili that won multiple awards. The recipe uses a balanced spice rub, optional seared beef for depth, a classic mirepoix‑style “mirua” for extra flavor, and masa harina to thicken without flour. Beans are optional for those who love the traditional Texas debate of “to bean or not to bean.”

6 hrs 25 minServes 6$69
Tex-Mex
How to Make Texas Chili (Award Winning Homemade Recipe)
14

How to Make Texas Chili (Award Winning Homemade Recipe)

A deep‑flavored, slow‑simmered Texas‑style chili made with ground beef, a custom spice blend, mirepoix, and masa harina for a perfect thickening. Follow ArnieTex’s award‑winning method—including high‑heat browning, deglazing, and a 3‑hour simmer—for a hearty, authentic bowl of red chili.

3 hrs 50 minServes 8$177
Tex-Mex