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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Ground Chuck: Ground Beef, Ground Turkey
- Instead of Hot Breakfast Sausage: Spicy Italian Sausage, Chorizo
- Instead of Large Onion: Yellow Onion
- Instead of Fresh Jalapeños: Serrano Peppers, Poblano Peppers
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1 tsp)
- Instead of Diced Tomatoes: Fresh diced tomatoes
- Instead of Hatch Green Chili: Roasted green chilies
- Instead of Tomato Sauce: Crushed tomatoes
- Instead of Williams Chili Mix: Chili powder blend
- Instead of Tomato Paste: Tomato puree
- Instead of Bush's Best Chili Magic Medium Campfire Style Beans: Kidney beans, Pinto beans
Equipment Needed
- Large Pot or Dutch Oven
- Wooden Spoon or Spatula
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Can Opener
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Ladle (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- 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.
Chef Tips from the Video
- Brown the meat in batches to avoid steaming and achieve a richer flavor.
- Use fresh Hatch green chilies for authentic smoky heat.
- Let the chili rest off the heat before serving; this allows the spices to settle.
Troubleshooting
Chili is too thick.
Add a splash of beef broth, water, or tomato juice, ¼ cup at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
Chili is too watery.
Uncover the pot and simmer for an additional 10‑15 minutes to reduce liquid.
Flavor is bland.
Season with additional salt, a pinch more Williams chili mix, or a dash of hot sauce.
Storage
Refrigerator: Cool to room temperature, then store in an airtight container for 3‑4 days.
Freezer: Portion into freezer‑safe bags or containers; freeze up to 3 months.
Room temperature: Do not store at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chili tastes better the next day; refrigerate overnight and reheat gently.
- Portion and freeze for quick meals; thaw in the refrigerator before reheating.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Texas Trinity Chili in American (Tex-Mex) cuisine?
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.
What are the traditional regional variations of Texas Trinity Chili in the United States?
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.
How is Texas Trinity Chili traditionally served in Tex‑Mex culture?
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.
During what occasions or celebrations is Texas Trinity Chili traditionally enjoyed in Texas?
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.
What makes Texas Trinity Chili special or unique in Tex‑Mex cuisine?
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.
What are the authentic traditional ingredients for Texas Trinity Chili versus acceptable substitutes?
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.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Texas Trinity Chili at home?
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.
Why does this Texas Trinity Chili recipe simmer for a full hour before adding beans?
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.
Can I make Texas Trinity Chili ahead of time and how should I store it?
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.
What does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete specialize in?
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.
How does the YouTube channel Pepperbellypete's approach to Tex‑Mex cooking differ from other cooking channels?
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.
Last updated: August 24, 2026
