If you love chili that’s bold, rich, and packs a punch, then this Guy Fieri Texas Chili recipe is just what you need! It’s got layers of flavor with tender beef, smoky spices, and just the right amount of heat. Trust me, once you try it, you won’t go back to any other chili recipe. It’s perfect for a cozy dinner or feeding a crowd at a party. Plus, it’s the kind of meal that gets better the next day, so feel free to make it ahead of time!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe?
This Texas chili is everything you want in a hearty, satisfying meal. It’s thick, full of deep flavors, and it’s not weighed down by beans like many other chili recipes. The spice from the chiles and the smoky undertones make it totally unique, while the tender beef just melts in your mouth. It’s the kind of chili that everyone will ask for the recipe after they’ve had a taste!
Ingredients
You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a sneak peek at what you’ll need:
- Beef chuck (cut into cubes)
- Onion
- Garlic
- Chili powder
- Smoked paprika
- Ground cumin
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce
- Beef broth
- Salt and pepper
Directions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
Start by heating a little bit of oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches. This step is important because browning the meat gives the chili that deep, rich flavor. Once the beef is browned, set it aside.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
In the same pot, add chopped onion and garlic. Sauté them for about 5 minutes, until they’re soft and fragrant. You want to scrape up any brown bits left behind by the beef – that’s where all the flavor is.
Step 3: Add the Spices
Once the onion and garlic are softened, toss in the chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Stir everything around for another minute or so to toast the spices and bring out their full flavor. You’ll start to smell the smokiness filling the kitchen – it’s amazing!
Step 4: Add the Beef and Liquid
Now it’s time to bring the chili together. Return the browned beef to the pot and add the chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, beef broth, and a little more salt and pepper. Stir everything together and bring it to a boil. Once it’s boiling, reduce the heat to low, cover, and let it simmer for at least an hour. The longer it simmers, the more the flavors will develop, so if you have time, let it cook for 2-3 hours for the best results.
Step 5: Adjust the Seasoning
After the chili has simmered, taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed. You might want to add a little more chili powder or salt depending on how bold you like your flavors. If it’s too spicy, a little extra beef broth can help tone it down.
Step 6: Serve and Enjoy
Once the chili is thick, flavorful, and all the beef is tender, it’s ready to serve. Ladle it into bowls and garnish with your favorite toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro. It’s perfect for those cold nights when you just want something comforting and satisfying!
Expert Tips and Tricks
- Let It Simmer Longer: If you have the time, let the chili cook low and slow for a few hours. It makes the flavors even better and gives the beef more time to break down and become super tender.
- Adjust the Heat: If you’re sensitive to spice, start with fewer chipotle peppers or remove the seeds. You can always add more if you want it hotter.
- Don’t Skip the Smoky Paprika: The smoked paprika adds a unique depth of flavor that you just can’t replicate with regular paprika. It’s worth seeking out.
Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions
- Use Ground Beef: If you don’t want to deal with cubed beef, you can use ground beef instead. It will cook a little faster and still deliver great flavor.
- Add Beans: Texas chili doesn’t traditionally have beans, but if you’re a fan, feel free to throw in some kidney beans or pinto beans for extra texture.
- Spicy Kick: Want more heat? Add extra chipotle peppers, jalapeños, or even a bit of hot sauce to kick up the spice level.
Serving and Pairing Suggestions
This chili is great on its own, but it’s even better when paired with a side of cornbread, tortilla chips, or even a simple green salad to balance out the richness. A cold beer, like a light lager or an amber ale, pairs perfectly with this chili, making it ideal for game days or casual get-togethers.
Storage and Reheating Tips
Leftovers? Lucky you! This chili stores beautifully. Place it in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will last for 3-4 days. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply warm it on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a bit of broth if it’s too thick.
4 FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef?
You can use other cuts like ground beef or beef stew meat, but beef chuck is ideal because it becomes tender as it simmers and adds great flavor.
Can I make this chili ahead of time?
Yes, this chili actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld together. Just store it in the fridge and reheat when you’re ready to serve.
How can I make this chili less spicy?
If you prefer a milder chili, reduce the amount of chipotle peppers, remove the seeds, or skip them entirely. You can also add a little extra beef broth to tone down the heat.
What if I don’t have chipotle peppers in adobo?
You can substitute with any other kind of canned chili peppers, or use a bit of smoked paprika and a dash of hot sauce for that smoky, spicy flavor.
Conclusion
Guy Fieri’s Texas Chili is the perfect recipe to satisfy your chili cravings. It’s full of rich, smoky flavors with tender beef and just the right amount of spice. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or just making a comforting meal for yourself, this chili is sure to impress. So grab your ingredients, put on your apron, and get ready to enjoy the best chili of your life!

Guy Fieri’s Texas Chili
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 1 to 3 hours (depending on simmer time)
- Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes to 3 hours 15 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
- Category: Main Course, Comfort Food, Party Food
- Method: Stovetop, Simmering
- Cuisine: American, Tex-Mex
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
A rich, hearty, and bold chili with tender beef, smoky spices, and a perfect balance of heat. This Texas Chili is ideal for cozy dinners, parties, or meal prepping as it tastes even better the next day.
Ingredients
- Beef chuck (cut into cubes) – 2 lbs (900g)
- Onion – 1 large, diced
- Garlic – 4 cloves, minced
- Chili powder – 2 tablespoons
- Smoked paprika – 1 tablespoon
- Ground cumin – 1 tablespoon
- Chipotle peppers in adobo sauce – 2-3 peppers, chopped
- Beef broth – 4 cups (960ml)
- Salt – to taste (around 1 teaspoon)
- Pepper – to taste (around 1 teaspoon)
Instructions
- Brown the Beef: Heat oil in a large pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Season the beef cubes with salt and pepper, then brown them in batches. Set the browned beef aside.
- Sauté the Aromatics: In the same pot, sauté chopped onion and garlic for about 5 minutes until softened and fragrant. Scrape up any browned bits left from the beef.
- Add the Spices: Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, and cumin. Toast the spices for a minute or so, enhancing their flavor.
- Add Beef and Liquid: Return the browned beef to the pot and add chopped chipotle peppers, beef broth, salt, and pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for 1-3 hours.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more chili powder, salt, or beef broth to suit your preferences.
- Serve: Once the chili is thick, flavorful, and the beef is tender, serve with toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Simmer Longer: Letting the chili cook for a few hours intensifies the flavors and tenderizes the beef.
- Adjust Heat: For a milder chili, use fewer chipotle peppers or remove their seeds.
- Smoked Paprika: Essential for that deep smoky flavor; don’t skip it.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 450
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 850mg
- Fat: 30g
- Saturated Fat: 12g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 36g
- Cholesterol: 100mg