Smoky Texas Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty dish that warms the soul and brings everyone together, then you’ve landed in the right spot! Smoky Texas Chili is one of those recipes that fills your home with irresistible aromas and makes any gathering feel special. Whether it’s game day or a cozy holiday dinner, this chili is sure to be a hit with family and friends alike. The best part? It’s incredibly easy to make, allowing you to spend more time enjoying the company around you.

This recipe has been passed down and tweaked over the years, making it not just a meal but a cherished tradition in our home. With tender smoked beef chuck roast and a medley of spices, each bite is packed with flavor, making it perfect for sharing. You’ll want to keep this Smoky Texas Chili close at hand for all your future gatherings!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Simple Preparation: This recipe is straightforward, letting you focus on enjoying the moment instead of stressing in the kitchen.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of smoked beef and spices creates a depth of flavor that will have everyone asking for seconds.
• Family-Friendly: Kids and adults alike will love this savory dish, making it ideal for family dinners.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Prepare it in advance and simply reheat when ready to serve—perfect for busy days!
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as-is or customize with toppings like cheese and scallions for an extra special touch.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find that these ingredients are simple yet wholesome. Each one contributes to the rich flavor of this Smoky Texas Chili, ensuring every spoonful is delicious.

For the Chili

• 4 lbs. Beef Chuck Roast, smoked, cut into 1-inch cubes
• 1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
• 1 large yellow onion, diced
• 1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
• ¼ cup dark chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 Tbsp. fine black pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 roasted poblanos, coarsely chopped
• 1 qt. beef stock
• 1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
• 1 tsp. Mexican oregano
• 1 tsp. beef base
• 1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
• Optional: Kosher Salt to taste

For the Cheddar Jalapeño Dumplings

• 1 cup cornmeal
• 1 cup all-purpose flour
• 1 tsp. baking powder
• ½ tsp. salt
• ¼ cup honey or ½ cup sugar
• 2 eggs
• 1 cup buttermilk
• ¼ -½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
• 1 small jalapeño, finely diced

Variations

The beauty of Smoky Texas Chili lies in its flexibility! Feel free to mix things up based on your taste preferences or what you have on hand.

• Swap the protein: Instead of beef chuck roast, try using chicken thighs or turkey for a lighter option.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some diced zucchini or corn to boost the nutrition and add more texture.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, include more jalapeños or even some cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Go vegetarian: Replace the beef with hearty beans like black beans or kidney beans for a delicious meat-free version.

How to Make Smoky Texas Chili

Step 1: Prepare the Smoked Chuck Roast

Start by adding wood chunks or chips to your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and preheat it to 250°F. This low-and-slow cooking method allows the flavors to develop beautifully while keeping the meat tender.

Step 2: Season the Meat

Generously season your trimmed chuck roast with salt and pepper before placing it on the rack in your smoker. This step enhances the meat’s natural flavors and creates a savory crust.

Step 3: Smoke It Right

Smoke the roast for about eight hours total, wrapping it in butcher paper halfway through when it reaches an internal temperature of 180°F. This technique locks in moisture and adds that fantastic smoky flavor.

Step 4: Sauté Your Vegetables

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and sauté diced onions until they are translucent—about five minutes—then toss in chopped red peppers for another two minutes. Sautéing helps bring out their sweetness and forms a flavorful base for your chili.

Step 5: Add Spices

Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder into your sautéed vegetables. Keep stirring for about a minute; this blooms the spices without burning them—creating an aromatic blend that infuses into every ingredient!

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add your cubed smoked chuck roast along with roasted poblano peppers into the pot! Stir everything together until coated in those wonderful spices before deglazing with beef stock and crushed tomatoes.

Step 7: Season & Simmer

Add Mexican oregano, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, plus salt and pepper to taste before bringing everything to a boil! Once bubbling away, reduce heat to low and let simmer covered for about 40 minutes—this melds all those beautiful flavors together!

Step 8: Prepare Dumplings

While your chili simmers, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together for those cheddar jalapeño dumplings! Add eggs gently folding them into dry ingredients before stirring in buttermilk until combined.

Step 9: Mix Cheese & Jalapeños

Fold in shredded cheese and jalapeños carefully—avoid over mixing so they remain fluffy when cooked!

Step 10: Cook Dumplings

Drop dollops of dumpling batter directly into simmering chili! Continue cooking covered until they become firm yet fluffy—around 20 minutes should do it!

Step 11: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle generous portions of your Smoky Texas Chili into bowls while garnishing with shredded cheese, sliced scallions, cilantro leaves—maybe even a dollop of sour cream if you like!

And there you have it—a delightful bowl of warmth perfect for sharing with loved ones!

Pro Tips for Making Smoky Texas Chili

Making the perfect Smoky Texas Chili is all about the details, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to a whole new level!

• Choose Quality Meat: Using high-quality beef chuck roast will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your chili. Look for well-marbled cuts that will break down beautifully during smoking.

• Don’t Rush the Smoking Process: Allowing your meat to smoke for the full 8 hours infuses it with rich flavors that are key to a great chili. Patience pays off with every bite!

• Bloom Your Spices Well: When sautéing your onions and peppers, make sure to really let those spices bloom. This step releases essential oils and intensifies the overall flavor of your chili.

• Taste as You Go: Seasoning is crucial! Don’t hesitate to taste your chili throughout the cooking process, adjusting salt and spices as needed to achieve the perfect balance.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow your chili to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period lets the flavors meld together, resulting in an even more delicious dish.

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Serving Smoky Texas Chili can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas on how to present this hearty dish to impress your guests or family.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds richness and complements the smoky flavors.
• Sliced Scallions: Fresh scallions provide a nice crunch and a burst of freshness that brightens up each bite.
• Cilantro Leaves: Adding a few cilantro leaves not only enhances presentation but also introduces a wonderful herbal note to the chili.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic pairing is sweet and buttery, making it perfect for soaking up all that delicious chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips offer a delightful contrast in texture and are great for dipping into your chili.
• Coleslaw: The crispness of coleslaw adds freshness and balances out the rich flavors of the chili, creating a satisfying meal.
• Rice: Serving your chili over rice makes it heartier, while providing a neutral base that allows all those smoky flavors to shine through.

With these tips and serving ideas, your Smoky Texas Chili will not only taste amazing but also look fantastic on any table! Enjoy sharing this warm, comforting dish with loved ones.

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Texas Chili is perfect for meal prep! Its rich flavors develop even further when stored, making it an ideal dish to whip up ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• When ready to enjoy, simply reheat on the stove or in the microwave.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags, leaving some space for expansion.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.
• For best results, thaw in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.

Reheating

• Reheat thawed chili in a pot over medium heat until warmed through, stirring occasionally.
• If reheating from frozen, allow extra time and consider adding a splash of beef stock or water if it thickens too much.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Smoky Texas Chili:

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili without beef?

Absolutely! Substitute the beef with your favorite plant-based protein or beans for a delicious vegetarian version.

How can I adjust the spice level in my Smoky Texas Chili?

You can easily customize the spice level by adjusting the amount of jalapeño or adding more chili powder. Start with less and taste as you go!

What makes Smoky Texas Chili different from other chilis?

The key difference lies in its use of smoked beef chuck roast, which adds a unique depth of flavor and richness that you won’t find in typical chili recipes.

How should I serve Smoky Texas Chili?

This chili is best served hot with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, cilantro leaves, or a dollop of sour cream. It’s perfect alongside cornbread or tortilla chips!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this delightful Smoky Texas Chili as much as I do! It’s a heartwarming dish that’s perfect for any gathering or cozy night in. The smoky flavors combined with tender meat create an experience that’s truly special. Don’t hesitate to invite friends over to share it—after all, good food is meant to be enjoyed together. Happy cooking!