Smoky Texas Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty dish that brings everyone together, look no further than this Smoky Texas Chili. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, perfect for game day gatherings or cozy nights in. The combination of smoky flavors and tender beef makes it truly special and comforting. With the added bonus of fluffy dumplings, it’s a meal that warms the heart and fills the belly.

Imagine serving a big pot of this chili to your friends and family, the aroma filling your kitchen as they gather around the table. It’s not just food; it’s an experience full of laughter and good conversation. Plus, with its ease of preparation, you can spend more time enjoying the company and less time worrying about dinner!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to Prepare: This Smoky Texas Chili comes together with straightforward steps that are easy to follow.
• Family-Friendly Appeal: Kids love the rich flavors and fluffy dumplings—it’s a great way to sneak in some veggies too!
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch ahead of time; it tastes even better the next day!
• Versatile Serving Options: Serve it as is or with toppings like cheese and sour cream for extra yumminess.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a game day feast or a holiday gathering, this chili shines.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple, wholesome ingredients is part of what makes this Smoky Texas Chili so delightful. Each component adds depth and richness, ensuring flavor in every bite. Here’s what you’ll need:

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 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

This recipe is flexible enough to make it your own! Here are some fun variations to try:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some chopped zucchini or carrots to boost nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add more jalapeños or hot sauce if you crave extra heat!
• Go meatless: Substitute with beans like black beans or lentils for a vegetarian option.

How to Make Smoky Texas Chili

Step 1: Smoke the Chuck Roast

Start by adding wood chunks or charcoal to your smoker according to its instructions and preheat it to 250°F. Generously season your trimmed chuck roast with salt and pepper—this seasoning is key to enhancing the flavor while smoking.

Step 2: Smoke It Low and Slow

Place the chuck roast on the rack in your smoker and set a timer for 8 hours. After about 4 hours, when it reaches 180°F internally, wrap it in unwaxed butcher paper before placing it back into the smoker for another 4 hours until it hits 208-210°F.

Step 3: Chop It Up

Once done smoking, let your roast rest in its butcher paper for at least an hour—this helps keep all those juicy flavors locked in! Before adding it to your chili, slice it into nice bite-sized cubes.

Step 4: Sauté Your Veggies

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm up vegetable oil then add your diced onions. Sauté until they are translucent; this brings out their sweetness! Add in red bell peppers and sauté for another couple of minutes before mixing in your spices.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Stir in those smoky cubes of chuck roast along with roasted poblanos until everything is well coated with spices. Pour in beef stock and crushed tomatoes to deglaze the bottom of your pot—this step adds tons of flavor!

Step 6: Simmer Away

Add oregano, beef base, and Worcestershire sauce into your pot before seasoning with salt and pepper as needed. Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to low and cover while simmering for about 40 minutes.

Step 7: Prepare Dumplings

While your chili simmers away, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl for the dumplings. Gently fold in eggs then stir buttermilk until just combined before folding in cheese and jalapeños without overmixing.

Step 8: Add Dumplings

Dollop portions of dumpling batter into the simmering chili! Cover again and let these cook until they are firm yet fluffy—about another 20 minutes should do!

Step 9: Serve Up Deliciousness

When ready to serve, ladle yourself some hearty chili into bowls garnished with shredded cheese, scallions, cilantro leaves, or even a dollop of sour cream if you like!

This Smoky Texas Chili will surely become a cherished recipe at your table! Enjoy every savory spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Smoky Texas Chili

Making the perfect Smoky Texas Chili is all about balancing flavors and textures, so here are some tips to help you create a dish that will impress everyone at your table.

• Use Quality Meat: Starting with a good cut of beef chuck roast enhances the flavor and tenderness of the chili. The better the meat, the richer and smokier your chili will be!

• Don’t Rush the Smoking Process: Allowing the chuck roast to smoke low and slow for several hours develops a deep, smoky flavor that makes this chili stand out. Patience is key for that authentic taste!

• Bloom Your Spices: When sautéing onions and peppers, adding spices at this stage helps release their essential oils and intensifies their flavors. This step ensures every bite is packed with deliciousness.

• Adjust Thickness to Taste: If you prefer a thicker chili, let it simmer uncovered for a little longer to reduce excess liquid. Conversely, if you like it soupier, simply add more beef stock or tomatoes.

• Taste As You Go: Every ingredient can affect the overall flavor profile of your chili. Don’t hesitate to adjust seasonings like salt and pepper throughout cooking to tailor it to your palate.

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Serving your Smoky Texas Chili can be as creative as you want! Here are some ideas to make it visually appealing and unforgettable.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar cheese adds richness and complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
• Sliced Scallions: Fresh sliced scallions bring a mild onion flavor and a pop of color that brightens up each bowl.
• Cilantro Leaves: A few leaves of fresh cilantro provide an herbaceous note that cuts through the richness of the chili.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: A warm slice of cornbread pairs perfectly with chili’s savory notes, offering a slightly sweet contrast that’s hard to resist.
• Tortilla Chips: Crispy tortilla chips are great for dipping into your chili or using as a crunchy topping, adding texture to each bite.
• Avocado Salad: A refreshing avocado salad with lime dressing balances out the spiciness of the chili with its creamy texture and zesty flavor.
• Rice or Quinoa: Serving your chili over fluffy rice or quinoa adds substance while soaking up all those fantastic juices. Plus, it’s an excellent way to stretch servings!

With these tips and serving suggestions, you’re well on your way to creating a memorable meal that will warm hearts and bellies alike! Enjoy every delicious bite of your Smoky Texas Chili!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Texas Chili is not just perfect for entertaining but also a fantastic option for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time and enjoy the deep, rich flavors that develop as it sits. Here’s how to store, freeze, and reheat your delicious chili.

Storing Leftovers

• Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
• It will keep well for up to 4 days.
• For best results, let the chili cool to room temperature before sealing.

Freezing

• Portion out the chili into freezer-safe containers or zip-top bags.
• Be sure to leave some space for expansion when freezing.
• It can be frozen for up to 3 months; label with date for easy tracking.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the fridge overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• Alternatively, microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl until warm.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Smoky Texas Chili.

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili without a smoker?

Yes! If you don’t have a smoker, you can use a stovetop or oven. Just sear the beef well to get that nice crust and add smoked paprika for flavor.

How spicy is Smoky Texas Chili?

The spiciness of this chili depends on how much jalapeño you add. For a milder version, you can omit it entirely or use less than the recipe calls for.

What makes Smoky Texas Chili different from other chilis?

Smoky Texas Chili stands out due to its use of smoked beef chuck roast, which infuses the dish with a rich, smoky flavor that elevates traditional chili recipes.

Can I add beans to Smoky Texas Chili?

Traditionally, Texas chili does not include beans. However, if you prefer them, feel free to add cooked beans towards the end of cooking!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Smoky Texas Chili! It’s more than just a meal; it’s an experience filled with warmth and flavor, perfect for gathering with friends and family. Enjoy every hearty bite, and don’t hesitate to customize it to your taste. Happy cooking!