Is Chili Without Beans Good? (Texas Style Chili + Bonus Cornbread Recipe)

ground beef

🥗Healthier: ground turkey

💰Cheaper: ground pork

Ground turkey is leaner, while ground pork can be more affordable.

kidney beans

🥗Healthier: black beans

💰Cheaper: canned beans

Black beans provide a different flavor and are often cheaper in bulk.

Preheat the broiler to its highest setting.

Cut the boneless beef chuck roast into 1.5 inch slabs and then into a rough medium dice, removing large streaks of fat.

Toss the diced beef with neutral oil and a generous pinch of salt.

Spread the beef evenly on a half sheet tray and broil for about 15 minutes, turning halfway through for even browning.

Toast the guajillo, chipotle, and ancho chilies in the microwave for 60 seconds.

Seed the toasted chilies and blend them with the beef stock, oregano, black pepper, cumin, cinnamon, and cocoa powder until smooth.

Preheat a 6.5 quart Dutch oven over medium-high heat and add neutral oil.

Add the diced onion and poblano pepper with a strong pinch of salt, cooking for 4-5 minutes until caramelized.

Add minced garlic and sauté for about a minute until fragrant.

Stir in the chili puree and 50 grams of tomato paste, then add the broiled beef and any drippings from the tray.

Add 300-500 grams of additional stock as needed for consistency, then cover and braise in the oven at 275°F for 90 minutes.

Check the meat for tenderness and skim excess fat from the top.

Return the chili to the oven, uncovered, for an additional hour to concentrate flavors.

Cooking Techniques

Equipment Needed

Spice Level: