Smoky Texas Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty, comforting dish that warms your soul, then you need to try this Smoky Texas Chili. This recipe has been a family favorite for years, bringing everyone together during game days and chilly holidays. The rich flavors of smoked beef and spicy peppers combine perfectly to create a bowl of pure satisfaction. Plus, who doesn’t love chili with fluffy dumplings? It’s an easy recipe that makes cooking feel like a cozy embrace.

Whether you’re gathering friends for the big game or just want to share a delicious meal with your loved ones, this Smoky Texas Chili is your go-to. It’s simple to prepare but delivers big on taste, making it the star of any occasion!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious chili.
• Family-friendly appeal: Kids and adults alike will savor every spoonful—perfect for picky eaters!
• Make-ahead convenience: You can easily prepare this chili in advance and reheat it for quick meals throughout the week.
• Rich and smoky flavor: The smoked beef adds depth that elevates this dish beyond the ordinary.
• Perfect for gatherings: With enough servings for a crowd, it’s ideal for parties or family dinners.

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Smoky Texas Chili recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that you can find at any grocery store. Let’s gather what we need to create this flavorful dish!

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

One of the best things about Smoky Texas Chili is how flexible it is! You can customize it based on what you have on hand or your personal taste preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter option.
• Add more beans: Incorporate black beans or kidney beans for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, add extra jalapeños or a dash of hot sauce to kick things up a notch!
• Go vegetarian: Replace beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and lentils for a satisfying vegetarian version.

How to Make Smoky Texas Chili

Step 1: Smoke the Beef

Start by preparing your smoker according to its instructions and preheating it to 250°F. Season the trimmed Chuck Roast generously with salt and pepper; this step is crucial as it enhances the meat’s flavor while smoking. Place the roast in the smoker and let it work its magic for about 8 hours—this long cooking time allows the beef to become tender and infused with smoky goodness.

Step 2: Prepare Your Vegetables

While your roast is smoking away, chop up your onions and red bell pepper. When the roast reaches an internal temperature of 180°F after four hours, wrap it in butcher paper and continue smoking until it reaches about 210°F—this is where all those delicious flavors come together!

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

Once your roast is ready, heat vegetable oil in a Dutch oven over MEDIUM-HIGH heat. Add in the diced onions along with a pinch of salt (if desired), cooking them until they are translucent—this brings out their natural sweetness! Stir in the red bell peppers and sauté for another couple of minutes before adding all those wonderful spices like chili powder and cumin.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

Now it’s time to add that beautifully smoked Chuck Roast along with chopped poblanos into your pot! Stir everything together so that every ingredient gets coated in those fragrant spices. Pour in beef stock and crushed tomatoes—the liquid helps meld all those delicious flavors together while deglazing any tasty bits stuck at the bottom.

Step 5: Simmer & Cook

After adding oregano, beef base, and Worcestershire sauce, season your chili with salt and pepper as needed. Bring everything to a boil before reducing heat to LOW; simmer covered for about 40 minutes while stirring occasionally—this allows all those flavors to develop beautifully!

Step 6: Make Dumplings

While your chili simmers away, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a separate bowl for the dumplings! Adding eggs gently combines everything followed by buttermilk until well-mixed—with patience! Finally fold in cheddar cheese along with diced jalapeños without overmixing!

Step 7: Add Dumplings

Dollop about 1-2 oz of dumpling batter right into your bubbling chili! Cover again while letting them cook until fluffy—around another 20 minutes should do!

Step 8: Serve Up & Enjoy

Once done cooking, ladle out portions into bowls garnished with shredded cheese, sliced scallions, cilantro leaves—and if you like—a dollop of sour cream on top! Gather around friends or family; get ready because this Smoky Texas Chili will surely be a hit!

Pro Tips for Making Smoky Texas Chili

Making Smoky Texas Chili can be a delightful experience, and these tips will ensure your chili turns out perfectly every time!

• Use quality beef – Opting for a high-quality chuck roast will enhance the flavor and tenderness of your chili. The better the meat, the richer the taste!
• Don’t rush the smoking process – Allowing the chuck roast to smoke for a full 8 hours gives it that deep, smoky flavor that distinguishes this dish. Patience here is key!
• Adjust spice levels to taste – If you prefer a spicier chili, feel free to add more jalapeños or even a pinch of cayenne pepper. Customizing the heat level ensures everyone enjoys it.
• Let the flavors meld – After cooking, letting your chili sit for a while (if you can resist) allows the flavors to deepen and develop further. This makes every bite even more satisfying!
• Experiment with toppings – Don’t hesitate to get creative with your garnishes! Different toppings can provide new textures and flavors, making each serving unique.

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Serving your Smoky Texas Chili can be just as fun as making it! With various presentation ideas, you can impress your guests while creating a cozy atmosphere.

Garnishes

• Shredded cheese – A sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds creaminess and enhances the smokiness of the chili.
• Chopped scallions – Fresh scallions provide a mild onion flavor that brightens up each bowl.
• Cilantro leaves – For those who love herbs, cilantro adds a fresh note that complements the spicy chili beautifully.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread – This classic pairing offers a sweet balance to the savory chili. The soft texture absorbs some of the chili juices perfectly.
• Tortilla chips – Crunchy tortilla chips are great for dipping and add an enjoyable crunch that contrasts with the smoothness of the chili.
• Coleslaw – A refreshing coleslaw can cut through the richness of the chili while adding a satisfying crunch. It’s also an excellent way to incorporate some veggies into your meal!
• Avocado slices – Creamy avocado provides a soothing element against the spices in the chili and makes for a deliciously rich addition.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to enjoy a hearty bowl of Smoky Texas Chili! Whether it’s game day or just a chilly evening at home, this dish is sure to warm both body and soul. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Texas Chili is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! It stores beautifully, allowing you to enjoy its rich flavors over several days.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
• Label with the date and contents.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal flavor.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat until warmed through, adding a splash of broth if needed.
• For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and heat in 1-minute intervals until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Smoky Texas Chili.

Can I use other meats instead of beef chuck roast for this Smoky Texas Chili?

Absolutely! While beef chuck roast gives a rich flavor, you can substitute with ground beef or turkey. Just adjust cooking times accordingly.

What makes this Smoky Texas Chili different from other chili recipes?

This recipe stands out due to the smoked chuck roast, which infuses a deep smoky flavor into the dish, elevating it beyond traditional chili recipes.

How can I make Smoky Texas Chili spicier?

For extra heat, you can add more diced jalapeños or include a pinch of cayenne pepper. Adjust according to your spice preference!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in preparing this Smoky Texas Chili! It’s perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. The hearty flavors and delightful aroma will surely warm your heart and home. Enjoy every spoonful, and don’t hesitate to share your own twists on this recipe—I’d love to hear how it turns out for you!