Paula Deen Texas Chili Recipe
If you love bold, hearty flavors, this Paula Deen Texas Chili Recipe is perfect for you. It’s rich, spicy, and full of tender meat. Making chili at home is easier than you think.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs ground beef 80% lean
- 1 large onion chopped
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 green bell pepper chopped
- 1 red bell pepper chopped
- 1 can 28 oz crushed tomatoes
- 2 cans 15 oz kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper optional, for heat
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil or butter for cooking
Instructions
Brown the Beef
- Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add ground beef. Cook until no pink remains. Stir occasionally.
Add Onions and Garlic
- Add chopped onion and minced garlic. Cook until soft and fragrant, about 3–4 minutes.
Cook the Bell Peppers
- Add green and red bell peppers. Sauté for 3–5 minutes. They should be tender but still bright.
Add Spices
- Sprinkle chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, and cayenne over the mixture. Stir well for even flavor.
Stir in Tomatoes
- Pour crushed tomatoes into the pot. Mix everything until the sauce is smooth and rich.
Add Beans and Broth
- Add kidney beans and beef broth. Stir to combine. Bring chili to a gentle boil.
Simmer Slowly
- Reduce heat to low. Cover and let it simmer for 1.5–2 hours. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
Taste and Adjust
- Check flavor after 1 hour. Add salt, pepper, or more chili powder if needed.
Serve Hot
- Ladle chili into bowls. Add toppings like shredded cheese, sour cream, or fresh cilantro.
Notes
- Use a mix of ground beef and sausage for extra flavor.
- Try adding a splash of beer for a smoky depth.
- If you like heat, increase cayenne pepper or add chopped jalapeños.
- For a smoother chili, mash some beans while cooking.
- Chili tastes even better the next day — leftovers are gold.