This hearty Texas brisket chili is full of rich flavors and tender meat. It combines smoky brisket, zesty spices, and a touch of love for a meal that’s hard to resist!
Chili night is my favorite! I love to top it with cheese and fresh cornbread. Trust me, this chili warms you up better than a cozy blanket on a chilly night! 🌶️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Brisket: This cut is key for flavor and tenderness. If it’s hard to find, you can substitute with chuck roast, but the cooking time may vary slightly. Cook until it’s just as tender!
Chili Powder: A Texas-style blend adds authentic flavor. If you prefer a milder chili, you can use a mix of paprika and cumin instead. I suggest trying a few brands to find your favorite!
Beef Broth: For a richer taste, use homemade beef broth. If you’re looking for a lighter option, vegetable broth works too, just be mindful that it might alter the overall flavor.
Cocoa Powder: This ingredient adds depth to the chili. If you’re out or prefer not to use it, a small amount of strong coffee can work similarly for a unique twist!
How Do I Achieve Perfectly Tender Brisket in Chili?
Cooking brisket until it’s perfectly tender is all about low, slow heat. Here’s how to do it right:
- Start with a searing step to lock in flavors; this builds a great base.
- Use a heavy pot that retains heat well – a Dutch oven is perfect.
- Simmer the chili on low heat for several hours. This allows the meat to break down and become tender.
- Stir occasionally to ensure it doesn’t stick and cook evenly.
Patience is key! The longer it simmers, the more flavorful and tender it will be.
Authentic Texas Brisket Chili
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 3 lbs beef brisket, trimmed and cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil
- 1 large onion, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 3 tbsp chili powder (preferably a Texas-style blend)
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
- 1 tbsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt (plus more to taste)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 (8 oz) can tomato sauce
- 1 (6 oz) can diced green chilies (optional)
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- 2 tsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp cocoa powder or small piece of dark chocolate (for depth of flavor)
- Fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
- Shredded cheddar cheese (for topping)
- Sour cream (for topping)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious Texas brisket chili will take about 15 minutes to prepare, followed by 3 to 4 hours of simmering. Enjoying the rich flavors is worth the wait!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Brown the Brisket:
Heat the vegetable oil in a large heavy-bottomed pot or Dutch oven over medium-high heat. Working in batches, add the brisket cubes and brown them on all sides. This step enhances the flavor, so don’t rush it! Once browned, remove the brisket and set it aside.
2. Sauté Aromatics:
In the same pot, add the chopped onion and sauté for about 5 minutes until softened and translucent. Then, add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, just until fragrant. Your kitchen will smell amazing already!
3. Add Spices:
Stir in the chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for about 1 minute to release their natural oils and aromas. This step is key for building flavor.
4. Deglaze and Build Flavor:
Pour in a splash of beef broth to deglaze the pot, scraping up any browned bits stuck to the bottom. These bits are full of flavor and will elevate your chili!
5. Combine Ingredients:
Return the browned brisket back to the pot. Add the remaining beef broth, tomato sauce, diced green chilies (if using), apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and cocoa powder or dark chocolate. Stir everything well to combine.
6. Simmer:
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to low and cover the pot. Let it simmer for 3 to 4 hours, stirring occasionally. This slow cooking will make the brisket tender and the chili thick and flavorful.
7. Final Taste Adjustments:
After simmering, taste your chili. Add more salt or cayenne if you prefer it spicier or need more seasoning to enhance the flavors.
8. Serve:
Ladle the chili into bowls and top with shredded cheddar cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. Enjoy your authentic Texas brisket chili with warm cornbread or tortilla chips for an ultra-satisfying meal!
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Can I Use Leftover Brisket for This Chili?
Absolutely! Leftover brisket is perfect for chili. Just adjust the cooking time to an hour or so, enough to infuse the flavors without overcooking the meat.
What Can I Substitute for Beef Broth?
If you don’t have beef broth on hand, you can use chicken broth or vegetable broth. Keep in mind that this may slightly change the overall flavor but will still be delicious!
How Should I Store Leftover Chili?
Store any leftover chili in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. It also freezes well, so you can keep it in the freezer for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
Can I Make This Chili Spicier?
Definitely! You can add more cayenne pepper or include chopped jalapeños for extra heat. Just remember to adjust the spices gradually to match your preference.
