Smoky Texas Chili

If you’re looking for a dish that warms the heart and brings everyone together, then you absolutely have to try this Smoky Texas Chili! This recipe is not just a meal; it’s an experience. The combination of smoky flavors from the beef chuck roast and the rich spices creates a bowl of comfort that’s simply irresistible. Whether it’s game day or a cozy family gathering, this chili is sure to impress.

What makes this Smoky Texas Chili extra special is its ability to feed a crowd while being surprisingly easy to prepare. With minimal prep time and a hands-off cooking approach, you can spend more time enjoying the company of your loved ones rather than slaving away in the kitchen!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy Preparation: This recipe keeps things simple with straightforward steps, making it perfect for both novice cooks and seasoned chefs.
• Family-Friendly: Packed with flavor and hearty ingredients, even the pickiest eaters will love digging into this delicious chili.
• Make-Ahead Convenience: Great for meal prep! You can easily make this chili in advance and reheat it on busy weeknights.
• Flavor Explosion: The blend of spices combined with the smoky beef creates an unforgettable taste experience that will have everyone coming back for seconds!
• Perfect for Entertaining: Whether it’s a holiday feast or a casual game day, this chili fits right in at any gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients to make our Smoky Texas Chili. You’ll love how effortlessly they come together to create something truly delicious!

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 this Smoky Texas Chili is its flexibility! Feel free to get creative and make it your own with these fun variation ideas:

• Swap the protein: Use chicken or turkey instead of beef for a lighter version that still packs a punch.
• Add beans: While traditional Texas chili often excludes beans, feel free to add kidney or black beans if you prefer them for added texture and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add more heat by including diced serrano peppers or extra jalapeños—perfect for those who love spicy food!
• Go vegetarian: Substitute the beef with hearty veggies like mushrooms and zucchini, along with vegetable broth for a satisfying meat-free option.

How to Make Smoky Texas Chili

Step 1: Smoke the Beef

Start by adding wood chunks, chips, pellets, or charcoal to your smoker as per manufacturer’s instructions and preheat it to 250°F. Season your trimmed Chuck Roast generously with salt and pepper before placing it on the rack in the smoker. Set your timer for 8 hours! Smoking enhances flavors beautifully and makes our chili truly smoky.

Step 2: Wrap It Up

After about four hours—or when the roast reaches an internal temperature of 180°F—wrap it in unwaxed butcher paper and return it to the smoker. This step helps keep moisture in while allowing that wonderful smoke flavor to penetrate even deeper.

Step 3: Chop It Up

Once your roast reaches an internal temperature of around 208-210°F after another four hours, remove it from the smoker! Letting it rest in butcher paper for at least an hour ensures that all those delicious juices stay locked in when you slice it into cubes right before adding them to your chili.

Step 4: Start Cooking Your Base

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm up vegetable oil. Add in your diced yellow onion (and sprinkle with salt if desired) sautéing until they’re translucent—this usually takes about five minutes! Then toss in chopped red bell pepper and let them mingle for two minutes longer before adding your spices: dark chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Stir frequently so those spices bloom without burning! Once fragrant, add your cubed smoked Chuck Roast along with poblano peppers into the pot. Stir everything well until coated in those heavenly spices before deglazing with beef stock and crushed tomatoes.

Step 6: Season & Simmer

Next up is adding Mexican oregano, beef base, Worcestershire sauce—and don’t forget salt and pepper to taste! Bring everything to a boil then reduce heat to low; cover and let simmer while stirring occasionally for about 40 minutes.

Step 7: Make Your Dumplings

While that scrumptious chili simmers away, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a separate bowl for those delightful cheddar jalapeño dumplings. Add two eggs gently folding them into dry ingredients before stirring buttermilk until just combined.

Step 8: Fold In Cheese & Jalapeños

Carefully fold shredded cheese and finely diced jalapeños into your batter without overmixing—this helps keep those dumplings light and fluffy!

Step 9: Dollop & Cook

Now comes the fun part! Drop dollops of dumpling batter (about 1-2 oz each) right into your simmering chili. Cover again and let it cook for another 20 minutes until those dumplings are firm yet fluffy.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Finally! Serve up generous bowls of this Smoky Texas Chili garnished with shredded cheese, sliced scallions, cilantro leaves—and if you’re feeling indulgent—a dollop of sour cream on top! Enjoy every hearty bite surrounded by friends or family—you’ll find they won’t be able to resist going back for seconds!

With this recipe in hand, you’re bound to create not just a meal but also lasting memories around the table! Enjoy!

Pro Tips for Making Smoky Texas Chili

Making the perfect Smoky Texas Chili is all about the details, and a few simple tips can enhance your cooking experience!

• Choose high-quality beef: Using a good cut of beef chuck roast ensures tenderness and rich flavor in your chili, making each bite a savory delight.
• Don’t rush the smoking process: Allowing the chuck roast to smoke for the full eight hours deepens the flavors, giving your chili that authentic smoky taste that sets it apart.
• Adjust spices to your preference: Feel free to tweak the spice levels according to your taste. If you love heat, add more jalapeños or chili powder; if you prefer milder flavors, reduce them slightly.
• Let it simmer: Allowing the chili to simmer covered for at least 40 minutes helps meld the flavors together beautifully. The longer it simmers, the better it tastes!
• Experiment with garnishes: A variety of toppings like sour cream or fresh cilantro can brighten up your chili and add extra texture.

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Serving Smoky Texas Chili is not just about filling bowls; it’s a chance to create an inviting experience for family and friends! Here are some ideas on how to present this hearty dish.

Garnishes

• Shredded cheese: Adding shredded sharp cheddar on top brings a delicious creaminess that complements the smoky flavors beautifully.
• Sliced scallions: Fresh scallions add a nice crunch and mild onion flavor, which contrast nicely with the rich chili.
• Cilantro leaves: A sprinkle of fresh cilantro adds a burst of freshness that brightens up each bowl.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This classic pairing is perfect for soaking up the chili. Its slightly sweet flavor balances well with the spiciness of the dish.
• Tortilla chips: Crunchy tortilla chips provide a delightful texture contrast and make for great dippers alongside your chili.
• Rice: Serving your smoky chili over a bed of fluffy rice makes for a comforting meal that stretches servings further without losing any flavor.
• Grilled vegetables: Lightly grilled veggies like zucchini or bell peppers add color and healthiness to your meal, providing a refreshing contrast.

With these serving suggestions, you’re all set to wow your guests at your next gathering! Enjoy every bite of this flavorful Smoky Texas Chili!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Texas Chili is perfect for meal prep, making it easy to enjoy delicious home-cooked meals throughout the week. The flavors deepen as it sits, so it’s a fantastic option to cook ahead of time.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the fridge for up to 4 days.
• If you plan on enjoying it later in the week, consider portioning it into smaller containers for grab-and-go convenience.

Freezing

• Once cooled, pour the chili into freezer-safe bags or containers.
• Leave some space at the top of the container or bag for expansion during freezing.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for best flavor and quality.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Warm on the stove over medium heat until heated through, stirring occasionally.
• You can also microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, covered with a microwave-safe lid or wrap.

FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about making Smoky Texas Chili!

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili without beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or jackfruit and use vegetable broth instead of beef stock for a delicious vegetarian version.

How long does Smoky Texas Chili last in the fridge?

Smoky Texas Chili will last up to 4 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container. Enjoy it for lunch or dinner throughout the week!

What makes Smoky Texas Chili different from other chili recipes?

The unique smokiness comes from using smoked chuck roast, which adds depth and richness that sets this recipe apart from traditional chili dishes.

Can I adjust the spice level of my Smoky Texas Chili?

Yes! Feel free to adjust the amount of jalapeño or add more spices based on your preference. For milder chili, you can omit spicy ingredients altogether.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Smoky Texas Chili as much as I do! It’s not only savory and satisfying but also brings warmth and comfort to any gathering. Whether you’re celebrating game day or cozying up with family during the holidays, this dish is sure to impress. Happy cooking, and I can’t wait for you to savor every bite!