Smoky Texas Chili

Make Smoky Texas Chili. This recipe is easy, savory, and perfect for game day or the holidays. Crafted with smoked beef chuck roast and a medley of spices, this chili stands out with its rich flavors and heartwarming aroma, making it a go-to dish for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Savory Flavor: The combination of smoked beef and spices creates a deep, rich flavor that warms you from the inside out.
• Great for Groups: This recipe serves 16 people, making it ideal for parties, potlucks, and family gatherings.
• Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it on its own or top it off with cheese, scallions, and sour cream for an extra layer of flavor.
• Easy to Prepare: Simple steps allow you to focus on enjoying time with your guests rather than stressing in the kitchen.
• Unique Dumpling Twist: The addition of cheddar jalapeño dumplings gives a delightful texture contrast to the smoky chili.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Smoker
• Dutch oven
• Cutting board
• Chef’s knife
• Mixing bowls
• Measuring cups and spoons

Importance of Each Tool

• Smoker: Infuses your beef with a distinct smoky flavor that elevates the chili.
• Dutch oven: Perfect for slow-cooking and allows even heat distribution, ensuring all ingredients meld beautifully.
• Chef’s knife: A sharp knife makes chopping vegetables quick and safe, enhancing your overall efficiency in the kitchen.

Ingredients

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

How to Make Smoky Texas Chili

Step 1: Prepare Your Smoker

Add wood chunks, chips, pellets, or charcoal to the smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Preheat to 250°F.

Step 2: Smoke the Beef Chuck Roast

• Season trimmed Chuck Roast generously with salt and pepper.
• Place Chuck Roast on rack in smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions. Set timer for 8 hours.

Step 3: Wrap and Continue Smoking

• After 4 hours or when the roast reaches an internal temperature of 180°F, wrap it with unwaxed butcher paper and place it back in the smoker.

Step 4: Final Internal Temperature Check

• After another 4 hours or when the roast reaches an internal temperature of 208–210°F, remove it from the smoker.

Step 5: Resting Period

Let rest in the butcher paper for at least 1 hour. Slice the roast into cubes right before adding it to the chili.

Step 6: Sauté Vegetables

In a Dutch oven, heat vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion (and sprinkle with salt if desired). Sauté until onions are translucent (about 5 minutes). Add red peppers; sauté for another 2 minutes.

Step 7: Add Spices

Add dark chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder to sautéed vegetables. Stir frequently for about a minute allowing spices to bloom but not burn.

Step 8: Incorporate Beef & Peppers

Add cubed smoked Chuck Roast and poblano peppers into the pot. Stir until everything is coated with spices.

Step 9: Add Liquid Ingredients

Stir in beef stock and crushed tomatoes to deglaze the bottom of the pot.

Step 10: Season & Simmer

Add oregano, beef base, Worcestershire sauce; season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring chili to a boil then reduce heat to low; simmer covered for 40 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 11: Prepare Dumpling Mixture

While chili cooks, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl.

Step 12: Combine Wet Ingredients

Add eggs folding gently into dry ingredients until combined; stir buttermilk into mixture until just combined.

Step 13: Add Cheese & Jalapeños

Gently fold in shredded cheese and diced jalapeños without over-mixing.

Step 14: Cook Dumplings in Chili

Place dollops (1–2 oz.) of dumpling batter into simmering chili. Cover and continue cooking for about 20 minutes or until dumplings are firm yet fluffy.

Step 15: Serve & Enjoy

Serve your Smoky Texas Chili in bowls garnished with shredded cheese, sliced scallions, cilantro leaves, and a dollop of sour cream if desired!

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Serving Smoky Texas Chili can elevate your gathering or meal experience. This hearty dish pairs well with various toppings and sides, allowing everyone to customize their bowl just the way they like it.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add sharp cheddar or a cheese blend for a creamy, savory finish.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool, creamy contrast to the spicy chili.
• Sliced Jalapeños: Fresh jalapeños provide an extra kick for those who love heat.
• Chopped Cilantro: Fresh cilantro brightens up the flavors and adds a fresh herbal note.
• Scallions: Sliced scallions offer a mild onion flavor and a nice crunch.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side for a sweet and buttery complement to the chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up chili or enjoying on their own.
• Rice: A side of white or brown rice can help balance the richness of the chili and soak up the delicious broth.

How to Perfect Smoky Texas Chili

Perfecting Smoky Texas Chili involves attention to detail in cooking techniques and ingredient choices. Here are some essential tips to enhance your chili-making skills.

• Use Quality Meat: Select a good cut of beef chuck roast for optimal flavor and tenderness in your chili.
• Smoke the Meat Properly: Ensure you smoke the chuck roast at the right temperature for maximum smokiness; patience pays off!
• Balance Spices Carefully: Adjust spices according to your taste. Feel free to experiment with additional herbs like thyme or bay leaf for more depth.
• Simmer Slowly: Allow your chili to simmer gently; this helps meld all flavors together beautifully.
• Don’t Rush Dumplings: Allow dumplings enough time to cook through in the chili without overcooking them, ensuring they remain fluffy.

Best Side Dishes for Smoky Texas Chili

Pairing side dishes with Smoky Texas Chili can enhance your meal experience. Here are some excellent options that complement its rich flavors.

1. Cornbread: Sweet and moist, cornbread is perfect for soaking up that delicious chili broth.
2. Cilantro Lime Rice: Flavored rice adds freshness and complements the smoky flavors of the chili well.
3. Garden Salad: A crisp salad provides a refreshing contrast with its crunchy veggies and light dressing.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Charred vegetables add another layer of flavor and texture alongside your chili.
5. Coleslaw: Creamy coleslaw offers a crunchy bite that balances out the warmth of the chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a hearty base for your chili; top them with cheese or sour cream!
7. Tortilla Chips & Guacamole: Enjoy crispy chips paired with creamy guacamole for an extra treat before digging into your chili.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Smoky Texas Chili, it’s easy to run into some common pitfalls. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

• Not seasoning enough: Failing to season your ingredients properly can lead to bland chili. Always taste as you go and adjust the seasoning accordingly.
• Overcooking the meat: If the smoked beef chuck roast is overcooked, it can become tough. Monitor the cooking time closely and remove it once it reaches the desired tenderness.
• Ignoring ingredient quality: Using low-quality ingredients can affect the overall flavor of your chili. Opt for fresh vegetables, high-quality spices, and well-sourced meat for the best results.
• Skipping the simmering step: Simmering allows flavors to meld together. Avoid rushing this process; let your chili simmer covered for at least 40 minutes.
• Not using enough liquid: Chili should have a good consistency; too little liquid will make it dry. Make sure to add enough beef stock and crushed tomatoes to achieve a hearty texture.
• Neglecting garnishes: Garnishes enhance the dish’s flavor and presentation. Don’t forget toppings like cheese, scallions, or cilantro before serving!

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container for up to 5 days.
• Allow chili to cool completely before refrigerating.

Freezing Smoky Texas Chili

• Freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
• Leave some space at the top of the container for expansion during freezing.

Reheating Smoky Texas Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F and bake in a covered dish for about 30 minutes.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals, stirring frequently until hot.
• Stovetop: Reheat on medium heat in a saucepan, stirring until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Smoky Texas Chili:

What makes Smoky Texas Chili different from regular chili?

Smoky Texas Chili features smoked beef chuck roast, which adds a rich depth of flavor that sets it apart from traditional recipes.

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a day ahead allows flavors to develop even more, making it taste better when reheated.

How spicy is Smoky Texas Chili?

The spiciness can be adjusted based on your preference. You can control heat levels by adding more or fewer jalapeños or using milder peppers.

What toppings go well with Smoky Texas Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped scallions, and fresh cilantro for added flavor and texture.

Can I use chicken instead of beef?

Yes! You can easily substitute chicken in this recipe for a lighter version while still enjoying delicious flavors.

Final Thoughts

Smoky Texas Chili is not only hearty and satisfying but also versatile enough to suit various tastes. Feel free to customize by adding different vegetables or adjusting the spice level. This dish promises warmth and comfort whether it’s game day or a cozy family dinner!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Smoky Texas Chili

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 8 hours 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves 16 1x

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Description

Indulge in the rich, smoky flavors of Smoky Texas Chili, a hearty dish perfect for gatherings and cozy nights alike. Crafted with tender smoked beef chuck roast and a blend of aromatic spices, this chili offers a delightful warmth that will satisfy your taste buds and fill your home with an irresistible aroma. The addition of cheddar jalapeño dumplings provides a unique twist and texture, making this dish not only comforting but also memorable. Whether you’re hosting a game day party or enjoying a family dinner, this recipe promises to be the highlight of any meal.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 lbs. smoked beef chuck roast
• 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
• 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

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Instructions

1. Preheat smoker to 250°F and smoke the seasoned beef chuck roast for about 8 hours.
2. In a Dutch oven, sauté diced onions and red bell peppers in vegetable oil until translucent.
3. Add spices and cook until fragrant.
4. Stir in cubed smoked beef chuck roast, poblano peppers, beef stock, and crushed tomatoes; simmer for 40 minutes.
5. Prepare dumpling mixture of cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, honey, eggs, and buttermilk; fold in cheese and jalapeños.
6. Drop dumpling batter into simmering chili; cover and cook for an additional 20 minutes until fluffy.

• Prep Time: 30 minutes
• Cook Time: 8 hours
• Category: Main
• Method: Smoking, Sautéing, Simmering
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 bowl (350g)
• Calories: 450
• Sugar: 6g
• Sodium: 950mg
• Fat: 22g
• Saturated Fat: 9g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 38g
• Fiber: 6g
• Protein: 30g
• Cholesterol: 100mg