Smoky Texas Chili

Make Smoky Texas Chili. This recipe is easy, savory, and perfect for game day or holiday gatherings. With its rich flavors and hearty ingredients, this dish stands out as a crowd-pleaser. The smoked beef chuck roast adds depth, while the spicy kick from jalapeños keeps everyone coming back for more.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Filling: Smoky Texas Chili is perfect for feeding a crowd or enjoying leftovers.
• Rich Flavor: The combination of smoked beef and spices creates an irresistible taste that warms the soul.
• Versatile Dish: Serve it alone or with toppings like cheese and sour cream; customize it to your liking.
• Easy Preparation: With straightforward instructions, even novice cooks can master it.
• Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual dinner or a festive gathering, this chili fits right in.

Tools and Preparation

To prepare your Smoky Texas Chili, you’ll need some essential tools to help you achieve the best results.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Dutch oven
• Smoker
• Meat thermometer
• Mixing bowls

Importance of Each Tool

• Dutch oven: Ideal for slow cooking; retains heat well for even cooking.
• Smoker: Adds that signature smoky flavor to the beef, enhancing the overall taste of the chili.
• Meat thermometer: Ensures your beef is cooked to perfection, avoiding guesswork.
• Mixing bowls: Useful for combining ingredients without making a mess.

Ingredients

For the Beef

• 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
• 2 roasted poblanos, coarsely chopped

For the Chili Base

• ¼ cup dark chili powder
• 1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. paprika
• 1 Tbsp. cumin
• 1 Tbsp. fine black pepper
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 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 the Smoker

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

Step 2: Season the Beef

Season trimmed Chuck Roast generously with salt and pepper.

Step 3: Smoke the Chuck Roast

Place Chuck Roast on rack in smoker according to manufacturer’s instructions and set timer for 8 hours.

Step 4: Wrap During Cooking

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

Step 5: Finish Smoking

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

Step 6: Let It Rest

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

Step 7: Sauté Vegetables

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

Step 8: Add Spices

Add chili powder, paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder stirring frequently for about a minute allowing the spices to bloom but not burn.

Step 9: Combine Ingredients

Add cubed smoked Chuck Roast and poblano peppers to pot; coat everything with spices then stir in beef stock and tomatoes.

Step 10: Season Further

Add oregano, beef base, and Worcestershire sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 11: Simmer

Bring chili to a boil then turn stove to LOW heat and simmer covered for about 40 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 12: Prepare Dumplings

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

Step 13: Mix Wet Ingredients

Add eggs folding gently then stir in buttermilk until combined.

Step 14: Fold In Cheese & Jalapeños

Fold in cheese and jalapeños being careful not to over mix batter.

Step 15: Cook Dumplings

Place dollops of dumpling batter into chili; continue simmering covered for another 20 minutes or until dumplings are firm yet fluffy.

Final Touches

Serve 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 is all about enhancing its rich flavors and creating a delicious experience. Here are some delightful suggestions to elevate your chili feast.

Toppings

• Shredded Cheese: Add a sprinkle of sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack for a creamy finish.
• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds a cool contrast to the spicy chili.
• Fresh Herbs: Garnish with cilantro or scallions for an aromatic touch.

Accompaniments

• Cornbread: Serve warm cornbread on the side to soak up the chili’s savory goodness.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips make for a fun dipping option, adding texture to each bite.

Drinks

• Iced Tea: A refreshing glass of sweetened or unsweetened iced tea pairs well with the heat of the chili.
• Lemonade: The tartness of lemonade can balance the smoky flavors beautifully.

How to Perfect Smoky Texas Chili

To ensure your Smoky Texas Chili turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

• Bold seasoning: Don’t be shy with spices; they bring depth and flavor to your chili.
• Quality meat: Use a good cut of beef chuck roast; it makes a difference in tenderness and flavor.
• Slow cooking: Allowing the chili to simmer for longer enhances the flavors significantly.
• Taste as you go: Adjust seasonings throughout cooking to suit your palate perfectly.

Best Side Dishes for Smoky Texas Chili

Pairing side dishes with Smoky Texas Chili can enhance your meal. Here are some fantastic options that complement this hearty dish.

1. Cornbread: Sweet, buttery cornbread is perfect for scooping up chili and balancing its spice.
2. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw provides a crunchy contrast that’s fresh and light against the rich chili.
3. Rice Pilaf: Fluffy rice pilaf absorbs the sauce, making each bite flavorful and filling.
4. Grilled Vegetables: Seasonal grilled veggies add color and nutrients, rounding out your plate nicely.
5. Potato Salad: Creamy potato salad brings comfort and pairs well with spicy dishes like chili.
6. Baked Potatoes: Serve baked potatoes as a base for chili, allowing guests to create their own loaded potato bowls.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Cooking Smoky Texas Chili can be a rewarding experience, but there are common pitfalls that can affect the final dish. Here are some mistakes to watch out for:

• Not seasoning properly: Many cooks forget to season their chili adequately. Taste as you go and adjust with salt and spices to enhance flavors.
• Using low-quality beef: The meat is crucial for a great chili. Choose a good quality beef chuck roast for the best smoky flavor.
• Overcooking or undercooking: Timing is key in this recipe. Ensure you follow the recommended cooking times to achieve tender meat without drying it out.
• Skipping the smoking step: Smoking the beef adds depth to your chili. Don’t skip this step—smoke until the meat is perfectly cooked for the best results.
• Ignoring simmering time: Allowing the chili to simmer helps meld the flavors together. Don’t rush this step; let it simmer gently for the full duration.
• Not adjusting for personal taste: Everyone has different preferences. Feel free to customize the spice levels or ingredients according to your liking.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftover Smoky Texas Chili in an airtight container.
• It can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Smoky Texas Chili

• Freeze in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• It will keep well for up to 3 months.

Reheating Smoky Texas Chili

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F, cover chili with foil, and heat for about 30 minutes or until warmed through.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe bowl, cover loosely, and heat on high for 2-3 minutes, stirring halfway through.
• Stovetop: Heat over medium-low heat, stirring occasionally until heated thoroughly.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions about making Smoky Texas Chili:

Can I use other meats in Smoky Texas Chili?

Yes! You can substitute beef with chicken or turkey if you prefer a lighter option.

How spicy is Smoky Texas Chili?

The spice level can vary based on your choice of peppers. Adjust jalapeños and spices according to your taste preference.

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili without a smoker?

Absolutely! You can roast the beef in an oven or slow cooker and still achieve a delicious flavor by using smoked paprika.

What toppings go well with Smoky Texas Chili?

Popular toppings include shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced scallions, and fresh cilantro.

How long does it take to make Smoky Texas Chili?

The total time includes smoking and cooking, which takes about 10 hours. However, hands-on time is significantly less.

Final Thoughts

Smoky Texas Chili is a fantastic dish that brings warmth and flavor to any occasion. Its rich smoky taste makes it perfect for gatherings or cozy nights at home. Feel free to customize it with your favorite spices or toppings—it’s versatile enough for everyone’s palate!