Smoky Texas Chili

If you’re looking for a hearty dish that warms you from the inside out, then look no further than this Smoky Texas Chili. It’s one of those recipes that brings back memories of cozy gatherings with friends and family. The rich, smoky flavor from the beef chuck roast combined with a medley of spices creates a chili that’s simply irresistible. Perfect for game day or those chilly holiday evenings, this dish is bound to be a crowd-pleaser!

What makes this Smoky Texas Chili so special is not just its deliciousness but also its simplicity. You can easily prepare it ahead of time, allowing the flavors to deepen and develop. Whether you’re hosting a big party or enjoying a quiet dinner at home, this recipe fits right in!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Hearty and Satisfying: This chili is packed with tender beef and robust flavors, making it perfect for any appetite.
• Easy to Prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip up this delicious meal without stress!
• Great for Gatherings: Serving 16, it’s an ideal choice for parties or family gatherings where everyone can dig in.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance! The flavors get even better as they sit, making it an excellent option for meal prep.
• Customizable: Add your favorite toppings or tweak the spices to suit your palate!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering simple and wholesome ingredients makes cooking this Smoky Texas Chili even more enjoyable! Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili

• 4 lbs. Beef Chuck Roast, smoked and 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 Cheddar Jalapeño 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 recipe is how flexible it is! Feel free to customize it based on your preferences.

• Swap the protein: Use ground turkey or chicken instead of beef for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Toss in some beans, zucchini, or corn for extra nutrition and texture.
• Spice it up: If you like heat, add more jalapeños or some cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the beef with hearty mushrooms or lentils and use vegetable stock instead of beef stock.

How to Make Smoky Texas Chili

Step 1: Smoke the Chuck Roast

Start by preparing your smoker according to its instructions and preheat it to 250°F. Generously season your trimmed chuck roast with salt and pepper before placing it on the smoker rack. Smoking the roast infuses it with deep flavor that makes this chili truly special.

Step 2: Wrap and Finish Smoking

After four hours, when the internal temperature reaches 180°F, wrap your roast in unwaxed butcher paper and return it to the smoker for another four hours until it hits 208-210°F. This process gives your meat that perfect tenderness while maintaining moisture.

Step 3: Sauté Aromatics

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, warm some vegetable oil before adding diced onions seasoned with a pinch of salt if desired. Sauté until translucent—this step enhances their natural sweetness—and then toss in red bell peppers for an additional flavor boost.

Step 4: Add Spices

Now it’s time to elevate those flavors! Stir in your chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder into the pot. This quick blooming step helps release their aromatic oils—trust me; your kitchen will smell heavenly!

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Next, fold in your cubed smoked chuck roast along with roasted poblanos until everything is well-coated with spices. Pour in beef stock and crushed tomatoes as you deglaze the pot—scraping up any tasty browned bits stuck at the bottom adds depth to your chili.

Step 6: Season and Simmer

Add Mexican oregano and Worcestershire sauce before seasoning with salt and pepper to taste. Bring everything to a boil; then reduce heat to low and let simmer covered for about 40 minutes while stirring occasionally—this allows all those beautiful flavors to mingle together.

Step 7: Prepare Dumpling Batter

While your chili simmers away, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in a bowl for dumplings! Incorporate eggs gently followed by buttermilk until just combined—be careful not to overmix as we want fluffy dumplings!

Step 8: Fold in Cheese & Jalapeños

Finally, fold shredded cheese and diced jalapeños into your batter carefully—these will add delightful pops of flavor within each dumpling.

Step 9: Cook Dumplings

Dollop about 1-2 oz of batter into your simmering chili! Cover again and let cook for an additional 20 minutes until dumplings are firm yet fluffy.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Serve your delicious Smoky Texas Chili hot in bowls garnished with optional toppings like shredded cheese, sliced scallions, cilantro leaves, or even a dollop of sour cream if desired!

With each spoonful of this Smoky Texas Chili, you’ll find warmth not only from its heat but also from cherished moments shared around the table!

Pro Tips for Making Smoky Texas Chili

Making Smoky Texas Chili is a delightful experience, and with these pro tips, you’ll enhance the flavors and ensure perfect results every time.

• Choose Quality Meat: Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast. The fat adds flavor and tenderness, making your chili rich and satisfying.

• Don’t Rush the Smoking Process: Allow the meat to smoke for a full eight hours. This slow cooking process infuses deep, smoky flavors that are essential in creating authentic Texas chili.

• Layer Your Spices: When sautéing vegetables, add spices gradually. This allows them to bloom and develop their full potential, resulting in a more flavorful dish.

• Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy about tasting the chili during cooking. Adjust seasonings as needed to achieve your perfect flavor balance before serving.

• Let It Rest: After cooking, allow your chili to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time helps meld the flavors together for an even better taste.

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Presenting your Smoky Texas Chili is all about enhancing its hearty goodness. Here are some ideas for serving this delicious dish!

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar or pepper jack adds creaminess and complements the spice of the chili.
• Fresh Herbs: Chopped cilantro or green onions brighten up the dish and add a pop of color.
• Dollop of Sour Cream: A spoonful of sour cream provides a cool contrast to the spicy flavors of the chili.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: Sweet or savory cornbread pairs perfectly with chili, offering a comforting side that soaks up all those flavorful juices.
• Rice: A bowl of fluffy white or brown rice makes for a hearty companion, balancing out the robust flavors in your chili.
• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips can be enjoyed on the side for dipping or crumbling over your chili for added texture.
• Simple Green Salad: A light salad with mixed greens and a tangy vinaigrette refreshes the palate between bites of rich chili.

With these serving suggestions, you can create a warm and inviting meal that everyone will love! Enjoy your Smoky Texas Chili!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Texas Chili is not only delicious but also perfect for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time, making it an ideal option for busy weeks or gatherings.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
• If stored correctly, it will maintain its flavor and texture well!

Freezing

• Portion the chili into freezer-safe containers or resealable bags.
• Label each container with the date and contents for easy identification.
• Freeze for up to 3 months for optimal taste.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen chili in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
• Alternatively, you can microwave individual portions in a microwave-safe bowl, heating in short intervals and stirring thoroughly.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about Smoky Texas Chili that might help you out!

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili in advance?

Absolutely! This chili is perfect for making ahead. You can store it in the fridge or freeze it for later use without losing its delicious flavor.

What makes this Smoky Texas Chili so special?

The combination of smoked chuck roast and a rich blend of spices creates a deep, savory flavor that’s perfect for any occasion. Plus, it’s topped with fluffy dumplings that add a delightful texture!

Can I customize my Smoky Texas Chili?

Definitely! Feel free to adjust the spice levels by adding more peppers or using different types of meat if desired. It’s all about making it your own!

How do I serve Smoky Texas Chili?

Serve it hot in bowls, garnished with shredded cheese, scallions, cilantro leaves, or even a dollop of sour cream if you like. It’s great with cornbread on the side too!

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Smoky Texas Chili as much as I do! It’s a dish that brings warmth and comfort to any gathering—perfect for game day or cozy nights at home. Don’t hesitate to share your own twists on this recipe; I’d love to hear how you make it your own. Happy cooking!