Texas Style Beef Chili is a warm, hearty dish packed with flavor. This comforting stew combines tender beef with spices, tomatoes, and beans, making it perfect for an easy night in. It’s a meal that brings the family together, cozying up on the couch with bowls of chili that warm the soul.
Why You’ll Love Making This Texas Style Beef Chili
There are many reasons to fall in love with this recipe. First and foremost is the rich, bold flavor. Each bite brings you the essence of Texas cooking. The timing is perfect as well. You can spend a little time at the start, then let the chili simmer while you go about your day. It also makes for fantastic leftovers. You can easily make a large batch to serve your family or freeze some for later.
What’s even better? It uses simple ingredients you likely already have. No need for a long shopping list. This chili won’t break the bank either. It’s a budget-friendly meal that fills you up and keeps you warm.
Ingredients You Will Need:
For this amazing Texas Style Beef Chili, you’ll need:
- 2 pounds beef stew meat
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
These ingredients work together seamlessly for a delightful dish. Each adds its own flavor that combines to make something truly special.
How to Make Texas Style Beef Chili (3 Steps & Timing)
Making Texas Style Beef Chili is straightforward and rewarding. In just a few steps, you can turn these ingredients into a warm pot of goodness.
In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
This helps to lock in the juices and flavor. Don’t rush this step; let the meat get a nice brown crust.Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
The smell that comes from the pot at this point is incredible. The onion and garlic softening gives depth to the dish.Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
These ingredients really start creating that rich chili flavor. Don’t forget to mix everything well.Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
The broth adds richness and makes the chili beautifully soupy.Cover and let it stew for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
This is where the magic happens. The longer it cooks, the more tender the beef becomes.Add kidney beans and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
The beans add protein and texture, making the dish hearty and filling.Serve hot.
Enjoy this chili warm, ideally with some crusty bread or over rice.
The steps are clear and easy to follow. You’ll have a simmering pot of Texas Style Beef Chili in no time.
Quick Sides & Serving Ideas
What should you serve with this delightful chili? There are many options to enhance your meal.
A simple side salad can balance the richness of the chili. Fresh greens with a light dressing will complement the dish perfectly. You might also consider cornbread or tortilla chips. Both add a nice crunch and the perfect accompaniment to the soft textures of the chili.
If you want to go all out, serve it with some shredded cheese and sour cream on top. This adds a creamy element that works well with the spices in the chili.
Storage & Reheat (No Soggy Leftovers)
Texas Style Beef Chili is perfect for leftovers. After your meal, let the chili cool down a bit. Then, you can store it in an airtight container in the fridge. It will last for about 4-5 days.
When reheating, simply put it back on the stove over low heat. Stir occasionally to keep it from sticking. If it seems thick, you can always add a splash of beef broth or water to loosen it up. You can also reheat it in the microwave in one-minute intervals. Just make sure to cover it to prevent splatters.
Got Leftovers? Make Them Work for You
Leftovers aren’t a punishment they’re tomorrow’s head start. Chop last night’s roasted veg into a quick omelet, tuck shredded chicken into warm tortillas, or stash a soup portion in the freezer for a lazy-night rescue. Store smart, reheat gently, and keep the add-ins simple so flavors stay bright. Want more no-stress ideas? See more easy tips here.
10-Minute Prep & Time-Saving Shortcuts
If you’re in a rush, there are ways to chop down on prep time.
First, consider buying pre-cut beef stew meat. This will save you the time of cutting it down into smaller pieces.
You can also use store-bought diced tomatoes and other canned ingredients. This means you don’t need to worry about fresh vegetables and can keep a simple pantry stocked.
Another shortcut is using a slow cooker. You can do the browning on the stove, then transfer everything into the slow cooker. Set it on low, and let it work its magic for about 6-8 hours.
Smart Swaps & Variations
Once you are comfortable with the basic recipe, feel free to make it your own. There are plenty of smart swaps and variations available.
For a spicier kick, add diced jalapeños or increase the amount of chili powder. You can also add other beans like black beans or pinto beans for different textures.
If you want to lower the fat content, consider using ground turkey instead of beef. It won’t taste exactly the same, but it will still be delicious.
You can also add more vegetables. Bell peppers and zucchini are great options to try. They add color and nutrients, making your chili even healthier.

Texas Style Beef Chili
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 pounds beef stew meat Cut into chunks
- 1 unit onion, chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 can (15 ounces) diced tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot, brown the beef stew meat over medium heat.
- Add the chopped onion and minced garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.
- Stir in the diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, salt, and pepper.
- Pour in the beef broth and bring to a simmer.
- Cover and let it stew for 2 hours, or until the meat is tender.
- Add kidney beans and cook for an additional 30 minutes.
- Serve hot.
Notes
Nutrition
Lazy Cook’s Pro Tips
Smart tweaks make all the difference. Line sheet pans with parchment to skip the scrub, stash minced garlic in the fridge for instant flavor, and double-batch sauces so you’ve always got a quick fix ready for busy nights. These small habits keep weeknight cooking simple without losing an ounce of taste. See more time-saving tips here and make dinner feel easy again.
FAQs About Texas Style Beef Chili
Can I use ground beef instead of stew meat?
Yes, you can use ground beef. Just brown it well and adjust the cooking time since it cooks faster.
How can I thicken the chili?
If you want a thicker chili, try mashing some of the beans or adding a tablespoon of cornstarch mixed with water. Cooking it a bit longer will also help thicken it up.
Is this chili gluten-free?
Yes, this recipe is gluten-free. Just ensure that all canned products and broth you use are labeled gluten-free.
Can I freeze leftover chili?
Absolutely! Chili freezes very well. Just make sure to use an airtight container or freezer bag. It can last up to three months in the freezer.
What can I do with leftover chili?
Besides enjoying it as is, you can use leftover chili as a topping for baked potatoes or nachos. It’s great to use in tacos, too!
What’s Cooking in Your Kitchen?
Tried this recipe your own way? I want to see it. Snap a quick pic and tag us, or drop a comment with what you tweaked. Lazy cooking works best when we swap ideas and your spin might be the next Lazy Meal Prep favorite.
Post your photo and tag @lazy_mealprep I’ll share my favorites in stories.




