If you’re looking to spice up your chili game, you have to try Guy Fieri’s Texas Chili. With deep, rich flavors from a blend of beef, chiles, and spices, this chili packs a punch in all the right ways. Guy Fieri’s version is all about beef (no beans here, folks!), which makes it hearty, savory, and oh-so-satisfying. Perfect for game day, family gatherings, or any chilly evening, this chili is sure to be a hit.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Packed with bold flavors – The combination of beef, chiles, and spices creates a chili that’s rich and full of depth.
No beans – Just pure, beefy goodness.
Perfect for any occasion – Whether it’s game day, a family dinner, or a cozy night in, this chili will please everyone.
Versatile – Can be served on its own or with all your favorite chili toppings.

Ingredients You’ll Need

You’ll find the full list of ingredients below, but here’s a preview of what you’ll need:

Ground beef – The heart of this chili; you’ll want to use a hearty cut like chuck for the best flavor.
Chili peppers – An assortment of dried and fresh chiles like ancho, pasilla, and chipotle bring depth and smokiness to the chili.
Onion & garlic – The base of your chili’s flavor.
Beef broth – To create a rich, hearty base.
Spices – Chili powder, cumin, oregano, and a little cocoa powder for a deep, balanced flavor.
Tomatoes – Canned diced tomatoes or tomato puree.

Step-by-Step Directions

Cook the Beef

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Once browned, remove the beef and set it aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same pot, add a bit more oil if needed. Add the onion and cook for about 5 minutes, until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds until fragrant.

Prepare the Chile Base

While the vegetables cook, toast the dried chili peppers in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 2 minutes. Remove the stems and seeds and add them to a blender with a cup of beef broth. Blend until smooth. Pour the chili mixture back into the pot with the onions and garlic.

Add the Rest of the Ingredients

Add the browned beef back into the pot. Stir in the tomatoes, remaining beef broth, and all the spices: chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cocoa powder. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Bring to a simmer, then cover and cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.

Simmer and Serve

Let the chili simmer and develop its flavors for an hour, stirring occasionally. The longer it simmers, the more intense the flavor. Once ready, give it a final taste check and adjust the seasoning as needed. Serve hot with your favorite chili toppings.

Expert Tips and Tricks

Control the heat – You can adjust the level of spiciness by adding more or fewer chili peppers, or by adding some chipotle powder for an extra kick.
Let it sit – Chili always tastes better the next day, so if you have the time, make it in advance!
Add a splash of vinegar – A dash of apple cider vinegar at the end brightens the flavors of the chili and balances the richness.

Recipe Variations and Possible Substitutions

Use different meats – While beef is the star of this dish, you could also swap in ground turkey or pork if you prefer.
Go smoky – If you like your chili with a smoky flavor, toss in a bit of smoked paprika or more chipotle peppers.
Add more veggies – Feel free to add bell peppers, carrots, or celery for extra texture and flavor.

Serving and Pairing Suggestions

Top with cheese – Shredded cheddar or a dollop of sour cream makes a great topping.
Serve with cornbread – The slight sweetness of cornbread pairs perfectly with the spicy chili.
Enjoy with tortilla chips – For some crunch, serve your chili with tortilla chips on the side.
Serve over rice – Spoon the chili over a bed of white or brown rice for a heartier meal.

Storage and Reheating Tips

Fridge – Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Freezer – This chili freezes beautifully! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to 3 months.
Reheat – Reheat on the stove over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth if it’s too thick.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this chili in advance?

Yes! Chili often tastes better the next day, as the flavors have more time to develop.

Can I add beans?

Traditional Texas chili does not include beans, but if you prefer, feel free to add some. Just keep in mind it won’t be the classic version.

What can I use to thicken the chili?

If you prefer a thicker chili, you can mash some of the beans (if added) or add a cornstarch slurry (cornstarch mixed with water).

Can I make this in a slow cooker?

Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the onions and garlic, then transfer everything to a slow cooker and cook on low for 4-6 hours.

Conclusion

Guy Fieri’s Texas Chili is everything you want in a bowl of chili – rich, smoky, beefy, and full of flavor. Whether you’re serving it for a crowd or enjoying it as a cozy meal at home, this chili will leave everyone asking for seconds. It’s the ultimate comfort food for any occasion!

Guy Fieri’s Texas Chili – A Bold and Flavorful Classic

Print Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

This rich and hearty Texas chili is made with beef, chiles, and spices, delivering a flavor-packed punch. Guy Fieri’s version skips the beans and focuses on a deep, smoky beef flavor perfect for game day, family dinners, or any chilly night.

Author: Touria Elkoudssi
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour
Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x
Category: Side Dish
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Tex-Mex
Diet: Gluten Free

Instructions

In a large pot or Dutch oven, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add the ground beef and cook until browned, breaking it apart as it cooks. Remove the beef and set it aside.
In the same pot, add a bit more oil and sauté the onion for about 5 minutes until softened. Add the garlic and cook for another 30 seconds.
Toast the dried chili peppers in a dry skillet for about 2 minutes, then remove stems and seeds. Blend them with 1 cup of beef broth until smooth. Pour this mixture back into the pot with the onions and garlic.
Add the browned beef, diced tomatoes, remaining beef broth, chili powder, cumin, oregano, and cocoa powder. Season with salt and pepper. Bring to a simmer and cover. Let cook for at least 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
After simmering, taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve hot with toppings of your choice.