Smoky Texas Chili

If you’re looking for a dish that warms the soul and brings everyone to the table, then you’ve got to try this Smoky Texas Chili! It’s not just about filling your belly; it’s about creating memories. This hearty chili is a favorite at gatherings, game days, or even cozy nights in when you want something comforting. The smoky flavor from the beef chuck roast adds a unique twist that will have your family and friends asking for seconds (or thirds!).

With its rich depth of flavor and satisfying texture, Smoky Texas Chili is perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re feeding a crowd or enjoying it on a busy weeknight, this recipe is sure to impress!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Easy to prepare: With straightforward steps, even novice cooks can whip this up in no time.
• Flavor-packed: The combination of spices and smoked meat creates an irresistible taste that everyone will love.
• Feed a crowd: This recipe makes 16 servings, making it perfect for parties or leftovers throughout the week.
• Customizable: You can easily adjust ingredients based on what you have at home or your family’s preferences.
• Comfort food: There’s nothing like a warm bowl of chili to make you feel cozy and content.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients that come together beautifully in this Smoky Texas Chili. These items are easy to find and bring so much flavor to the pot!

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

Variations

One of the best parts of cooking is making a recipe your own! Feel free to experiment with these variations.

• Swap the protein: Instead of beef chuck roast, try turkey or chicken for a lighter version.
• Add more veggies: Throw in some beans or corn for extra texture and nutrition.
• Spice it up: If you love heat, consider adding more jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce.
• Make it vegetarian: Substitute the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms and add vegetable broth instead.

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. Season your trimmed chuck roast generously with salt and pepper—this helps enhance its natural flavors! Place it on the rack in the smoker and set a timer for 8 hours. Smoking low and slow gives the meat that deliciously smoky flavor we all love.

Step 2: Wrap It Up

After about four hours, check the internal temperature; once it hits 180°F, wrap your roast in unwaxed butcher paper before placing it back into the smoker for another four hours until it reaches 208-210°F. This wrapping technique helps keep the moisture locked in while allowing that incredible smoky flavor to penetrate.

Step 3: Chop Your Veggies

While your roast is smoking away, get ready by dicing onions and chopping red bell peppers and roasted poblanos. Sautéing these vegetables brings out their sweetness, creating a flavorful base for your chili.

Step 4: Build Your Chili Base

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and sauté those onions until they become translucent—about five minutes should do it! Then toss in your red bell peppers for an additional two minutes before adding all those fantastic spices like chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder.

Step 5: Combine Ingredients

Once everything is coated with spices, it’s time to add your cubed smoked chuck roast along with chopped poblano peppers into the mix! Stir in beef stock and crushed tomatoes while scraping up any delicious bits stuck at the bottom of the pot (that’s where tons of flavor hides!).

Step 6: Let It Simmer

Add oregano, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper as desired. Bring your chili to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover it up and let it simmer for about 40 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 7: Prepare Dumplings

While your chili bubbles away lovingly, let’s work on those dumplings! In a bowl, mix cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar together. Add eggs gently until combined before mixing in buttermilk.

Step 8: Fold In Cheese & Jalapeños

Gently fold in shredded cheese and finely diced jalapeños—but be careful not to overmix! We want fluffy dumplings here.

Step 9: Add Dumplings

Spoon dollops of dumpling batter into your simmering chili; cover again for about 20 minutes until those dumplings puff up perfectly!

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

Ladle out bowls filled with this smoky goodness garnished with shredded cheese, sliced scallions, cilantro leaves, and maybe even a dollop of sour cream if you’re feeling indulgent!

Now gather around with loved ones because this Smoky Texas Chili is ready to warm hearts as well as bellies!

Pro Tips for Making Smoky Texas Chili

Making Smoky Texas Chili is a rewarding experience, and these tips will help you elevate your dish to perfection!

• Use Quality Meat: Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast for maximum flavor and tenderness. The fat content helps keep the meat juicy, especially after smoking.

• Don’t Rush the Smoking Process: Allowing the chuck roast to smoke slowly at a low temperature enhances the flavor. This patience pays off in a rich, smoky taste that makes your chili unforgettable.

• Bloom Your Spices: Always sauté your spices with onions and peppers before adding liquids. This technique brings out their full flavors, creating a deeper, more complex chili.

• Adjust Spice Levels: Feel free to tweak the amount of chili powder and jalapeños to suit your heat preference. Everyone has different spice tolerances, so make it just right for you and your guests!

• Let It Sit: If you have time, let your chili rest after cooking. Flavors meld beautifully as it cools, making each bite even more delicious when reheated.

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Presenting Smoky Texas Chili can be as fun as making it! Here are some ideas to create an inviting and flavorful experience.

Garnishes

• Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of sharp cheddar adds creaminess and complements the smokiness of the chili.

• Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro offers a fresh burst of flavor that brightens up each bowl.

• Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream provides a cooling contrast to the heat in the chili, balancing flavors nicely.

Side Dishes

• Cornbread: This slightly sweet bread pairs perfectly with chili, soaking up all the savory goodness while adding a comforting texture.

• Guacamole: Rich and creamy guacamole brings a delightful freshness that complements the smoky depth of the chili.

• Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips are perfect for scooping up chili and add an enjoyable texture contrast.

• Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw with crisp vegetables can cut through the richness of the chili while providing a refreshing crunch.

With these serving suggestions, your Smoky Texas Chili will not only warm hearts but also delight taste buds at any gathering! Enjoy every delicious moment!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Texas Chili is not only perfect for game day or the holidays, but it’s also fantastic for meal prep! You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and enjoy it throughout the week.

Storing Leftovers

• Allow the chili to cool completely before storing.
• Transfer it to an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

Freezing

• Let the chili cool down completely before freezing.
• Use freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags.
• Label with the date and freeze for up to 3 months.

Reheating

• Thaw overnight in the refrigerator if frozen.
• Reheat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally until heated through.
• For microwave reheating, use a microwave-safe bowl and heat in intervals, stirring each time, until warm.

FAQs

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

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili without beef?

Absolutely! You can substitute with your favorite plant-based protein or beans for a vegetarian option while still enjoying that smoky flavor.

How long does Smoky Texas Chili last in the fridge?

When stored properly, Smoky Texas Chili can last up to 4 days in the refrigerator. Just make sure it’s cooled completely before sealing it in an airtight container.

What can I serve with Smoky Texas Chili?

You can serve this delicious chili with cornbread, tortilla chips, or over rice for a hearty meal!

What makes Smoky Texas Chili different from regular chili?

The key difference lies in the smoked chuck roast that adds a rich depth of flavor and a unique smokiness that sets it apart from traditional recipes.

Final Thoughts

I hope you enjoy making this Smoky Texas Chili as much as I do! It’s perfect for sharing with friends and family during special occasions or cozy nights at home. The combination of flavors is sure to warm your heart and belly. Don’t hesitate to try it out—I’m sure you’ll love every bite!