Award-Winning Texas Style Chili Recipe

Step 1: Prepare the Spice Blend

• Mix together 4 tablespoons chili powder, 2 tablespoons smoked paprika, 1/2 teaspoon dried Mexican oregano, 2 teaspoons ground cumin, 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper, 1 tablespoon flaked sea salt, and 1 teaspoon black pepper.
• Stir well to blend flavors.

Step 2: Brown the Meat (Optional)

• Heat a pan on high and add 1 lb ground beef (80/20 chuck recommended).
• Break up the meat and sear until browned.
• Remove some beef broth from the slow cooker to deglaze the pan.
• Add a splash of beef broth to the pan and scrape up the fond (browned bits).
• Transfer the browned meat and fond to the slow cooker.

Step 3: Add Liquids to Slow Cooker

• Pour 32 oz unsalted beef broth into the slow cooker.
• Ensure the meat is fully covered by the broth.

Step 4: Prepare and Sauté Vegetables

• Heat a little avocado oil in a pan.
• Lightly sauté 1/2 onion (chopped), 1 bell pepper (deseeded and finely diced), 5 smashed and minced garlic cloves, and 1 tomato.
• Add 1/4 cup tomato paste and continue to sauté until the vegetables sweat and soften, about 5-10 minutes.

Step 5: Add Worcestershire Sauce and Beef Bouillon

• Stir in 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce and 1 tablespoon beef bouillon into the sautéed vegetables.
• Transfer the sautéed vegetables to the slow cooker.

Step 6: Add Spice Blend

• Dump the prepared spice blend into the slow cooker.
• Stir to combine all ingredients.

Step 7: Prepare Mirua (Flavor Booster)

• In a pan, melt some butter and add 1/2 cup carrots, 1/2 cup onions, and 1/4 cup celery.
• Sweat these vegetables slowly over low heat for about 45 minutes without browning.
• Add the mirua to the slow cooker after about 3 hours of chili cooking.

Step 8: Cook the Chili

• Cook the chili in the slow cooker on high for about 4 hours.

Step 9: Thicken the Chili

• Mix 3 tablespoons masa corn flour with about 1/4 cup water to make a smooth paste.
• Add the masa mixture to the chili and stir well.
• Let cook for another 15-20 minutes to thicken.
• Adjust thickness by adding more masa or flour if desired.

Step 10: Optional Beans Addition

• Prepare beans separately with 2 cups pinto beans, 4 oz salt pork, 2 strips thick cut bacon, 2 garlic cloves, 3 teaspoons salt, 1 teaspoon black pepper, and about 7 quarts water.
• Cook beans until tender.
• Mix cooked beans with chili before serving if desired.

Step 11: Serve

• Serve chili hot, optionally topped with cheese, onions, and jalapeños.
• Enjoy your award-winning Texas style chili!