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Its no secret that I love Chili...doesn't matter if its Texas and Western states no beans or Midwest/Eastern states with bean. Its all good eats and I understand the regional differences so I won't hop in on the old "beans no beans" argument.
This is simple enough to fall under the stupid easy for this big batch of Texas Red Chili. The hardest part is waiting for the meat to get tender during a long slow simmer.
For the beer I use a nice lager like Dos XX or a wheat beer. I never use IPA as the hops make the end product too bitter for my liking. Beer is really the called for option as it helps tenderize the beef faster than plain water. If you are a non-booze person then substitute in the water.
Texas Red Chili
- 2 to 2 1/2 lbs small dice stew meat
- 1 Texas sweet onion diced
- 4 to 6 cloves garlic minced
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
- 1 15 oz can fire roasted diced tomatoes
- 1 4 oz can fire roasted chopped chili's
- 15 oz beer or water
- 2 T Better than Bouillon beef
- 4- 6 T Chili powder
- Salt and Pepper
In a large pot add enough oil to cover the bottom. Heat to medium high, sear beef in batches until all are well browned. Set cooked beef aside and reserve all the tasty juices. Salt and Pepper to taste with each batch.
Add more oil to pot if needed and then sauté onions until soft and all brown bits from beef are scraped up into the onions. This will take 3-4 minutes. Season lightly with salt and pepper Add 4T of chili powder and toast with the onion until fragrant, about 2 minutes. Add minced garlic and sauté 30-45 seconds until the garlic is fragrant.
Add beef and any meat juices back into pan with the onion spice mixture. Add tomato sauce, bouillon, diced tomatoes, diced chili and the beer. Stir until well combined and bullion is dissolved into the sauce. Test for seasonings and salt and pepper as needed to taste. If chili isn't spicy enough, add additional 1 -2 Tablespoons chili powder. (I used all 6 as we like it spicy here).
Bring to boil, then reduce to simmer. Simmer 1 1/2 to 2 hours until meat is tender.
Serve with garnishes like sour cream, cheese, sliced green onions, fried jalapeno chips or anything else that suits your fancy.
