Texas Style Chili with Cornbread Crust
Highlighted under: Comfort Food
Experience the hearty flavors of Texas with this mouthwatering Texas Style Chili topped with a golden cornbread crust. This delicious recipe combines tender chunks of beef, robust spices, and hearty beans all simmered to perfection, creating a chili that is both comforting and satisfying. The cornbread crust adds a delightful twist, making it a standout dish for family gatherings and cozy nights in.
This Texas Style Chili recipe brings the heartfelt tastes of the Lone Star State into your kitchen. It's an ideal choice for bringing friends and family together over delicious food.
A Hearty Tradition
Chili is more than just a dish; it’s a tradition that evokes the spirit of Texas cooking. This Texas Style Chili celebrates its roots with bold flavors and hearty ingredients, making it perfect for gatherings or as a comforting meal on chilly nights. The combination of tender beef, robust spices, and hearty beans not only warms the body but also fills the heart.
Traditionally, chili is prepared with a variety of meats and spices, allowing for regional variations. Here, we embrace that tradition while adding a delightful cornbread crust, bringing a twist to a classic recipe. This dish encapsulates the essence of Texan home cooking, inviting everyone to sit down together and enjoy.
The Perfect Chili Pairing
What elevates a solid bowl of chili to perfection? The answer lies in the cornbread crust. This golden topping provides an ideal contrast to the rich and savory chili underneath, adding both texture and flavor. Every bite combines the warmth of the chili with the sweetness of cornbread, creating a harmonious blend that is truly satisfying.
Additionally, this dish pairs well with a range of side options, such as a fresh green salad or crispy tortilla chips. Adding a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of cheese can enhance the flavors even further, making it a versatile meal that accommodates various tastes.
Cooking Tips for Success
To achieve the best results, make sure to brown the beef thoroughly before adding the other ingredients. This step enhances the depth of flavor in your chili, as the caramelization of the meat contributes to a rich taste. Simmering for a lengthy period allows the spices to meld beautifully, resulting in a robust sauce.
For added depth, consider incorporating diced bell peppers or jalapeños into the chili for a touch of sweetness or extra heat. Using high-quality spices will also elevate your dish; fresh spices pack more flavor and aroma than older ones. Aim to allow the chili to rest for a bit before serving, as the flavors will deepen and improve.
Ingredients
Chili Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cornbread Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
Make sure to gather all your ingredients before you start cooking!
Cooking Steps
Prepare the Chili
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
Add Ingredients
Stir in the beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for at least one hour.
Make Cornbread Crust
In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Combine and Bake
Pour the chili into a greased baking dish and spread the cornbread batter over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Once finished, let it cool for a few minutes before serving.
Storing and Reheating
This Texas Style Chili is great for meal prep, and you can store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors intensify as it sits, making it even more delicious when reheated. It can also be frozen for up to three months. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat on the stove or microwave until hot.
Reheating the chili slowly on the stove allows you to adjust the consistency with a bit of beef broth if needed. Just be sure to stir frequently to prevent sticking and ensure even heating. Enjoying the leftovers is an experience in itself, as the chili's flavors become even richer.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your Texas Style Chili with a side of cornbread muffins or a fresh loaf of crusty bread for a full meal experience. Complement the dish with toppings like diced onions, shredded cheese, or jalapeños to allow everyone to customize their bowl according to their taste. A sprinkle of fresh cilantro can also brighten the flavors.
For a more festive gathering, consider serving chili in individual ramekins topped with cornbread and baked until golden. This presentation creates a charming touch that is sure to impress your guests and make for an unforgettable meal.
Questions About Recipes
→ Can I make this chili in advance?
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 3 days.
→ Is there a vegetarian version of this recipe?
Absolutely! Replace the beef with additional beans or lentils.
Texas Style Chili with Cornbread Crust
Experience the hearty flavors of Texas with this mouthwatering Texas Style Chili topped with a golden cornbread crust. This delicious recipe combines tender chunks of beef, robust spices, and hearty beans all simmered to perfection, creating a chili that is both comforting and satisfying. The cornbread crust adds a delightful twist, making it a standout dish for family gatherings and cozy nights in.
Created by: Hallie Foster
Recipe Type: Comfort Food
Skill Level: Intermediate
Final Quantity: 6.0
What You'll Need
Chili Ingredients
- 2 lbs beef chuck, cut into chunks
- 1 onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 cups beef broth
- 1 can (15 oz) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 can (15 oz) black beans, drained and rinsed
- 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp cumin
- 1 tbsp paprika
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Cornbread Crust Ingredients
- 1 cup cornmeal
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- 1/4 cup sugar
- 1 tbsp baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 cup milk
- 1/4 cup vegetable oil
- 2 large eggs
How-To Steps
In a large pot, heat a little oil over medium heat. Add the onion and garlic, and sauté until translucent. Add the beef and brown on all sides.
Stir in the beef broth, kidney beans, black beans, diced tomatoes, chili powder, cumin, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Let it simmer for at least one hour.
In a mixing bowl, combine cornmeal, flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt. In another bowl, whisk together milk, oil, and eggs. Combine wet and dry ingredients until just mixed.
Pour the chili into a greased baking dish and spread the cornbread batter over the top. Bake in a preheated oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Nutritional Breakdown (Per Serving)
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 50g
- Fat: 20g