State dish of Texas

South Texas Chili

A proper bowl of red. No beans in the pot — this is Texas — though a side of our pinto bean mix never hurt anybody.

Serves

6

Time

2 hours

Heat

Medium

A bowl of South Texas chili served with warm chips, salsa, and skillet cornbread

Method

  1. 1

    Brown the stew meat in a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, working in batches so the pieces sear instead of steam.

  2. 2

    Add the ground beef and cook until browned. If you're using the onion and poblano, add them now and cook until softened.

  3. 3

    Stir in the full packet of South Texas Chili Fixin's and toast it for a minute until fragrant.

  4. 4

    Crush the whole tomatoes into the pot with their juices, then pour in the Lone Star. Bring to a simmer, cover, and cook low for 1½–2 hours, until the stew meat is fork-tender.

  5. 5

    Uncover for the last 20 minutes to thicken. Serve with chips and salsa or a skillet of homemade cornbread.

Keith's note

Make it a day ahead — chili is always better the second day. For the Gulf Coast version, swap in the Chipotle Chili Fixin's for a smokier bowl.

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