This simple Texas chili recipe is a good example of why I want to share our family recipes on my blog. My father-in-law (George) was a great cook. He owned and managed restaurants most of his adult life. He never used a recipe and never wrote anything down. Since he passed away in 1999 we’ve tried to recreate many of his recipes. Usually between all the kids we can come up with something close. It’s that way with my mother’s and grandmother’s recipes, too. Their recipes were simple and delicious. Most were easy and cheap to make. They had to be, they were all working full time with not much money left for fancy meals.
I want my kids and grandkids to be able to create these recipes someday so I’m gonna keep trying to recreate them for my blog.
Now, back to George’s recipe. I make chili a lot but over the years I’ve gradually adapted it to what my family likes. George’s chili was simple and he was a bit bullheaded about it. “Texas chili does NOT have beans,” he would say. He’d serve beans WITH the chili but never IN it. And it didn’t have vegetables in it. (I guess he didn’t count an onion as a vegetable.)
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Simple Texas Chili Recipe
- 1 T vegetable oil
- 1 onion, chopped
- 2 lb ground beef
- 3 T chili powder
- 1 T cumin
- 1 T paprika
- 1 t salt
- 1 t black pepper
- 1/2 t garlic powder
- 1/4 t cayenne
- 4 c water
- 1 t masa
Saute the onion in the oil. Add the ground beef and scramble fry together. Add all the spices, stir. Add water. Bring to a boil, turn down heat, and simmer for 30 minutes.
Mix masa with about 1/4 c cold water in a small bowl. Add to chili while stirring. Simmer another 10 minutes to thicken. (I’ve used regular white flour when we didn’t have masa.)
Now to let you in on our next family secret. Here’s how my mom taught us to eat chili:
Yes, that’s catsup. We would crumble saltine crackers on top and squirt on some catsup. My mom loved catsup. She knew that I’d found a keeper when I brought Glenn home and he asked for catsup!
Now that I live in California I sometimes add some veggies to my chili.
This Texas chili recipe is also great on baked potatoes, hot dogs, or enchiladas.
Here’s a list of all the chili recipes in the virtual chili cookoff. If you’d like to join in, click through and make a few of these, then come back and vote for your favorite!
If you enjoyed this post, you might also like these:
‘Til the next bowl of chili,
Ann @ Duct Tape and Denim
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We share at these blog parties.
Debrashoppeno5 says
October 29, 2016 at 8:41 amI love trying new recipes and flavors. Yum, pinned.
Pamela List says
October 29, 2016 at 9:00 amI had no idea Texas chili was bean-free and veggie free! lol
It looks really good and has my favorite topping, Fritos!
Pam
Denise Bryant says
October 29, 2016 at 9:11 amWhen I lived in Texas we never had chili with beans but for me it’s a must….I just added them to my recipe.
Leanna says
October 29, 2016 at 11:27 amThe corn chips on top is hands down my favorite. I bet the texture is fun. Looks delish. Pinned
Susanne says
October 29, 2016 at 11:18 amohhhhh, fritos in your chili, I have to try that!! It looks wonderful, although not real sure about catsup, lol!! pinning and sharing 🙂
Sam @ Raggedy Bits says
October 29, 2016 at 4:05 pmA fabulous collection of different ways to serve chilli! Can’t wait to try them all!
Melony says
October 29, 2016 at 2:38 pmWow, I wish I would have known about this when I was a kid. I always picked the beans out, but now I love them! This will be fun to make and a nice change from my chili recipe.
Toni Harvey says
October 29, 2016 at 6:58 pmThis looks so good, and I love it that you’ve worked so hard to recreate your hubby’s dad’s recipe. I bet that meant a lot to him. I love it that he wasn’t afraid to ask for catsup, that’s confidence, and yes you have a keeper 🙂 I can’t wait to try your recipe for our chili cook off. But I might hold the catsup and add some avocado (california girl) 🙂
Heather Northington says
October 30, 2016 at 8:41 amWow I have never had chili with ketchup!! I bet I could get the teens to eat it this way LOL They put that stuff on everything! Looking forward to giving your recipe a try! Thanks so much
debbie says
October 30, 2016 at 3:01 pmThe only so far in the group with no beans! I forgot how much I love to mix Frito Corn Chips with a great bowl of Chili. Looking forward to enjoying your Father-in-law’s recipe…a restaurant inspired chili!
Susie says
October 31, 2016 at 3:16 pmLove all of your ideas for serving the chili. I really must add the fresh veggies….looks devine. Thanks for sharing XOXO Susie from Chelsea Project
Melissa Hatcher says
November 7, 2016 at 3:36 amOh MY! This looks amazing. Never thought about using crackers and catsup on top- that sounds super awesome! Can’t wait to try this recipe.
jan says
December 28, 2017 at 1:07 pmThat looks like a great bowl of chili! I’d love for you to share over at a new party called Let’s Party https://themarkandjanshow.com/2017/12/27/lets-party-1/ … look forward to seeing you there!
Helen at the Lazy Gastronome says
December 30, 2017 at 6:09 amThanks for sharing at the What’s for Dinner party!
Miz Helen says
December 31, 2017 at 7:14 amThanks so much for sharing with us at Full Plate Thursday in 2017. Wishing you the very best in 2018 and hope to see you soon.
Happy New Year!
Miz Helen
Petra says
January 2, 2018 at 3:11 pmI can never resist a good chilli! I like the recipe and like you I would add veggies as well, I just can’t help myself 🙂 Happy Fiesta Friday!
Miz Helen says
January 8, 2018 at 6:18 amCongratulations!
Your post is featured on Full Plate Thursday and thanks so much for sharing it with us! Enjoy your new Red Plate and have a great week!
Miz Helen
ducttapeanddenim says
January 8, 2018 at 7:51 amThanks so much!!!