Texas Brisket Chili is the boldest, richest, deepest-flavored chili you will ever make. Unlike traditional chili made with ground beef, this version uses slow-cooked or smoked brisket cut into tender chunks that melt into the chili base. The long cooking time allows the beef to become incredibly soft while the chili paste, smoky spices, and aromatics build a complex, restaurant-quality flavor. This chili is hearty, thick, and perfect for cold nights, game day gatherings, or anytime you want a meal that truly tastes like it has been simmering for hours. Every bite is rich, beefy, slightly smoky, and packed with chili warmth, exactly what a real Texas-style chili should be.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
• Authentic Texas flavor. This chili skips the beans and keeps the focus on tender brisket, bold spices, and chili-forward richness, exactly how chili is made in Texas.
• Incredibly tender meat. Brisket becomes buttery-soft when simmered in chili sauce, creating a luxury texture that ground beef can’t match.
• Deep, layered flavor. The combination of chili powders, smoked paprika, cumin, garlic, onions, and beef broth forms a slow-built flavor that tastes better with every bite.
• Perfect for leftover brisket. If you have smoked brisket from a BBQ day, this recipe turns it into an entirely new meal with almost no extra work.
• Amazing for gatherings. This chili serves a crowd and stays warm beautifully, making it ideal for game night, parties, and holiday comfort meals.
• Freezer-friendly and reheats better than fresh. The chili flavors intensify even more after a day or two, making it perfect for meal prepping or freezing in batches.
Ingredients
- 2 lbs cooked brisket, chopped into bite-sized cubes
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 large onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and diced
- 3 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 2 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp salt
- ½ tsp black pepper
- 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
- 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
- 3 cups beef broth
- 2 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar (optional, balances acidity)
- Shredded cheese, sour cream, green onions for topping
Preparation Steps
STEP 1: Sauté Aromatics
Heat olive oil in a large pot. Add onion and jalapeños and cook 4–5 minutes until softened. Add garlic and cook 1 minute more.
STEP 2: Add Spices
Stir in chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Toast the spices for 30 seconds to release their oils.
STEP 3: Add Brisket
Add chopped brisket to the pot, stirring until the meat is coated with spices and aromatics.
STEP 4: Build the Chili Base
Add crushed tomatoes, tomato paste, beef broth, Worcestershire sauce, and brown sugar (optional). Stir well.
STEP 5: Simmer
Bring the chili to a gentle simmer. Cook uncovered for 45–60 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the chili thickens and the meat becomes very tender.
STEP 6: Taste and Adjust
Add extra salt, chili powder, or broth depending on your preferred consistency and flavor.
STEP 7: Serve
Ladle into bowls and top with shredded cheese, sour cream, or sliced green onions.
Variations
• Smoked Brisket Chili: If using smoked brisket, reduce smoked paprika for balance and add a splash of beer or coffee for a deeper smoky profile.
• Spicy Texas Chili: Add chipotle peppers in adobo, cayenne, serrano peppers, or extra jalapeños to boost the heat.
• Beer Chili: Substitute 1 cup of beef broth with a dark beer like stout or lager for extra depth and richness.
• Chocolate-Enhanced Chili: Add 1–2 teaspoons of unsweetened cocoa powder for a mole-style richness.
• Tomato-Free Version: Some Texans omit tomatoes. Replace them with extra broth and 1 tablespoon masa harina for thickening.
• Slow Cooker Version: After sautéing aromatics and spices, transfer all ingredients to a slow cooker and cook on LOW for 6–8 hours.
Cooking Notes
• Use already cooked brisket, either leftover smoked brisket or oven-braised brisket, for the best texture.
• The longer the chili simmers, the more tender and deeply flavored it becomes; don’t rush the cook time.
• Chili thickens naturally as it cools, add extra broth if reheating leftovers.
• Freshly toasted spices elevate the chili flavor dramatically.
• Tomato paste helps deepen the color and richness; don’t skip it.
Serving Suggestions
• Serve with cornbread, Texas toast, or warm tortillas.
• Add topping options like shredded cheddar, sour cream, green onions, or pickled jalapeños for contrast.
• Pair with baked potatoes or fries to turn it into chili-topped comfort plates.
• Spoon over rice, macaroni, or nachos for hearty meal variations.
• Serve in bread bowls for a cozy winter dinner.
Tips
• Cut brisket into uniform cubes for even texture.
• Adjust salt at the end, brisket seasoning varies, so balancing saltiness is important.
• If your brisket is dry, add an extra splash of broth or even the brisket drippings if available.
• For extra richness, stir in a tablespoon of butter at the end.
• If you want thicker chili, simmer uncovered or add 1–2 teaspoons masa harina.
Prep Time / Cooking Time / Total Time
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 1 hour
• Total Time: 1 hour 10 minutes
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
Approx. 420 calories – 34g protein – 22g fat – 18g carbs
FAQs
Can I use raw brisket instead of cooked brisket?
- Not for this recipe; raw brisket needs hours to cook. Use leftover smoked or braised brisket or cook brisket separately before making chili.
Can I add beans?
- Traditional Texas chili has no beans, but yes, you can add kidney, black, or pinto beans if you prefer.
Can I freeze Texas Brisket Chili?
- Absolutely. It freezes beautifully for up to 3 months and tastes even better after thawing because the seasoning develops.
How spicy is this chili?
- It’s mild to medium depending on the chili powder and jalapeños. You can adjust the heat level easily.
Can I make it in the slow cooker?
- Yes. Sauté aromatics and spices first, then cook everything on LOW for 6–8 hours.
Conclusion
Texas Brisket Chili is a bold, hearty, deeply flavorful dish that showcases everything great about real Texas chili, tender beef, smoky spices, rich broth, and slow-developed flavor. Whether you’re using leftover smoked brisket or making a special batch from scratch, this chili is guaranteed to warm you up, impress guests, and deliver unbeatable comfort in every spoonful. It’s rich, luxurious, and the perfect centerpiece for cold nights, parties, or lazy weekends when you want something exceptional.