Hearty and Spicy Meaty Thick Man Chili

4 stars
4.25 (17)
Hearty and Spicy Meaty Thick Man Chili
Prep Time:
20 mins
Cook Time:
60 mins
Total Time:
80mins
Category:
Recipe by Administrator
Published on September 04, 2023

Indulge in the rich flavors and satisfying textures of this meaty thick man chili. Packed with tender beef, smoky bacon, and a blend of spices, this chili is perfect for chilly nights or game day gatherings. Get ready to savor every spoonful of this hearty and spicy dish.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 pounds beef chuck, cut into bite-sized cubes
  • 4 slices bacon, diced
  • 1 large onion, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 green bell pepper, diced
  • 2 jalapeno peppers, seeded and minced
  • 1 can (14.5 ounces) diced tomatoes
  • 1 can (15 ounces) tomato sauce
  • 1 can (15 ounces) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder
  • 1 tablespoon cumin
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • 1 cup beef broth
  • 1/4 cup cornmeal
  • Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped green onions

Directions

  1. In a large pot or Dutch oven, cook the diced bacon over medium heat until crisp. Remove the bacon with a slotted spoon and set aside.
  2. In the same pot, brown the beef cubes in the bacon fat over medium-high heat. Remove the beef from the pot and set aside.
  3. Add the chopped onion, minced garlic, diced bell pepper, and minced jalapeno peppers to the pot. Cook until the vegetables are softened, about 5 minutes.
  4. Return the bacon and beef to the pot. Stir in the diced tomatoes, tomato sauce, kidney beans, chili powder, cumin, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Pour in the beef broth and bring the mixture to a simmer.
  5. Reduce the heat to low, cover, and let the chili simmer for 45 minutes to 1 hour, stirring occasionally.
  6. In a small bowl, mix the cornmeal with a splash of water to make a slurry. Stir the slurry into the chili to thicken the sauce.
  7. Continue to simmer the chili for an additional 10 minutes, or until thickened to your desired consistency.
  8. Serve the meaty thick man chili hot, garnished with shredded cheese, sour cream, and chopped green onions if desired.

Interesting Facts

  • Chili is the official dish of Texas and has a devoted following in the United States.
  • The secret to a thick chili is to let it simmer for a long time, allowing the flavors to meld and the meat to become tender.
  • Adding cornmeal to the chili not only thickens the sauce but also adds a subtle sweetness and texture.