If you’re looking for a hearty and comforting dish, you’ve come to the right place! This Smoky Texas Chili is one of those recipes that warms you from the inside out. It’s rich, flavorful, and perfect for gatherings with friends or family. Whether it’s game day or a cozy holiday meal, this chili will keep everyone coming back for seconds!

What makes this recipe truly special is the tender smoked beef chuck roast that infuses every bite with delicious flavor. Plus, it’s easy to make and can be prepped ahead of time, leaving you with more moments to enjoy with your loved ones.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Easy to Prepare: This recipe may take a bit of time, but it’s mostly hands-off cooking. Just let the smoker do its magic!
Family-Friendly: Everyone loves a good bowl of chili, making it a hit for both kids and adults alike.
Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a big batch and enjoy leftovers throughout the week—it’s even better the next day!
Flavor Packed: The combination of spices and smoked beef creates an unforgettable taste that will have your guests raving.
Customizable: You can easily tweak the ingredients to suit your family’s preferences or dietary needs.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple and wholesome ingredients for this Smoky Texas Chili! You likely have most of these items in your pantry already. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Chili

4 lbs. Beef Chuck Roast, smoked and cut into 1-inch cubes
1 Tbsp. vegetable oil
1 large yellow onion, diced
1 red bell pepper, coarsely chopped
¼ cup dark chili powder
1 Tbsp. smoked paprika
1 tsp. paprika
1 Tbsp. cumin
1 Tbsp. fine black pepper
1 tsp. garlic powder
2 roasted poblanos, coarsely chopped
1 qt. beef stock
1 can (28 oz.) crushed tomatoes
1 tsp. Mexican oregano
1 tsp. beef base
1 Tbsp. Worcestershire sauce
Optional: Kosher salt to taste

For the Cheddar Jalapeño Dumplings

1 cup cornmeal
1 cup all-purpose flour
1 tsp. baking powder
½ tsp. salt
¼ cup honey or ½ cup sugar
2 eggs
1 cup buttermilk
¼ -½ cup shredded sharp cheddar
1 small jalapeño, finely diced

Variations

This Smoky Texas Chili recipe is quite flexible! Here are some fun variations to consider:

Swap the Protein: Try using ground beef or turkey instead of chuck roast for a different texture.
Add More Veggies: Toss in beans like kidney or black beans, or even some zucchini for extra nutrients.
Make it Spicy: If you love heat, add more diced jalapeños or even some cayenne pepper to kick things up a notch.
Try Different Cheeses: Experiment with different types of cheese in your dumplings—pepper jack could add a nice twist!

How to Make Smoky Texas Chili

Step 1: Smoke the Beef

Start by preparing your smoker according to the manufacturer’s instructions and preheat it to 250°F. Season your trimmed chuck roast generously with salt and pepper—it’s key to enhancing that smoky flavor! Place it on the rack in your smoker and set a timer for eight hours.

Step 2: Wrap and Rest

After four hours, check your roast’s internal temperature; when it reaches 180°F, wrap it in unwaxed butcher paper and return it to the smoker for another four hours until it reaches about 208-210°F. This step ensures that the meat stays moist while developing those deep flavors.

Step 3: Chop It Up!

Once done smoking, let your roast rest wrapped in butcher paper for at least one hour before slicing it into cubes right before adding it into your chili pot.

Step 4: Sauté Your Vegetables

In a Dutch oven over medium-high heat, add vegetable oil and then toss in your diced onions along with a sprinkle of salt if desired. Sauté until they turn translucent—this usually takes about five minutes—then add in red peppers and keep cooking until everything is fragrant.

Step 5: Spice It Up!

Now comes the fun part! Stir in your dark chili powder, smoked paprika, cumin, black pepper, and garlic powder into those sautéed veggies; this blooming process helps release all those wonderful flavors.

Step 6: Combine Ingredients

Add the cubed smoked chuck roast along with roasted poblanos into the pot. Mix everything well so that all ingredients are coated with those beautiful spices before deglazing with beef stock and crushed tomatoes.

Step 7: Simmer Away

Sprinkle in Mexican oregano, beef base, Worcestershire sauce, and season with salt and pepper as needed. Bring everything up to a boil before reducing heat to low; cover and let simmer for about 40 minutes while stirring occasionally.

Step 8: Prepare Dumplings

While your chili is bubbling away, mix together cornmeal, flour, baking powder, salt, and sugar in another bowl for cheddar jalapeño dumplings. Gently fold in eggs followed by buttermilk until just combined—be careful not to overmix!

Step 9: Add Some Fluffiness

Lastly, fold in shredded cheese and jalapeños before placing dollops of dumpling batter right into your simmering chili pot! Cover again and let them cook for about 20 minutes until they’re firm yet fluffy.

Step 10: Serve & Enjoy!

When ready to serve up bowls of this Smoky Texas Chili, feel free to garnish each bowl with shredded cheese, sliced scallions, fresh cilantro leaves, or even a dollop of sour cream if desired! Enjoy every warm spoonful!

Pro Tips for Making Smoky Texas Chili

Making Smoky Texas Chili is a labor of love, and with these handy tips, you’ll elevate your dish to new heights!

Choose Quality Meat: Opt for a well-marbled beef chuck roast. The fat will melt during the smoking process, adding richness and flavor to your chili.
Don’t Rush the Smoking Process: Take your time while smoking the meat. Allowing it to reach the perfect internal temperature ensures tenderness and enhances that smoky flavor.
Layer Your Spices: Add spices gradually and taste as you go. This allows you to adjust flavors based on your personal preference, ensuring a perfectly balanced chili.
Simmer Low and Slow: After bringing your chili to a boil, reduce the heat and let it simmer. This slow cooking method helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
Experiment with Garnishes: Get creative with toppings! Different garnishes can completely transform the eating experience and bring an extra layer of flavor.

How to Serve Smoky Texas Chili

Serving Smoky Texas Chili is all about presentation and complementary choices that enhance its robust flavors. Whether you’re hosting a game day gathering or a cozy holiday dinner, here are some ideas to make your meal unforgettable!

Garnishes

Shredded Cheese: A sprinkle of shredded sharp cheddar adds creaminess that contrasts deliciously with the spicy chili.
Fresh Cilantro: Chopped cilantro provides a refreshing burst of flavor that brightens up each bite.
Sour Cream: A dollop of sour cream adds tanginess and richness, balancing out the heat from the chili.

Side Dishes

Cornbread: This classic side is slightly sweet and buttery, making it perfect for soaking up the smoky chili.
Tortilla Chips: Crunchy tortilla chips add texture and can be used for dipping into the chili or as a crunchy topping.
Coleslaw: A zesty coleslaw adds a refreshing crunch that contrasts nicely with the warm, hearty chili.
Rice or Quinoa: Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy rice or quinoa for added substance and a delightful textural contrast.

Enjoy your Smoky Texas Chili with these serving suggestions for an unforgettable meal experience!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Smoky Texas Chili is not only a crowd-pleaser but also perfect for meal prep! You can make it ahead of time, and it stores beautifully, allowing the flavors to deepen even further.

Storing Leftovers

Allow the chili to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container.
Store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
If you want to save some for later, consider freezing portions for a future meal.

Freezing

Portion your cooled chili into freezer-safe containers or bags.
It will keep well in the freezer for up to 3 months.
Be sure to label containers with the date for easy identification.

Reheating

Thaw frozen chili overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Heat on the stovetop over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until warmed through.
For microwave reheating, place in a microwave-safe bowl and cover loosely. Heat in short intervals, stirring in between until hot.

FAQs

Here are some common questions about making Smoky Texas Chili that might help you.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Texas Chili?

Absolutely! Feel free to customize by using different types of beans or vegetables. Just keep in mind that this may alter the flavor profile slightly.

How spicy is Smoky Texas Chili?

The spice level can vary based on the jalapeños and chili powder used. If you’re sensitive to heat, consider reducing or omitting these ingredients for a milder version.

What makes Smoky Texas Chili unique?

The use of smoked Chuck Roast adds a rich depth of flavor that elevates this dish above standard chili recipes. The combination of spices complements the smokiness beautifully!

Can I make Smoky Texas Chili vegetarian?

You can create a vegetarian version by replacing the beef with hearty vegetables like mushrooms or lentils and using vegetable broth instead of beef stock.

Final Thoughts

I hope this Smoky Texas Chili warms your heart and fills your home with inviting aromas! It’s a special dish filled with rich flavors perfect for gathering friends and family. Enjoy making it as much as I do, and don’t hesitate to share your experiences or variations. Happy cooking!