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Savory Texas Brisket Chili No Beans Recipe Easy Authentic Hearty

Texas brisket chili no beans - featured image

A hearty and authentic Texas-style chili featuring smoked brisket without beans, delivering bold smoky and spicy flavors in a simple, comforting dish.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 3 pounds smoked beef brisket, trimmed and chopped into bite-sized pieces
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil or rendered beef fat
  • 1 large yellow onion, diced
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 2 tablespoons tomato paste
  • 1 cup beef broth or stock
  • 1 can (14 oz) crushed tomatoes
  • 2 tablespoons chili powder (preferably with ancho chili powder)
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to heat preference)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • Optional toppings: chopped fresh cilantro or green onions, shredded sharp cheddar or Monterey Jack cheese, sour cream or crema, jalapeño slices

Instructions

  1. Trim any excess fat and cut the smoked brisket into 1-inch bite-sized chunks. Set aside.
  2. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil or rendered beef fat over medium heat in a Dutch oven. Add diced onion and sauté for 6-8 minutes until soft and translucent, stirring occasionally.
  3. Add minced garlic and cook for another 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Stir in 2 tablespoons tomato paste with the onion and garlic. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until the tomato paste darkens slightly.
  5. Add chili powder, ground cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Stir well and cook for about 1 minute to toast the spices.
  6. Pour in 1 cup beef broth and 14 oz crushed tomatoes. Stir to combine, scraping up any browned bits from the bottom of the pot.
  7. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce heat to low, cover partially with a lid, and cook for 30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
  8. Add the chopped brisket to the pot and stir gently to coat with the chili sauce. Simmer uncovered for another 30-40 minutes, stirring every 10 minutes to prevent sticking.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or heat level as needed. If too thick, add a splash more beef broth; if too thin, simmer a few minutes longer uncovered to reduce.
  10. Remove from heat and let the chili rest for 10 minutes before serving.

Notes

Use quality smoked brisket for best flavor. Toast spices with tomato paste and aromatics to intensify flavor. Deglaze pan after sautéing to capture browned bits. Simmer on low heat to tenderize brisket and meld flavors. Adjust cayenne and jalapeños to control spice level. Slow cooker method available: brown onions and garlic first, then cook all ingredients on low for 6-8 hours, adding brisket halfway through.

Nutrition

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