Mike’S Texas Chili – Southern Style
Description
This hearty Texas-style chili is a robust, meat-forward dish that skips the beans for a denser, richer texture. Ground beef and pork are browned to perfection and slow-simmered with a complex blend of spices, including cocoa, coffee, and a touch of sugar to balance the heat. The addition of bacon fat and strips adds a smoky savory depth, while V-8 juice and stewed tomatoes provide a tangy base. Ideal for potlucks, game days, or a cozy weekend dinner, this chili gets better as it sits, allowing the flavors to meld into a thick, satisfying stew that warms the soul.Ingredients
Directions
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In a large bowl, combine 1/16 cup sugar, 1/8 cup dark brown sugar, 1 tbsp beef soup base, 1/2 tsp instant coffee (or 1/2 cup real brewed coffee), 1 chopped celery stalk, 1 tsp thyme, 2 tsp salt, 1 tsp cumin seed, 1 tsp garlic powder, 1 tbsp cocoa, 2 bay leaves, 1 tsp cilantro, 1/2 tbsp Mexican oregano, 1 tsp Tabasco or cayenne pepper, and 3/8 cup chili powder.
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In a blender, combine 2 tbsp paprika, one 48 oz can of V-8 juice, 1 chopped onion, 1/2 cup chopped green and red peppers, and one 16 oz can of stewed tomatoes. Blend until smooth.
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In a large skillet over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef and ground pork, breaking it up into small crumbles. Drain excess fat if desired, though some fat adds flavor.
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Place the browned meat into a large slow cooker or heavy-bottomed pot.
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Pour the blended V-8 mixture and the dry spice mixture over the meat. Add the bacon fat and crumbled precooked bacon strips. Stir well to combine all ingredients.
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Cover and cook on high for 4 to 6 hours, or on low for 8 to 12 hours. The longer it cooks, the thicker and more flavorful it becomes.
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If cooking on the stovetop, brown the meat and onions first, add remaining ingredients, bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer for at least 4 hours, stirring every 10 to 15 minutes.
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Remove bay leaves before serving. Serve hot with desired toppings.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 4
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1812.3kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 120.3g186%
- Saturated Fat 43.9g220%
- Cholesterol 414.8mg139%
- Sodium 2494.0mg104%
- Total Carbohydrate 1.8g1%
- Dietary Fiber 0.0g0%
- Sugars 0.6g
- Protein 166.1g333%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
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