Authentic 1840 Texas Chili Recipe

Name: Authentic 1840 Texas Chili
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 140 min
Total time: 160 min
Yield: Serves 1 or more
Ingredients: 2 lbs beef sirloin, roughly chopped; 2 tablespoons bacon fat; 6 garlic cloves, minced; 2 large onions, chopped; 1/2 cup chili powder; 2 tablespoons ground cumin; 1 tablespoon dried oregano; 1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional); 1 teaspoon salt; 1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper; 1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes; 1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce; 4 cups beef broth; 1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)

Journey back in time with this authentic 1840s Texas chili recipe! Inspired by Governor Ann Richards' account of Jim Perry's XIT Ranch cooking methods, this recipe captures the essence of a true cattle drive chili. Imagine the rich flavors developing slowly over a chuckwagon fire! While incredibly simple, using readily available ingredients of that era, the longer it simmers, the more delicious it becomes. This recipe uses hearty, fatty cuts of beef, roughly chopped, reflecting the realities of a cattle drive. While the original recipe might have been sparse, we've added suggestions for vegetables – as would likely have occurred when cattle drives passed settlements – to enhance the flavor as time went on. No refrigeration needed, just low and slow cooking for an unforgettable taste of history! Perfect for chili cook-offs or a hearty weeknight meal.

Prep Time 20 mins

Cook Time 140 mins

Calories 1692 kcal

Protein 39g

Rating 4.0 (1 Reviews)

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Recipe adapted from Food.com. Standardized by Forktionary.

Ingredients for Authentic 1840 Texas Chili

2 lbs beef sirloin, roughly chopped
2 tablespoons bacon fat
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 large onions, chopped
1/2 cup chili powder
2 tablespoons ground cumin
1 tablespoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
1 (28 ounce) can crushed tomatoes
1 (15 ounce) can tomato sauce
4 cups beef broth
1 (15 ounce) can pinto beans or kidney beans, rinsed and drained (optional)

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How to Make Authentic 1840 Texas Chili

In a large pot or Dutch oven, brown the roughly chopped beef over medium-high heat. Remove the beef and set aside.
Add the onion and garlic to the pot and cook until softened, about 5 minutes.
Stir in the chili powder, cumin, oregano, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and black pepper. Cook for 1 minute more, stirring constantly.
Return the beef to the pot. Add the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and beef broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for at least 2 hours, or up to 4 hours for a deeper flavor.
If using beans, add them during the last 30 minutes of cooking.
Taste and adjust seasonings as needed before serving. Enjoy your taste of Texas history!

Nutrition Information (Approximate per serving)

Sodium

6 g

Sugar

Fat

370g

Carbs

Recipe Categories (Choose a category and find related recipes!)

Soups, Stews & Chilis Main Courses Main Dish / Dinner Beef & Red Meat The Americas American Gluten Free Keto Paleo Fall Recipes Game Day Recipes One Pot Meals

Recipe Tags (Choose a tag and find related recipes!)

Time To Make Course Main Ingredient Cuisine Preparation North American 5 Ingredients Or Less Very Low Carbs Main Dish American Southwestern United States Tex Mex Easy Chili Dietary One Dish Meal Low Sodium Low Carb Inexpensive Low In Something Meat 4 Hours Or Less