Recipes

Carter Rochelle’s Texas Chili

For a true taste of this state dish, skip the beans and tomatoes.

  • Serves

    serves 6

  • Cook

    4 hours 30 minutes

PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHRISTOPHER TESTANI

By Carter Rochelle


Updated on January 6, 2022

Beef suet and masa give this Lone Star chili (no beans, no tomatoes) its distinctive flavor. The recipe comes from Carter Rochelle, a native Houstonian and chili connoisseur. Find all of our best chili recipes here.

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 6 oz. beef suet, coarsely chopped
  • 3 lb. trimmed beef chuck, cut into ½-in. pieces
  • 6 tbsp. chili powder
  • 4 large garlic cloves, peeled and minced
  • Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
  • 1 cup masa harina
  • 4 cups beef stock or low-sodium beef broth, warm
  • 3 tbsp. white vinegar
  • Cayenne pepper
  • Chopped cilantro, for garnish
  • Tabasco, for serving
  • Thinly sliced scallions, for garnish
  • Tabasco, for serving
  • Saltines, for serving
  • Sour cream, for serving

Instructions

Step 1

In a large Dutch oven set over medium-high heat, melt the suet, stirring frequently, 8–9 minutes. Use a slotted spoon to discard any solids. Working in batches if necessary, add the chuck and cook, stirring occasionally, until browned all over, 8–10 minutes. Turn the heat to medium and stir in the chili powder, garlic, and salt and black pepper to taste. Add the masa harina and stir to coat, then gradually pour in the broth, vinegar, and 4 cups of water. Turn the heat to medium-low and cook, partially covered and stirring occasionally, until the meat begins to fall apart, about 4 hours, adding water as needed to prevent sticking. Season with additional salt, black pepper, and cayenne to taste.

Step 2

To serve, ladle the chili into bowls and garnish with the cilantro and scallions. Accompany with Tabasco, saltines, and sour cream.

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