This Tex-Mex chili recipe is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings or game-day gatherings. The secret to its rich flavor lies in slow cooking, allowing the spices to meld beautifully with the ingredients. Once you brown the beef, it’s as simple as letting the slow cooker work its magic. Packed with beans, tomatoes, and seasoning, this chili is flavorful, satisfying, and easy to customize with your favorite toppings.
Ingredients for Tex-Mex Chili
- 2 1/2 lbs lean ground beef (1.1 kilograms)
- 1 large onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons chopped garlic (30 milliliters)
- 1 can Rotel, drained (optional) (10 oz or 280 grams)
- 1 can tomato sauce (29 oz or 820 grams)
- 1 can black beans, drained and rinsed (15 oz or 425 grams)
- 1 can chili beans (15 oz or 425 grams)
- 1 packet taco seasoning mix (Taco Bell preferred) (30 grams)
- 1 packet chili seasoning mix (McCormick’s, regular, not hot) (35 grams)
- 2-4 cups chicken stock (adjust to desired consistency) (500-1000 milliliters)
Optional Toppings
- Shredded cheese
- Sliced black olives
- Sour cream
- Chopped green onions
- Fritos
How to Make Tex-Mex Chili
Cook the beef
In a large skillet over medium heat, brown the ground beef along with the diced onion and chopped garlic. Cook until the beef is fully browned and the onions are softened. Drain any excess grease.
Combine ingredients in the slow cooker
Transfer the cooked meat mixture to a large Crock-Pot or slow cooker. Add the tomato sauce, black beans, chili beans, Rotel (if using), and both seasoning packets. Stir to combine.
Adjust the consistency
Gradually add the chicken stock, starting with 2 cups (480 milliliters). Add more if you prefer a thinner consistency. Stir well.
Cook low and slow
Cover the slow cooker and cook the chili on low heat for 8 hours. This allows the flavors to develop and intensify.
Serve with toppings
Ladle the chili into bowls and serve over a bed of Fritos, if desired. Garnish with your favorite toppings, such as shredded cheese, sour cream, sliced black olives, and chopped green onions.
Tips for the Perfect Tex-Mex Chili
- Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level by adding a pinch of cayenne pepper or using spicy Rotel.
- Bean Variations: Swap out black beans for kidney or pinto beans if you prefer.
- Make It Meatless: For a vegetarian version, replace ground beef with plant-based crumbles or extra beans.
Why This Chili Stands Out
This Tex-Mex chili recipe is a no-fuss crowd-pleaser. The combination of taco and chili seasonings gives it a bold, southwestern flavor, while the slow cooking method ensures every bite is rich and satisfying. Serve it with Fritos for an added crunch, and let everyone customize their bowl with their favorite toppings for a fun, interactive meal.
Whether you’re hosting a football watch party or just need a warm, hearty dinner, this Tex-Mex chili is a fantastic choice. Easy to make and loaded with flavor, it’s a recipe you’ll come back to time and time again. Try it out today, and don’t forget the toppings—they make all the difference!
