It’s a crisp fall evening, the leaves are dancing on the breeze, and there’s nothing quite like the smell of chili wafting through the house.
When I think of chili, my mind rushes to that deep, rich flavor that calls to me as soon as the temperatures drop. One such dish that has nestled itself in my culinary heart is brisket chili.
Before we dive into this mouthwatering journey, let’s talk about accompaniments that pair perfectly with brisket chili. Picture this: a slice of freshly baked cornbread slathered in butter. Or a dollop of sour cream to balance the spice.
A side of crispy tortilla chips can add some crunch. And let’s not forget the pair of cold beers to wash it all down. Trust me, your taste buds will thank you.
What is Brisket Chili?
Brisket chili is a tantalizing twist on traditional chili. It takes the classic chili concept—beef, beans, tomatoes, and spices—and elevates it by using brisket as the main protein. Brisket is known for its rich flavor and tenderness, especially when slow-cooked.
When mixed with herbs, spices, and a few unexpected ingredients, brisket chili stands out and provides a warming hug on chilly evenings.
What Does It Taste Like?
Describing the taste of brisket chili is like trying to capture the sunset in a photograph. It’s complex, layered, and satisfying. The brisket offers a mellow, meaty flavor enhanced by the spices, while the tomatoes add a slight tartness. And when those spices hit your palate, it’s like a dance of heat and sweetness. There’s nothing bland or boring here.
Why This Recipe Works
1. Depth of Flavor: The long cooking process of the brisket allows for deep flavors to develop, enhancing every bite with richness that a faster-cooking meat simply can’t achieve.
2. Perfectly Balanced Heat: The combination of spices, particularly Texas chili powder and chipotle chili, provides a warmth that isn’t overpowering but rather inviting.
3. Versatile Ingredients: This chili uses easily accessible ingredients, most of which can be found in any pantry. You don’t need to scour high and low to gather items.
4. Makes Great Leftovers: Like all good chilis, it improves the next day. The flavors meld beautifully overnight, making it ideal for meal prep or a family feast.
Ingredients for Brisket Chili
Here’s what you need:
- 3 to 4 pounds beef brisket, trimmed
- 4 thick-cut bacon slices
- 1 quart rich beef stock
- 28-ounce can whole peeled tomatoes with juices
- 2 cups finely diced white onion
- 5 garlic cloves, crushed or minced
- Kosher salt, freshly ground black pepper, smoked onion powder
- 1 tablespoon sweet paprika
- 3 ½ tablespoons authentic Texas chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- ½ teaspoon chipotle chili powder
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- ½ cup strong brewed black coffee
- 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
- 1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
Step by Step Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
Start by trimming the brisket of excess fat. This helps prevent the chili from becoming too greasy. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. The pieces should be manageable, not too small.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the bacon slices over medium heat. Cooking until crispy, this will render out the fat, adding flavor. Remove the bacon and crumble it, keeping the fat in the pot.
Step 3: Brown the Brisket
In the bacon fat, add the brisket cubes in batches. Get a nice brown sear on all sides. Don’t rush; this step is crucial for building flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
After browning the brisket, add the diced onions and garlic to the pot. Stir them around, allowing them to soften and become translucent, soaking in all the deliciousness left in the pot.
Step 5: Add the Spices
Next, sprinkle in your dry spices: kosher salt, black pepper, smoked onion powder, sweet paprika, Texas chili powder, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, and dried thyme. Stir everything for about a minute, letting the spices become fragrant.
Step 6: Incorporate the Main Ingredients
Pour in the beef stock and add the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices. Then, stir in the brewed coffee, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This concoction is where the magic happens.
Step 7: Simmer
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot and for at least 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally, and relish in the aromas filling your kitchen.
Step 8: Adjust to Taste
After a couple of hours, taste your chili. Adjust the salt, pepper, or any other spice level as needed.
Step 9: Serve
Serve hot in bowls, topped with crumbled bacon, your preferred cheese, diced onions, or sour cream, if desired.
Notes
- Low & Slow Win the Race: This chili benefits from a long cooking time. Don’t rush it.
- Coffee Adds Depth: The black coffee isn’t just for caffeine; it adds an incredible richness.
- Spice it Up: If you’re a fan of heat, don’t hesitate to add fresh jalapeños or additional chipotle.
- Resting Time: Allowing the chili to cool and rest before reheating can improve flavors.
- Garnish Ideas: Explore numerous toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, or even a sprinkle of lime juice for brightness.
How to Store the Leftovers?
Brisket chili stores well. Allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, consider freezing portions in freezer-safe bags or containers for up to 3 months. Just remember to label the bags!
Sides for Brisket Chili
1. Cornbread: Sweet cornbread complements the heat of the chili beautifully. It’s fluffy, with a slight crisp. Slather in butter and enjoy!
2. Rice: Serve your chili over a bed of fluffy rice. The rice absorbs all that meaty goodness, offering another flavor dimension.
3. Tortilla Chips: Crunchy chips make a great addition, offering a fantastic texture against the smooth chili. Plus, they’re perfect for scooping!
4. Coleslaw: A fresh coleslaw balances out the richness of the chili. With its creamy crunch, it’s a refreshing contrast.
Alternative Ingredient Choices
1. Ground Beef or Turkey: If brisket isn’t available, ground beef or turkey works well. Just be sure to adjust the cooking time appropriately.
2. Canned Beans: For a quicker option, you can add canned beans instead of relying solely on brisket. They cook much faster.
3. Vegetarian Options: Substitute brisket with lentils or jackfruit for a vegetarian twist. They absorb flavors remarkably.
4. Tomatoes: If you don’t have whole peeled tomatoes, crushed tomatoes or diced tomatoes will suffice. The key is to ensure you have the right ratio of liquid for simmering.
Conclusion
Brisket chili is more than just a meal; it’s a culinary adventure. From the tender chunks of brisket to the harmonious notes of spices, every single bite is a testament to the beauty of simple ingredients working together.
As the weather cools down, gather your ingredients and make this dish part of your fall routine. Whether you’re serving guests or enjoying a cozy night in, brisket chili is sure to become a cherished recipe in your kitchen.
Grab that cornbread and settle in—the chili experience awaits!
You’ll also like the following recipes!
Brisket Chili – Quick Delicious Meals
You might be asking, "What makes brisket chili special?"
To put it simply, this chili is a celebration of flavors. It combines the rich, smoky taste of beef brisket with a medley of spices and tomatoes, creating a heartwarming yet bold dish. In my cookbooks and corners of my kitchen, brisket chili has become a staple, and for a good reason.
It’s filled with goodness, offers a depth of flavor rarely found in standard chili recipes, and—best of all—it’s pause-worthy. Every spoonful tells a story.
Ingredients
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Brisket
-
Start by trimming the brisket of excess fat. This helps prevent the chili from becoming too greasy. Cut it into 1-inch cubes. The pieces should be manageable, not too small.
Step 2: Cook the Bacon
-
In a large pot or Dutch oven, add the bacon slices over medium heat. Cooking until crispy, this will render out the fat, adding flavor. Remove the bacon and crumble it, keeping the fat in the pot.
Step 3: Brown the Brisket
-
In the bacon fat, add the brisket cubes in batches. Get a nice brown sear on all sides. Don’t rush; this step is crucial for building flavor.
Step 4: Sauté the Aromatics
-
After browning the brisket, add the diced onions and garlic to the pot. Stir them around, allowing them to soften and become translucent, soaking in all the deliciousness left in the pot.
Step 5: Add the Spices
-
Next, sprinkle in your dry spices: kosher salt, black pepper, smoked onion powder, sweet paprika, Texas chili powder, ground cumin, chipotle chili powder, and dried thyme. Stir everything for about a minute, letting the spices become fragrant.
Step 6: Incorporate the Main Ingredients
-
Pour in the beef stock and add the whole peeled tomatoes along with their juices. Then, stir in the brewed coffee, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider vinegar. This concoction is where the magic happens.
Step 7: Simmer
-
Bring the mixture to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer. Cover the pot and for at least 2-3 hours. Stir occasionally, and relish in the aromas filling your kitchen.
Step 8: Adjust to Taste
-
After a couple of hours, taste your chili. Adjust the salt, pepper, or any other spice level as needed.
Step 9: Serve
-
Serve hot in bowls, topped with crumbled bacon, your preferred cheese, diced onions, or sour cream, if desired.
Nutrition Facts
Servings 2
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 1424kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Total Fat 95.6g148%
- Saturated Fat 23.2g116%
- Cholesterol 245mg82%
- Sodium 7662mg320%
- Total Carbohydrate 64g22%
- Dietary Fiber 19g76%
- Sugars 17g
- Protein 82g164%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
- Low & Slow Win the Race: This chili benefits from a long cooking time. Don't rush it.
- Coffee Adds Depth: The black coffee isn’t just for caffeine; it adds an incredible richness.
- Spice it Up: If you're a fan of heat, don't hesitate to add fresh jalapeños or additional chipotle.
- Resting Time: Allowing the chili to cool and rest before reheating can improve flavors.
- Garnish Ideas: Explore numerous toppings like fresh cilantro, avocado, or even a sprinkle of lime juice for brightness.
