One of the reasons my family gets along so well is how eclectic each of our talents are in just about every life skill you can imagine. My wife is the baker and I am the cook, so in this article I will be sharing how to make perfect and 100% authentic Texas chili every time.

KUSJ-FM logo
Get our free mobile app

Truth is, there is no single secret ingredient to making the perfect pot of chili. There are even a few different tools you can utilize to cook it.

I prefer using a seven quart Dutch Oven, but you can do just as well in a crockpot or Instapot. If you want 100% authentic Texas chili, you absolutely must start with...

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

PSYCH!

DYK that beans are so secret in perfect Texas chili that you can't even find them?

Perfect Texas chili begins with sautéing two medium sized, chopped white onions in about 5 tablespoons of olive oil and garlic salt for around 3 minutes. Then, you add a few cloves of chopped garlic for 2 minutes until it is all fragrant.

Add in two pounds of ground chuck that has been well seasoned with garlic salt, cayenne pepper and chili powder, and also ground cumin. Brown the meat until it's about 75% finished, then add 1 chopped bell red pepper, yellow pepper, and orange pepper.

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

These are the most important ingredients for perfect Texas chili.

Skim off as much grease as desired.

You next need a can of 100% pure pumpkin, and one can of San Marzano peeled tomatoes. Open them, and before adding each to your chili, squeeze in about 3 tablespoons of tomato paste.

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

Now add your pumpkin and tomatoes to your perfect Texas chili.

It is very important you pile the pumpkin and tomato directly on top of the tomato paste. Actually, I have no idea why I didn't stir in the paste other than I'm lazy and thought one stirring is enough.

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

I am not kidding about the pure pumpkin either. Many people will add brown sugar to their chili to balance all the acidity of the tomatoes and the punch of the pepper.

Adding pumpkin instead of brown sugar adds an extra savory level.

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

You still do not stir yet if you want perfect Texas chili.

One more thing needs to be added to the Dutch oven. If you learn one thing in life, it is nothing can be made perfectly without the proper amount of experience.

Well, you also need experience to make perfect Texas chili, and that experience can only be obtained if you are at least 21 years old.

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

It is very important to know that you cannot use a 12 oz. bottle of beer because you need 13 oz. Please note that even the beer is made in Texas for this perfect, 100% authentic Texas chili.

You will need at least one pint of beer, so that you have 13 oz. to put into your chili, and whatever is left to put into the chef.

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

After a good sip and stir, you are ready to bring the heat up until the entire recipe is boiling. Let it boil a for a minute or two while stirring frequently, then cover and turn the stove down to low for simmering.

You will want to stir every 30 minutes for the next 4 hours. Don't forget a pot holder if using a Dutch oven.

Noah/Canva
Noah/Canva
loading...

You will notice the covered simmer began at 12:30, so we'll be ready to feast at 4:30 and have the required energy to do some serious Trick or Treat action tonight.

Also, if you want beans in your chili, then you can talk to my wife about her vegan recipe.

Yuck Or Yum? Top 10 Weirdest Foods Only Texans Love

Big state = a big appetite, and these are some of the foods Texans love that outsiders might think are weird.

Gallery Credit: Piggie

Central Texas Top 10 Must Have Sides For BBQ'S This Summer

Gallery Credit: Piggie

Yummy! Here's 10 Famous Snacks That Come From Texas

These are 10 food products that come from the great state of Texas.

Gallery Credit: Piggie