Texas-Style Chili from Twin Peaks features tender chunks of slow-simmered beef, bold chili spices, and smoky chipotle peppers, served steaming hot with a rich, thick sauce and topped with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeno slices for a hearty, flavorful feast.
Equipments
- Large Dutch oven or heavy-bottomed pot
- Chef’s knife
- Cutting board
- Wooden spoon or spatula
- Ladle
- Measuring spoons
- Measuring cups
- Grater (for cheddar cheese)
- Serving bowls
- Slotted spoon (optional, for serving)
Ingredients
- 2 lbs (900g) beef chuck, cut into 1-inch cubes
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 1 large yellow onion, diced
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 2 teaspoons ground oregano
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 (28-oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 cup beef broth
- 2 chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, minced
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from chipotle peppers
- 1 (15-oz) can kidney beans, drained and rinsed (optional)
- 2 cups shredded cheddar cheese
- 2 fresh jalapenos, thinly sliced
Beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes ensures tender, slow-simmered meat that absorbs bold chili spices perfectly. Using smoked paprika and chipotle peppers in adobo sauce adds smoky depth and authentic Texas-style flavor to your chili. Tomato paste combined with crushed tomatoes and beef broth creates a rich, thick sauce that complements the hearty beef. Kidney beans are optional but can add extra texture and nutrients if you prefer. Your finishing touch with shredded cheddar cheese and fresh jalapenos enhances the dish's richness and heat, capturing the essence of the Texas-Style Chili from Twin Peaks copycat menu.
Instructions
- Cut beef chuck into 1-inch cubes.
- Dice onion and mince garlic.
- Mince chipotle peppers and measure adobo sauce.
- Grate cheddar cheese and slice jalapenos.
- Heat vegetable oil in Dutch oven over medium-high heat.
- Add beef cubes in batches; brown on all sides, then remove.
- Add diced onions to pot; sauté until softened.
- Stir in minced garlic and cook for 1 minute.
- Return browned beef to the pot.
- Add chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and black pepper; stir well.
- Mix in tomato paste; cook for 1 to 2 minutes.
- Pour in crushed tomatoes and beef broth; stir to combine.
- Add chipotle peppers and adobo sauce.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat to low.
- Cover pot and simmer for 2 to 2.5 hours, stirring occasionally, until beef is tender.
- Uncover and continue to simmer 30–45 minutes, until sauce thickens.
- (Optional) Stir in kidney beans and heat through.
- Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Ladle chili into serving bowls.
- Top with shredded cheddar and sliced jalapenos.
- Serve hot.
Substitution
Texas-Style Chili from Twin Peaks is known for its tender beef chunks simmered with smoky chipotle peppers and bold spices in a thick, rich sauce. If you don't have chipotle peppers in adobo, smoked paprika combined with a small amount of liquid smoke can offer a similar smoky flavor. Kidney beans are optional, so you can omit them if you prefer a more traditional, bean-free chili or substitute with black beans for a different texture. When selecting beef chuck, a well-marbled cut will ensure your chili stays tender and juicy after slow cooking. Your slow simmering process is key to blending flavors and achieving the perfect consistency.
Tips
Ensure the beef chuck is cut into uniform 1-inch cubes for even cooking and tenderness. Browning the meat in batches prevents overcrowding the pot, which helps develop a rich, deep flavor. Maintain a low simmer during the slow-cooking phase to break down the beef fibers and infuse the sauce with spices without drying it out. When serving, add your shredded cheddar cheese and fresh jalapeno slices just before eating to preserve their texture and enhance the chili's bold, smoky profile.
Nutritions
Texas-Style Chili from Twin Peaks offers a rich source of protein primarily from the beef chuck, supporting muscle repair and growth. The inclusion of kidney beans adds dietary fiber, aiding digestion while helping to maintain healthy blood sugar levels. Chipotle peppers contribute antioxidants and vitamins A and C, enhancing immune function and skin health. Your meal also delivers calcium and vitamin D through the shredded cheddar cheese, promoting bone strength and overall wellness.
Storage
Store Texas-Style Chili in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 4 days to maintain its rich flavor and tender beef texture. For longer storage, freeze the chili in portioned containers, leaving space for expansion, and consume within 3 months to preserve peak quality. When reheating, warm gently on the stovetop or microwave until steaming hot to ensure your hearty, smoky chipotle-infused chili stays delicious.
Variation or Alternatives
You can substitute beef chuck with pork shoulder or ground beef for a different texture and flavor profile. For a spicier variation, add extra chipotle peppers or include a diced fresh habanero. Slow-cooking the chili in a slow cooker for 6 to 8 hours on low can enhance tenderness and meld the spices. For a thicker sauce, reduce the cooking liquid further or add a tablespoon of masa harina during the final simmer.
Allergies
Texas-Style Chili from Twin Peaks contains common allergens such as dairy from shredded cheddar cheese, which can affect those with lactose intolerance or milk allergies. The dish also includes ingredients like garlic and onion, which may trigger sensitivities for some individuals. If you have food allergies or sensitivities, carefully review the ingredient list and consider omitting or substituting items to ensure your meal is safe to enjoy.
Why this recipe?
Texas-Style Chili from Twin Peaks restaurant is celebrated for its rich, smoky flavor profile made from robust spices, tender beef chunks, and a perfect balance of heat and savory notes. The hearty dish embodies authentic Texan culinary tradition, providing a satisfying experience that appeals to spice lovers and comfort food enthusiasts alike. You can recreate this iconic chili at home to enjoy a personalized, flavorful meal that captures the essence of a beloved favorite. Making the copycat version allows you to control ingredient quality and spice intensity, elevating your dining experience while saving on restaurant visits.