Smoky Texas Brisket Chili

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A hearty chili featuring slow-cooked beef brisket infused with smoky spices and Texas-inspired flavors, perfect for a comforting meal. This american-inspired beef ready in about 225 minutes pairs beef brisket, olive oil, large, diced yellow onion for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 6, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 210 min Serves 6 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 300°F. Rub 2 lbs beef brisket with 2 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chipotle chili powder, 1 tbsp ground cumin, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Place in a roasting pan and cover tightly with foil. Cook for 3 hours until tender.
  2. Step 2: While brisket cooks, heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Add 1 large diced yellow onion and 4 minced garlic cloves, sauté for 5 minutes until softened and fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Add 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes and 2 cups beef broth to the pot. Stir and bring to a simmer.
  4. Step 4: Remove brisket from oven, shred into bite-sized pieces, and add to the pot along with 1 can (15 oz) drained kidney beans. Simmer uncovered for 30 minutes until chili thickens and flavors meld.
  5. Step 5: Stir in 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro just before serving. Serve chili hot with lime wedges on the side for squeezing.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky Texas Brisket Chili take to make?

Total time is about 225 minutes (15 min prep + 210 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Smoky Texas Brisket Chili?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep beef brisket from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky Texas Brisket Chili?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Smoky Texas Brisket Chili for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 6 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 6). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Smoky Texas Brisket Chili?

American beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes