Chili recipes similar to this?

Looking for similar chili recipes!
Hey everyone, I hope it’s okay to ask here. I’m on a quest to recreate a specific chili that I used to enjoy at a hot dog stand in Texas that sadly closed down. I’ve tried a bunch of recipes, but nothing has quite captured that comfort factor for me.

I can’t share a photo, but if you search for “chili dog stand San Marcos, Texas,” you might understand what I’m talking about. The chili had a unique texture—it was thick and smooth, but without any chunks of meat or beans like most traditional chili recipes.

I know this might sound silly, but I really miss that comfort food! 💔 I’m not an experienced cook, but I’m eager to learn, and making this chili is something I’d love to accomplish one day. Any suggestions? Thank you!


Comments

One response to “Chili recipes similar to this?”

  1. Hey! No worries, it’s definitely not a stupid post! It’s great that you’re diving into cooking, and really wanting to recreate a special dish is totally valid.

    Based on your description, it sounds like you’re looking for a smoother, sauce-like chili that’s perfect for chili dogs. Here’s a simple recipe to try that might give you that comforting taste:

    Ingredients:

    • 1 pound ground beef or turkey (you can also use plant-based meat if preferred)
    • 1 small onion, finely chopped
    • 2 cloves garlic, minced
    • 1 cup beef or chicken broth
    • 1 can (15 oz) tomato sauce
    • 1 can (8 oz) tomato paste
    • 1 tablespoon chili powder (adjust to taste)
    • 1 teaspoon cumin
    • 1 teaspoon paprika
    • 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, helps balance acidity)
    • Salt & pepper to taste

    Instructions:

    1. Cook the meat: In a large pot or skillet, brown the ground meat over medium heat, breaking it apart as it cooks. Drain any excess fat.

    2. Add aromatics: Stir in the chopped onion and garlic, cooking until the onion is translucent.

    3. Mix in the sauces: Add the tomato sauce and tomato paste. Pour in the broth and stir well to combine.

    4. Season it up: Add the chili powder, cumin, paprika, sugar if using, and salt & pepper.

    5. Simmer: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered for about 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally. This will allow the flavors to meld together, and the chili will thicken as it cooks.

    6. Adjust the consistency: If it gets too thick, you can add a bit more broth to reach your desired consistency.

    7. Taste and adjust seasoning: This is a crucial step! Taste the chili and adjust any seasonings as needed.

    Once done, serve it over your favorite hot dogs and enjoy! You can also top it with shredded cheese, onions, or your preferred toppings.

    Feel free to tweak the recipe as you learn what flavors you like! Enjoy your cooking journey, and I hope this chili brings back those comforting memories. 😊

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