Texas-Style Chili con Carne (Without Beans)

On Yellowstone, the Bunkhouse gets into a heated debate over whether or not real Texas chili is made with beans. (The character “Jimmy” was correct.) Texas is famous for Chile Colorado con Carne which is made without beans – it’s mainly beef and red chiles, and it is fabulous. My recipes for chili with beans, and without beans, are featured in my Unofficial Yellowstone Cookbook.

Texas style Chile con Carne with cheese, scallions and sour cream from Southwest borderlands cookbook author Jackie Alpers.
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Texas Chile Colorado con Carne Recipe
Servings: 4 people
Author: Jackie Alpers
My Texas style Chile Colorado con Carne recipe from The Unofficial Yellowstone Cookbook.

Ingredients

  • 1 14-oz container frozen red chile puree
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 1 ½ lb beef chuck cut into 1-inch cubes
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 –3 tbsp masa harina use more for a thicker sauce
  • 1 Tbsp dried Mexican oregano
  • ½ tsp sea salt
  • 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 cup sour cream
  • 1 cup shredded cheddar or jack cheese
  • ½ cup chopped chives or scallions

Instructions

  • Run the container of chile puree under hot water to defrost slightly. Meanwhile, heat the olive oil in a large saucepan over medium heat. Remove the partially frozen disc of chile puree and place it on one side of the pan. (It will defrost and cook while the beef is browning.)
  • Add the beef and saute for 10 minutes or until cooked through and the chile is liquefied.
  • Reduce the heat to low, stir in the garlic, masa harina, Mexican oregano, salt, red wine vinegar and Worcestershire sauce. Cover and simmer for 15 to 20 minutes.
  • Add a dollop of sour cream and sprinkle with cheese and chives or scallions.
Course Main Course, Soup
Cuisine American, Southwestern
Keyword chile colorado, chile con carne, chili, Jackie Alpers, The Unofficial Yellowsstone Cookbook

Order Jackie's Cookbooks

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The Unofficial Yellowstone Cookbook Cover
cover of The Unofficial Elf Cookbook by Jackie Alpers. Treat every day like Christmas with recipes inspired by the classic film "Elf".
The Unofficial Elf Cookbook by Jackie Alpers
Food photography by Alpers of loaded hot dogs is an American Photography 41 winner.
Jackie Alpers 2025 World Food Photography Awards for Food Influencer and Food in the Field
Tucson City of Gastronomy designation for Taste of Tucson cookbook