Tex-Mex–Style Chili is a bold, spicy, and deeply flavorful dish that deserves the perfect beverage pairing to enhance its smoky heat and rich texture. Whether you prefer wine, beer, or something a little different, selecting the right drink will elevate your chili experience. Here’s a guide to the best pairings for this Tex-Mex classic.
Tex-Mex–Style Chili
Ingredients
- 1 large yellow onion
- 1 small jalapeño pepper
- 5 cloves garlic
- ¼ bunch fresh cilantro
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 lb bulk hot or mild pork sausage
- 2 1.25 oz packages Tex-Mex chili seasoning
- 2 16 oz cans pinto beans
- 1 11 oz can whole kernel corn with red and green bell peppers
- 2 14.5 oz cans diced tomatoes
- 1 15 oz can tomato sauce
Instructions
- Chop onion coarsely. Chop jalapeño finely, removing membranes and seeds if desired. Chop garlic and cilantro.
- Preheat large stockpot on medium 2–3 minutes. Add ground beef and sausage; brown 5–7 minutes, stirring to crumble meat, until no pink remains and meat is 160°F. Drain excess fat from pot.
- Return pot to heat; add onions, jalapeños, garlic, and chili seasoning. Cook 2–3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until vegetables are tender. Drain pinto beans and corn.
- Stir beans, corn, tomatoes (do not drain), and tomato sauce into pot. Bring chili to a boil, then reduce heat to low. Cover and simmer 1 hour.
- Stir in cilantro; serve with Cheddar and Jalapeño Cornbread on the side.
Notes
- Serve chili with your favorite toppings, such as sour cream, shredded cheese, diced onions, and hot pepper sauce. ENJOY!
Best Wine Pairings for Tex-Mex Chili
Pairing wine with chili can be tricky due to its bold spices and hearty ingredients, but these wines stand up to the challenge:
- Zinfandel – This fruit-forward red wine has jammy blackberry flavors and a peppery finish that complements the smoky, spicy elements of the chili.
- Malbec – With its smooth tannins and deep, dark fruit notes, Malbec balances the richness of the chili without overwhelming the palate.
- Grenache – This wine’s bright red fruit and subtle spice make it a perfect match for chili’s bold and slightly smoky flavors.
- Shiraz/Syrah – A full-bodied Syrah offers a rich, peppery profile that enhances the deep umami of slow-cooked chili.
- Tempranillo – A Spanish Tempranillo brings earthy, leather-like notes that pair beautifully with the chili’s savory and slightly smoky components.
Best Beer Pairings for Tex-Mex Chili
Beer is a natural match for chili, offering refreshing contrast and enhancing the dish’s spice:
- Amber Ale – With its malt sweetness and balanced bitterness, amber ale complements the chili’s deep tomato base and smoky spices.
- IPA (India Pale Ale) – The hoppy bitterness of an IPA cuts through the richness of the chili while amplifying its heat.
- Mexican Lager – A crisp, light Mexican lager (like Modelo or Pacifico) provides a refreshing contrast to chili’s bold flavors.
- Stout or Porter – The roasted malt notes in stouts and porters pair well with smoky and meaty chili, adding a layer of depth.
Something Unique – Cocktails & Other Pairings
If you’re in the mood for something different, try one of these fun pairings:
- Smoky Mezcal Margarita – The smokiness of mezcal enhances the deep flavors of Tex-Mex chili, while the citrus helps balance the heat.
- Classic Margarita – The refreshing lime and subtle sweetness of a margarita provide a cool contrast to the chili’s spice.
- Michelada – This spicy Mexican beer cocktail, made with tomato juice, lime, and hot sauce, mirrors the chili’s flavors while providing a refreshing kick.
- Horchata Cocktail – A creamy horchata cocktail (made with rum or bourbon) can help tame the spice and add a touch of sweetness.
