Beef chili is a classic dish that warms your soul on a chilly day, providing a delightful balance of flavors that excite the taste buds. This dish is known for its rich, savory taste, combining the heartiness of ground beef with the smokiness of chili spices and the freshness of garden vegetables.
Why We Love This Beef Chili Recipe
You might wonder what makes this beef chili stand out among the myriad of recipes available. Primarily, it’s the complexity of flavors that meld together beautifully in a single pot. The combination of fresh vegetables, hearty beef, and a medley of spices creates a depth that is comforting yet exciting. Furthermore, the dish is remarkably adaptable, allowing you to tweak it to your taste preferences or dietary needs. The simplicity of preparation means that even if you’re a novice in the kitchen, you can easily whip up a batch of this goodness without much fuss. The resulting chili is not only satisfying in every spoonful but also comes with the added benefit of leftovers that taste even better the next day.
Ingredients for Beef Chili
To create a delicious pot of beef chili, you will need the following ingredients:
- 2 tablespoons vegetable oil
- 2 medium yellow onions, finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup chili powder
- 1 tablespoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 teaspoon salt, divided
- 6 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 pounds ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 30 oz dark red kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 28 oz diced tomatoes
- 28 oz tomato puree
How to Make Beef Chili Directions
Creating this beef chili is not as complicated as it may seem. Follow these steps to achieve a bowl of deliciousness that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Prepare Your Base: Start by heating the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until it shimmers. You want to ensure that the oil is hot enough for the ingredients to sauté properly.
Sauté the Vegetables: Add the finely chopped onions and red bell pepper to the pot. Sprinkle in the chili powder, ground cumin, cayenne pepper, and 1/2 teaspoon of salt. Cook this mixture for about 7 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables soften and the spices release their aroma.
Add the Garlic: Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds. The garlic will fill your kitchen with a wonderful scent, enhancing the flavors of your chili.
Cook the Beef: Increase the heat to medium-high and add the ground beef to the pot. Cook it, breaking it up with a spoon, until it is no longer pink, which should take about 10 minutes. Browning the beef adds a rich flavor to your chili.
Mix in the Beans and Tomatoes: Now it’s time to add the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with their juice), and tomato puree. Stir everything together thoroughly to ensure that the flavors meld. Don’t forget the remaining 1/2 teaspoon of salt.
Simmer the Chili: Bring the mixture to a simmer, then reduce the heat to maintain a slow simmer. Cover the pot and let it cook for 45 minutes. This step allows the flavors to deepen and the chili to thicken.
Final Simmering: After the 45 minutes is up, remove the lid and let it continue to simmer for an additional 45 minutes. This uncovered simmering thickens the chili even more, making it rich and hearty.
Season to Taste: Before serving, taste your chili and adjust the seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
Garnish and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, consider garnishing your chili with shredded cheddar cheese and a dollop of sour cream to enhance the flavors.
It’s hard to resist the comforting aroma and inviting warmth of a pot of beef chili simmering on the stove.
How to Serve Beef Chili
Serving beef chili is just as delightful as preparing it. You can offer it in bowls, allowing everyone to serve themselves, or create a chili bar where guests can customize their bowls with garnishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
Classic Bowl: Serve it in traditional soup bowls, garnished with shredded cheese and a dollop of sour cream. A sprinkle of chopped green onions or fresh cilantro can add a nice touch of color.
Chili over Rice: For a heartier option, consider serving the beef chili over a bed of rice, providing a lovely contrast of textures and flavors.
With Tortilla Chips: Accompany your chili with a side of crispy tortilla chips for a delightful crunch. The chips can also be excellent for scooping up the chili.
Optional Toppings: Offer toppings like sliced jalapeños for some heat, avocado slices for creaminess, or even a splash of hot sauce for those who crave an extra kick.
When served with your favorite sides, such as cornbread or a simple side salad, beef chili becomes a complete meal that warms both body and spirit.
Expert Tips: Beef Chili
To ensure that your beef chili reaches its full potential, consider these expert tips:
Choose Your Meat Wisely: For the best flavor and texture, opt for ground beef that is 85-90% lean. This balance will give you enough fat to provide flavor without making the dish greasy.
Fresh Spices Matter: Fresh spices can significantly impact the flavor of your chili. If possible, purchase chili powder and cumin from a reputable source or consider toasting whole spices and grinding them yourself.
Simmer Longer for Better Flavor: While the recipe suggests specific simmer times, feel free to let your chili simmer longer. The extended cooking time allows the flavors to meld beautifully.
Control the Heat: The cayenne pepper can add significant heat to your chili. If you prefer a milder version, you can reduce the amount or omit it altogether.
Garnish Wisely: Don’t skip the toppings! They add layers of flavor and texture that elevate your chili from good to unforgettable.
How to Store Beef Chili
Storing beef chili is easy if done properly. Here’s how you can keep it fresh:
Refrigeration: Once your chili has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. It can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. When reheating, make sure it’s heated all the way through, reaching a temperature of at least 165°F.
Freezing: For longer storage, you can freeze beef chili for up to a month. Place it in a freezer-safe container, leaving some space for expansion as it freezes. When you’re ready to enjoy it again, simply thaw it in the refrigerator overnight and reheat it on the stove or in the microwave.
Variation of Beef Chili
If you’re looking to mix things up a bit, there are countless variations of beef chili you can try:
Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with lentils, black beans, or a mix of chopped vegetables for a delicious vegetarian option. The spices and tomatoes still provide a hearty base.
Spicy Chili: For those who love heat, add diced jalapeños, habanero peppers, or extra cayenne pepper. You could even incorporate spicy sausage for a different flavor profile.
Chili con Carne with More Ingredients: Feel free to add other beans like pinto or black beans, corn, or even chopped zucchini and carrots to add extra nutrition and flavor.
Chili with Beer: If you enjoy a richer flavor, you can add a splash of beer when you mix in the beans and tomatoes. The beer gives an additional layer of taste that many find appealing.
Slow Cooker Version: You can easily adapt this recipe for a slow cooker. Just follow the same steps for sautéing your ingredients, then dump everything into the cooker and let it simmer on low for 6-8 hours.
Frequently Asked Questions about Beef Chili
What can I serve with beef chili?
Beef chili pairs beautifully with cornbread, rice, or a fresh salad. You can also serve it with tortilla chips for added crunch.
How do I make beef chili less spicy?
To reduce the heat level, omit the cayenne pepper and use mild chili powder. You can also add a dollop of sour cream or yogurt to balance the flavors.
Can I use a different type of meat in this chili recipe?
Absolutely! Ground turkey or chicken can be substituted for the beef. Just keep in mind that the flavor and texture will differ slightly.
How long does beef chili need to simmer?
While the recipe suggests a total of about 90 minutes of simmering time, you can simmer it longer if desired. The longer it cooks, the better the flavors will meld together.
Can I freeze beef chili?
Yes, beef chili freezes very well. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container, and it will keep for about a month in the freezer.
Beef Chili
Equipment
- Dutch Oven
- Wooden spoon
Ingredients
- 2 Tbsp. vegetable oil
- 2 medium yellow onions finely chopped
- 1 red bell pepper finely chopped
- ¼ cup chili powder
- 1 Tbsp. ground cumin
- ½ tsp. cayenne pepper
- 1 tsp. salt divided
- 6 cloves garlic minced
- 2 lbs ground beef (85-90% lean)
- 30 oz. dark red kidney beans drained and rinsed
- 28 oz. diced tomatoes
- 28 oz. tomato puree
Instructions
- Heat the vegetable oil in a large Dutch oven over medium heat until shimmering.
- Add the chopped onions and red bell pepper. Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, cayenne pepper, and ½ teaspoon of salt. Cook for about 7 minutes until the vegetables soften.
- Stir in the minced garlic and cook for an additional 30 seconds.
- Add the ground beef, breaking it up with a spoon. Cook until no longer pink, about 10 minutes.
- Mix in the kidney beans, diced tomatoes (with juice), and tomato puree. Stir to combine.
- Bring to a simmer, then reduce heat and cover. Let it cook for 45 minutes.
- After 45 minutes, remove the lid and let it simmer uncovered for another 45 minutes.
- Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if needed.
- Serve hot, garnished with cheese and sour cream if desired.
Send me this recipe!
Just enter your email below and get it sent straight to your inbox!