When the weather turns chilly, nothing warms the soul quite like a steaming bowl of beef chili. Picture this: a robust blend of seasoned ground beef, beans, and spices simmering gently on your stove. The aroma wafts through your home, coaxing even the grumpiest family members out of their rooms. hearty Cowgirl Casserole It’s comfort food at its finest, and trust me, it brings everyone together—even if it’s just to argue over who gets the last spoonful. For more inspiration, check out this Savory Beef Stroganoff recipe.
I remember the first time I made beef chili for my friends during a game night. We were all huddled together, blankets strewn about, and as I served up generous portions, I felt like a culinary rock star. Little did I know that my chili would spark an epic debate about the appropriate amount of beans—some considered them a necessity while others deemed them sacrilegious. Southern cornbread poppers Regardless of the controversy, we all agreed on one thing: that chili was downright delicious.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This beef chili is as easy to make as it is to devour, making weeknight dinners a breeze
- The flavor profile offers a perfect balance of spice and richness that will tantalize your taste buds
- Its vibrant red hue makes it visually appealing in any bowl
- Plus, it’s versatile enough to serve on its own or with toppings galore!
I once made this chili for a potluck and received rave reviews from everyone—talk about feeling like a kitchen magician!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
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Ground Beef: Choose lean ground beef for less grease while keeping that rich flavor intact.
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Canned Tomatoes: Use high-quality diced tomatoes for depth and sweetness; they’re crucial for that saucy goodness.
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Canned Beans: Opt for black or kidney beans; they add heartiness and texture to your chili.
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Onion: A medium onion adds sweetness and fragrance; don’t skip it unless you want to cry alone in the kitchen.
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Garlic: Fresh minced garlic elevates your chili’s flavor; because who doesn’t love garlic? spicy Voodoo Fries.
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Chili Powder: This is where the magic happens; choose your preferred heat level but be careful not to overdo it.
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Cumin: Adds an earthy warmth that complements the other spices beautifully.
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Beef Broth: Helps develop a rich base; feel free to use low-sodium options if you’re watching salt intake.
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Bell Peppers: Colorful bell peppers add crunch and sweetness; plus, they make everything look prettier!
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Sour Cream (for serving): A dollop on top cools down the heat and adds creaminess; trust me on this one!
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it together
Prep Your Ingredients: Start by chopping your onions, garlic, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces. This step helps ensure everything cooks evenly and keeps you from scrambling later.
Sauté Aromatics: In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Sauté onions until they turn translucent and fragrant—about 5 minutes will do.
Brown the Beef: Add the ground beef to the pot. Cook until browned through, stirring occasionally to break up clumps—this should take about 7-10 minutes.
Add The Good Stuff: Stir in your garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, canned tomatoes, beans, and broth. Watch as colors meld together into a beautiful mix.
Simmer Away!: Bring everything to a gentle boil before lowering the heat. Let it simmer for at least 30 minutes so flavors can deepen; this is where patience pays off!
Taste Test & Adjust Seasoning: After simmering, taste your chili! Feel free to add more salt or spice according to preference; remember there are no wrong answers here!
The beauty of this beef chili lies not only in its bold flavors but also in its ability to bring people together—whether around your dining table or during Sunday football games. So grab those ingredients and let’s get cooking!
You Must Know
- Beef chili is not just a meal; it’s an experience
- The rich aroma fills the kitchen, making everyone eager to taste
- Perfect for gatherings or a cozy night in, it warms the soul and brings people together
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by browning the beef first, then add veggies and spices for even flavor infusion. This sequence ensures every bite bursts with flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to substitute ground turkey or add beans for extra texture and heartiness. Customize spices to match your heat preference!
Storing & Reheating
Store chili in an airtight container for up to five days. Reheat on the stove over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For the best flavor, use high-quality beef and don’t skimp on spices
- Letting it simmer longer deepens flavors beautifully
- Always taste as you go to adjust seasoning perfectly!
Cooking beef chili reminds me of that one family gathering where everyone seemed to magically disappear as soon as dinner was ready—except for my cousin, who had seconds before anyone else even got their first!
FAQ
What kind of beef is best for chili?
Ground chuck offers great flavor and fat content, perfect for a hearty chili.
Can I make beef chili ahead of time?
Absolutely! It often tastes better the next day after flavors meld together.
What toppings go well with beef chili?
cheesy tortellini with sausage.
Try shredded cheese, sour cream, or diced onions for added flavor and texture!
Beef Chili
- Total Time: 1 hour
- Yield: Approximately 6 servings 1x
Description
Beef chili is the ultimate comfort food, perfect for chilly evenings. This hearty dish features seasoned ground beef, tender beans, and a blend of spices that meld together to create a rich and flavorful experience. Whether served at game night or a cozy dinner, this beef chili will warm your soul and delight your taste buds. With simple ingredients and easy-to-follow instructions, you’ll have a pot of deliciousness simmering on your stove in no time.
Ingredients
- 1 lb lean ground beef
- 1 can (14.5 oz) diced tomatoes
- 1 can (15 oz) black or kidney beans, drained and rinsed
- 1 medium onion, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 2 cups beef broth (low-sodium)
- 1 cup bell peppers, chopped
- Sour cream for serving
Instructions
- Chop onions, garlic, and bell peppers into bite-sized pieces.
- In a large pot over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté onions until translucent (about 5 minutes).
- Add ground beef to the pot and cook until browned (7-10 minutes), stirring occasionally.
- Stir in garlic, bell peppers, chili powder, cumin, diced tomatoes, beans, and beef broth.
- Bring to a gentle boil; reduce heat and simmer for at least 30 minutes to deepen flavors.
- Taste and adjust seasoning as needed before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 45 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 640mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 27g
- Fiber: 8g
- Protein: 24g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
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