Classic Beef Chili Recipe: Hearty Comfort Meal to Try
Introduction
Greetings, food enthusiasts! Today, we’re diving into the world of comfort cuisine with a beef chili that will make your taste buds dance. This classic dish is perfect for those chilly evenings when you crave something warm, hearty, and bursting with flavor. So, let’s roll up our sleeves and get cooking!
Why is it Perfect for You?
This Classic Beef Chili Recipe is more than just a meal; it’s a hug in a bowl. It’s versatile, easy to make, and packed with protein. Whether you’re feeding a family or meal prepping for the week, this chili has got you covered.
Ingredients List
◾ 2 lbs ground beef
◾ 1 large onion, diced
◾ 4 garlic cloves, minced
◾ 2 cans (14.5 oz each) diced tomatoes
◾ 2 cans (15 oz each) kidney beans, drained and rinsed
◾ 1 can (6 oz) tomato paste
◾ 2 cups beef broth
◾ 2 tablespoons chili powder
◾ 1 tablespoon ground cumin
◾ 1 teaspoon dried oregano
◾ Salt and pepper to taste
◾ Optional toppings: shredded cheese, sour cream, chopped cilantro
Preparation Time and Servings
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 1 hour 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour 45 minutes
Servings: 8
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Brown the Beef
In a large pot over medium-high heat, brown the ground beef. Break it up with a wooden spoon as it cooks. This step is crucial for developing a rich, meaty flavor base for your chili. Once the beef is nicely browned, drain any excess fat.
Step 2: Sauté the Aromatics
Add the diced onion to the pot with the beef and cook until translucent, about 5 minutes. Then, toss in the minced garlic and cook for another minute until fragrant. These aromatics will infuse your chili with depth and complexity.
Step 3: Add Spices and Tomatoes
Sprinkle in the chili powder, cumin, and oregano. Stir to coat the beef and onions, allowing the spices to bloom for about 30 seconds. This technique releases their essential oils, amplifying their flavors. Next, add the diced tomatoes, tomato paste, and beef broth. Stir to combine.
Step 4: Simmer and Season
Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer, uncovered, for about an hour. This slow cooking process allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Taste and adjust the seasoning with salt and pepper as needed.
Step 5: Add Beans and Finish
Finally, add the kidney beans and simmer for an additional 15-20 minutes. The beans will absorb some of the flavors while adding their own earthy touch to the chili. Your Classic Beef Chili Recipe is now ready to serve!
Nutritional Information
This hearty chili is not only delicious but also nutritious. It’s high in protein from the beef and beans, and packed with vitamins and minerals from the vegetables.
Calories per Person
Each serving of this beef chili contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on your choice of toppings.
Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe
To make this recipe lighter, consider using lean ground turkey instead of beef. You can also increase the vegetable content by adding diced bell peppers or zucchini. For a lower-carb option, try using black soybeans in place of kidney beans.
Serving Suggestions
Serve your chili hot, topped with shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, and fresh cilantro. For a complete meal, pair it with cornbread or a side salad. It’s also delicious over rice or baked potatoes.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls to ensure your chili is perfect every time:
◾ Don’t skip browning the beef – it adds crucial flavor
◾ Don’t rush the simmering process – patience yields the best results
◾ Avoid oversalting – remember, you can always add more, but you can’t take it away
Storing Tips for the Recipe
This chili stores beautifully. Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 4 days. It also freezes well for up to 3 months. To reheat, simply thaw overnight in the fridge and warm on the stove or in the microwave.
FAQs
Can I make this chili in a slow cooker?
Absolutely! Brown the beef and sauté the aromatics first, then transfer everything to your slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours or on high for 3-4 hours.
Is this chili spicy?
As written, this recipe has a mild to medium heat level. Adjust the chili powder to your taste, or add some cayenne pepper for extra kick.
Can I use different beans?
Certainly! Black beans, pinto beans, or even a mix of different beans work well in this recipe.
Conclusion
There you have it, food lovers – a Classic Beef Chili Recipe that’s sure to become a staple in your kitchen. It’s the perfect comfort food for any occasion, bringing warmth and satisfaction to your table. So gather your ingredients, fire up that stove, and get ready to impress with this timeless dish. Bon appétit!
Contact Us
Contact us at [email protected] and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
Share your experience with us
OOLALA
This turned out so awesome they look like they came from a exspensive bakery.
Just a question
So what about the grease from the meat? Should I use the leanest meats or is the grease give more flavor.
What about a meatloaf on top of veggies ? Would that work?
Ingredients list good, directions lacking
There were great details on quantities of ingredients I should use, but the recipe didn’t tell me the cook time. Also, mentioned in the section about “common mistakes” that you need to let it chill enough but doesn’t direct you in the recipe that you need to let it chill. More details would be helpful
Dressing is perfect!
Not a big fan of mayo, loved the Greek yogurt swap. Reduced garlic a bit. Dressing was delish!
Best coffee cake- ever!!
This recipe was not the easiest to follow due to how it was written. It requires a lot of back and forth from instructions to the lists of ingredients but oh, hey, the end result is totally worth the effort! Mouthwatering and delicious plus it’s a pretty presentation.
