Hearty Beef Chili Recipe: Simmering with Bold Flavors

Simmering beef chili brings comfort on chilly nights with its hearty blend of spices and rich flavors.

Aromas waft through kitchens, promising warmth and satisfaction in every spoonful.

Robust ingredients mingle to create a classic dish that feels like a culinary hug.

Peppers, beans, and tender meat combine in a symphony of taste that speaks to soul-satisfying meals.

Bold seasonings dance across your palate, inviting memories of cozy gatherings and shared moments.

Unexpected depth in this recipe will surprise you with its complex yet approachable character.

Come discover a chili that turns an ordinary evening into a delicious celebration.

Key Ingredients for Rich Beef Chili

• Ground Beef: Lean protein that provides the hearty foundation of the chili.

• Onion, Garlic: Aromatic vegetables that build a deep flavor base for the chili.
• Chili Powder, Cumin, Paprika, Oregano, Cayenne Pepper, Salt, Pepper: Spice blend that creates a rich, warm, and complex chili flavor profile.

• Diced Tomatoes: Adds moisture and tangy depth to the chili.
• Kidney Beans, Black Beans: Protein-rich legumes that provide texture and nutritional value.
• Beef Broth: Provides additional liquid and enhances the meaty flavor of the dish.

• Cheese, Sour Cream, Green Onions: Toppings that add extra flavor and creaminess to the finished chili.

• Olive Oil: Used to sauté aromatics and prevent sticking.

How to Cook Beef Chili to Perfection

Step 1: Sizzle Aromatics

Heat olive oil in a large pot over medium heat. Toss in diced onions and minced garlic, cooking until they become translucent and release their fragrant aroma.

Step 2: Brown the Protein

Add ground beef to the pot, breaking it apart with a wooden spoon. Cook until the meat is completely browned and no pink remains.

Carefully drain any excess fat from the pan.

Step 3: Spice Things Up

• Chili powder
• Ground cumin
• Sweet paprika
• Dried oregano
• Cayenne pepper
• Salt
• Black pepper

Stir and cook the spices for 2 minutes to awaken their deep, rich flavors.

Step 4: Create the Chili Base

• Diced tomatoes
• Kidney beans
• Black beans
• Beef broth

Bring the mixture to a rolling boil, stirring occasionally.

Step 5: Simmer and Develop Flavors

Reduce the heat to low, cover the pot, and let the chili simmer gently.

Allow the ingredients to mingle and develop a rich, complex taste for 30 minutes.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

Ladle the steaming hot chili into bowls.

Top with optional garnishes like shredded cheese, a dollop of sour cream, or chopped green onions for an extra burst of flavor.

Tips for Meat and Spice Balance

• Choose lean ground beef to reduce excess fat and create a healthier chili version.
• Adjust spice levels by reducing or increasing cayenne pepper according to personal heat tolerance.
• Enhance flavor depth by letting chili simmer longer than 30 minutes, allowing spices to develop richer taste.
• Freeze leftovers in airtight containers for convenient meal prep, lasting up to 3 months.
• Consider using plant-based meat alternatives for a vegetarian adaptation without compromising authentic chili texture.

Flavor Ideas to Personalize Beef Chili

• Vegetarian Chili: Replace ground beef with plant-based protein like crumbled tofu, tempeh, or textured vegetable protein (TVP). Add extra beans or lentils for hearty texture.
• Turkey Chili Lite: Swap ground beef with lean ground turkey for a lower-fat version. Maintain same spices and cooking method for similar flavor profile.
• Spicy Southwest Chili: Increase cayenne pepper and add diced green chilies. Include corn kernels and swap black beans with pinto beans for a zesty regional variation.
• Slow Cooker Method: Transfer all ingredients after browning beef to slow cooker. Cook on low for 6-8 hours, allowing deeper flavor development and convenient hands-off preparation.

Serving Suggestions for a Filling Dinner

• Cozy Game Night Feast: Serve this hearty chili during board game gatherings, creating a warm and comforting shared meal that keeps everyone satisfied between rounds.
• Tailgate Party Centerpiece: Perfect for outdoor sports events, pack the chili in a thermal container and pair with corn chips, offering a delicious protein-packed option for fans.
• Comfort Bowl Meal: Transform the chili into a complete dinner by serving over fluffy white rice or buttered cornbread, adding extra texture and making the dish more filling.
• Weekend Meal Prep Champion: Portion the chili into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week, ensuring a quick and satisfying meal during busy workdays.

Storage Tips for Beef Chili

• Refrigerate leftover beef chili in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth.
• Store chili in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, ensuring it's completely cooled before sealing.
• Freeze chili in freezer-safe containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for maximum 3 months.
• Label containers with date and contents to track storage time.

FAQs

• What type of beef works best for this chili?

Ground beef with 80/20 lean-to-fat ratio provides the most flavor and keeps the chili moist and rich.

• Can I make this chili spicier?

Adjust the heat by increasing cayenne pepper or adding diced jalapeños during the cooking process to boost spice levels.

• Is this chili recipe gluten-free?

Yes, all ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

• How can I make this chili more protein-packed?

Add extra protein by including diced chicken, turkey, or even plant-based meat alternatives alongside or instead of ground beef.

Why Beef Chili Is a Hearty Favorite

• Spice Up Family Dinners: This hearty beef chili transforms ordinary meals into exciting, flavor-packed experiences that bring everyone together around the table.
• Customize with Ease: Flexible recipe allows quick personal touches like different toppings, heat levels, or added vegetables to suit individual tastes and preferences.
• Quick and Nourishing Meal: One-pot wonder delivers rich protein and robust flavors with minimal cooking steps, making it perfect for busy households seeking satisfying nutrition.
• Simple Cooking Adventure: Beginner-friendly recipe requires basic kitchen skills, letting home cooks confidently create a delicious meal without complicated techniques.

Hearty Beef Chili Recipe

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4.8 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 50 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Rich and hearty beef chili delights palates with its robust blend of spices and tender meat. Comfort comes alive in this classic dish that warms hearts and satisfies hungry souls at gatherings.

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Ingredients

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Main Ingredients:

• 1 pound (454 grams) ground beef
• 1 can kidney beans, drained
• 1 can black beans, drained
• 1 can diced tomatoes
• 1 cup (240 milliliters) beef broth

Aromatics and Seasonings:

• 1 onion, diced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons chili powder
• 1 teaspoon cumin
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 teaspoon oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
• Salt to taste
• Black pepper to taste

Cooking Base:

• 2 tablespoons olive oil

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Instructions

1. Warm olive oil in a spacious cooking vessel over medium temperature, introducing diced onions and finely chopped garlic. Sauté until aromatics become translucent and fragrant.
2. Incorporate ground beef into the pot, browning the meat thoroughly while breaking it into crumbly pieces. Eliminate excess rendered fat through careful draining.
3. Generously sprinkle a blend of robust spices – chili powder, cumin, paprika, oregano, cayenne, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper. Toast the spices for approximately 2 minutes to intensify their flavors.
4. Pour in diced tomatoes, kidney beans, black beans, and rich beef broth. Elevate heat until liquid reaches a vigorous boil, creating a harmonious mixture.
5. Minimize flame to low, cover the pot, and allow the chili to gently simmer for 30 minutes. This slow-cooking process enables ingredients to meld and develop deep, complex flavors.
6. Transfer the hearty chili into serving bowls, offering optional garnishes like shredded cheese, dollops of tangy sour cream, or freshly chopped green onions for added texture and visual appeal.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting cayenne pepper quantity, allowing personalized spice experiences for different taste preferences.
• Enhance protein content by mixing ground beef with lean ground turkey for a healthier protein alternative.
• Use low-sodium beef broth and rinse canned beans to reduce overall sodium levels, creating a heart-friendly version of the classic chili.
• Optimize flavor development by preparing chili a day ahead, allowing spices and ingredients to intensify and blend more deeply overnight.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 35 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner
• Method: Simmering
• Cuisine: Mexican

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 445 kcal
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 620 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 10 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
• Trans Fat: 1 g
• Carbohydrates: 20 g
• Fiber: 7 g
• Protein: 33 g
• Cholesterol: 95 mg